The Discovery of Dragons
on Goodreads (2,767)
What’s inside...
With tongue planted firmly in cheek, Base (Animalia) poses as the Victorian scientist Rowland W. Greasebeam, B.Sc. (Serpentology), F.R.Aud., to serve up this compendium of dragon lore and inventive nonsense. Base expands on illustrations from his calendar Dragons Draaks & Beasties, creating correspondents—a Viking, a Chinese silk trader, and a Prussian explorer—whose letters chronicle their dragon discoveries. Their hilarious tales are accompanied by detailed illustrations and a deadpan running commentary, making for an enjoyable and humorous read for all ages.
Age
12-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to discover a new dragon species? How would you react?
If you could have a conversation with one of the dragons in the book, which one would it be and what would you ask?
How do the different dragons in the book compare to each other? Can you think of traits that make them unique?
Why do you think the author chose to mix real history with mythical dragons? What does that add to the story?
If you could create your own dragon, what special powers or characteristics would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to visualize the scenes while reading. Discuss the historical elements and mythical creatures to blend learning with fun. Relate the dragons' diverse traits to real-world diversity, emphasizing understanding and acceptance. Lastly, use the illustrations in the book to spark detailed conversations about art and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book encourages curiosity through its fantastical tales of dragon discovery, prompting children to explore the unknown.
Real-World Application: Fosters a love of learning and questioning in real-world scenarios, encouraging children to investigate and learn about their environment.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: Through the depiction of dragons from various cultures, the book offers insights into different cultural myths and beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and histories, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The whimsical and vivid illustrations of dragons stimulate creative thinking and imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves creatively in art, storytelling, or problem-solving tasks.
Example Lesson: Valuing history and folklore
Explanation: The book intertwines factual and mythical elements, teaching children about the value of folklore and historical narratives.
Real-World Application: Children gain an appreciation for stories passed down through generations, understanding their importance in cultural identity.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: As children read about the explorers' encounters with dragons, they are prompted to discern between fact and fiction.
Real-World Application: Enhances critical thinking skills, helping children to evaluate information and make reasoned decisions in daily life.