The Boy Who Flew with Dragons
#3 of 6 in The Boy Who Grew Dragons Series
What’s inside...
The third book in the series, 'The Boy Who Grew Dragons', follows Tomas and his friends as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising dragons from a dragonfruit tree in the garden. Tomas has made a promise to his Grandad to eventually let the dragons return to their rightful home, but doing so proves difficult as the kids are still enjoying their time with the dragons and have yet to figure out where the dragons belong and how to send them back. Meanwhile, Tomas is on the brink of uncovering the mysterious origins of the dragonfruit tree.
Character compass
Tomás
Kai
Ted
Flicker
Kat
Grandad
Discussion points
How do you think Tomas felt when he discovered he could fly with dragons? What would you feel if you were in his shoes?
What lessons do you think Tomas learned from his adventures with the dragons?
If you had a dragon friend, what would be the first thing you would do together?
How did Tomas' relationship with his friends and family change throughout the book?
Why is it important to keep magical secrets, like Tomas with his dragons?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine themselves in Tomas’ world and consider how they would react in similar situations. Highlight the themes of friendship, responsibility, and adventure in your discussion to deepen their understanding and connection with the book. Lastly, use expressive reading to make the story come alive, and perhaps, let them narrate some parts to boost their engagement and confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Throughout 'The Boy Who Flew with Dragons', the protagonist Tomas harnesses his imagination to solve problems and embark on adventures with his dragon, Flicker. This showcases the limitless possibilities that imagination can open up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using their creativity to solve everyday challenges and to enrich their playtime, turning ordinary situations into extraordinary adventures.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: Tomas learns to take care of his dragon, understanding the responsibilities involved in looking after another being. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of nurturing and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child’s life through taking care of pets, younger siblings, or even maintaining their own belongings, teaching them accountability and empathy.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The book emphasizes the value of friends working together as Tomas and his friends unite to tackle challenges. The characters learn that teamwork often leads to better solutions than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with their peers in school projects, sports, and other group activities, understanding that collective efforts can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Accepting change
Explanation: As Tomas navigates his life with Flicker, he learns to adapt to changes and embrace new experiences. The story conveys that change is a natural and inevitable part of life.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and accept changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, reducing anxiety related to change.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: When faced with difficult situations, Tomas shows bravery and courage, teaching readers the importance of facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to confront their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying out for a school play, speaking in public, or standing up against bullying, fostering resilience and self-confidence.