The Book of Dragons (Mint Editions (The Children's Library))
Looking Glass Library Series
What’s inside...
Discover the classics with Looking Glass Library, a series that offers the world's finest literature, with introductions by some of the foremost writers of today. In eight highly imaginative tales, beloved children's author E. Nesbit gives us an extraordinary view of how dragons can shape the fates of princes, queens, and ordinary children alike. With an introduction by Newbery Award winner Ruth Stiles Gannett and line illustrations by H. R. Millar from the original 1901 edition, this middle-grade fantasy classic will enchant all ages. The Book of Dragons (1899) is a collection of children’s stories by English writer Edith Nesbit, comprising eight stories originally published in 1899.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-13
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What characteristics do the dragons in the book have, and how do they compare to each other?
If you could have a dragon as a pet, what kind would it be and why?
What lessons do the characters learn from their interactions with the dragons?
How would you solve a problem if you were in the same situation as the characters in the book?
What is your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own dragon and describe it, fostering creativity and descriptive skills.
Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and personal connections to the story.
Discuss the moral lessons in the stories and relate them to everyday life to enhance ethical understanding.
Read together and use different voices for different dragons to make the reading experience more interactive and fun.
After reading, engage in a drawing session where your child creates scenes or characters from the book, deepening their connection and comprehension of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: In 'The Book of Dragons', characters often face fearsome dragons and challenging situations. Through bravery and resilience, they learn to overcome their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing their own challenges, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what is right, thereby developing their confidence and courage.
Example Lesson: The value of cleverness and wit
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently use their intelligence and creativity to solve problems and outsmart the dragons, showing that brains often triumph over brawn.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of thinking critically and creatively when faced with difficult situations, useful in problem-solving tasks at school or in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Many stories in 'The Book of Dragons' highlight characters who perform acts of kindness, often leading to positive outcomes even with the fiercest dragons.
Real-World Application: Children learn that kindness can lead to unexpected rewards and better relationships, encouraging them to be considerate and compassionate in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and consequences
Explanation: Some tales involve characters learning to take responsibility for their actions, understanding that every choice has consequences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about the impact of their actions on others and teaches them the importance of personal responsibility in their lives.