The Dragon Charmer
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Elynne is the daughter of a dragon charmer and desperately wants to help her father in his work, but she is a shy girl and the ferocious creatures terrify her. However, when a rare royal dragon flies into Elynneâ_Ts life and gives birth to a baby male dragon, there seems to be some kind of strange connection between the baby prince and the girl. When it becomes clear that the baby dragon is in mortal danger, Elynne wonders if she will find the courage to protect him. A marvellous fantasy from one of the masters of the genre.
Why read this book
- Fosters creativity through magical, adventurous storytelling.
- Encourages resilience and bravery in young readers.
- Strengthens reading skills with engaging narrative.
- Supports emotional development with relatable character challenges.
Age
10-14
Length
151 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What characteristics do you think make someone a good leader, like the main character in 'The Dragon Charmer'?
How did the relationship between the dragons and humans change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes when faced with a difficult decision?
Why do you think courage and friendship are important themes in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations as the protagonist.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and explore together what your child thinks about the choices made by the characters.
Highlight the importance of the themes like courage and friendship by asking your child to provide examples from the book and their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Dragon Charmer' faces numerous challenges and dangers as they embark on their quest, teaching resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome obstacles in their own lives, whether it’s trying out for a new sport or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the protagonist relies on their friends for support and assistance, illustrating the value of strong, loyal friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to nurture their friendships and to understand the strength that comes from cooperation and camaraderie.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The characters often face complex problems that require creative solutions, emphasizing thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to their own challenges, learning to think creatively to solve problems at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and empathize with creatures that initially seem fearsome or antagonistic, teaching important lessons about not judging based on appearances.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and understanding towards people who may seem different from them, fostering inclusivity and kindness.