The Boy Who Lived with Dragons
#2 of 6 in The Boy Who Grew Dragons Series
on Goodreads (592)
What’s inside...
The second book in the series follows Tomas, who has a secret - he has his own tiny dragon, Flicker, grown from a special tree in his grandad's garden. Along with his friends who also have dragons, Tomas navigates the challenges of living with fire-breathing creatures, training them, and keeping them out of trouble. Meanwhile, they must also work to restore the health of the dragonfruit tree and uncover its mysteries, while dealing with the local bully, Liam.
Character compass
Tomás
Flicker
Ted
Kat
Kai
Grandad
Discussion points
How do you think Tomas felt when he discovered the dragon-fruit tree in his granddad's garden?
What would you do if you found a dragon in your backyard?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
How do the dragons change the life of Tomas and his family?
If you had a dragon, what would you name it and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own dragon and describe its features, this can make the reading experience more relatable and engaging.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story; this helps with emotional development and empathy.
Ask your child what they would do differently if they were in Tomas’s shoes, promoting critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s experiences, such as friendships and overcoming challenges, to deepen their understanding of the book.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help reinforce their memory and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Tomas, learns to care for his pet dragon, fostering a sense of responsibility as he tends to its needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own pets or helping with chores around the house, learning the importance of being responsible for others.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tomas and his friends navigate challenges together, illustrating the strength of teamwork and the value of supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to build and maintain strong friendships, and to value collaboration when facing tasks or problems.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Tomas often faces fears and takes risks to protect his dragon, demonstrating courage in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be brave when facing their own fears whether trying new activities or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The imaginative care required for dragons shows Tomas using creative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in their play, studies, and interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Tomas learns to understand and share the feelings of his dragon, showcasing empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday interactions, promoting an understanding of others' emotions and fostering compassionate relationships.