The Last of the Dragons by Edith Nesbit (1980-09-05)
Puffin modern classics Series
What’s inside...
A collection of nine stories featuring dragons by a famous author. One story relates the tale of the last dragon in Cornwall, where a local princess and her prince attempt to negotiate with the dragon instead of fighting him, which is a departure from tradition. The stories are accompanied by new full-color illustrations by Peter Firmin.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Princess
Prince
The Dragon
Discussion points
Why do you think the princess and the dragon became friends instead of enemies?
What can we learn from the way the dragon was treated based on assumptions, rather than facts?
How would you change the story if you had the chance?
What did the characters do that showed courage?
If you were in a similar situation as the princess, how would you have reacted?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate conversations by asking your child what they liked most about the story, and why.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios, boosting their creativity.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to enhance your child's understanding of ethics and values.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life situations to help your child connect with the story on a deeper level.
Praise your child's responses to cultivate confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Last of the Dragons' display bravery by confronting and ultimately befriending the dragon, rather than slaying it as expected.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and challenge societal expectations, promoting bravery in their personal and social lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights collaboration as the princess and the dragon work together to defy traditions and find a peaceful solution.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working with others to solve problems and the strength found in diverse alliances.
Example Lesson: Challenging stereotypes
Explanation: The narrative subverts traditional roles, showcasing a princess and a dragon who defy typical archetypes to create their own narrative.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to question societal norms and roles, fostering a more open-minded and inclusive perspective.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: By befriending the dragon, the characters learn to see beyond outward appearances and preconceived notions, realizing everyone has their own story.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of differences in others in their community.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists use their wits and available resources to create a non-violent solution to their dilemma.
Real-World Application: It underscores the importance of thinking creatively to resolve conflicts without resorting to aggression, applicable in playground or classroom disputes.