What Parents Should Know
This is meant for fun, not literary discussion, but it does
raise the issue of extinction caused by human encroachment.
Common Sense Media Review
This was actually Funke's first book in Germany, but only
now, after the success of her two other books, is it being
offered in English. Despite its excessive length, it's aimed at
a younger audience than her other books, with a simple,
straightforward plot, one-dimensional characters, and a gentle
approach that, while exciting, eschews violence. The villain is
all bark and bad temper, most of the characters they meet are
helpful and kind, and the ending is predictable, but
satisfying.
It reads like a middle-grade novel -- well, all right, three middle-grade novels. Ambitious young readers will want to read this themselves, but it would be a great extended bedtime read-aloud -- exciting but not too scary, humorous, with short chapters, and plenty of cliffhangers.
From the Book:
"Come on out!" spat Sorrel again. "Or do I have to come
and fetch you?"
There was some more rustling, and then a human boy crawled out from the crates. Sorrel retreated in alarm. When the boy rose to his feet he was a good deal taller than she was. He stared incredulously at the brownie girl. And then he saw the dragon.
Firedrake's scales still shone like silver in spite of the canal water, and in this small space he seemed enormous. Neck bent, he was gazing down at the boy in astonishment.
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