A Practical Guide to Dragons
Grade 3–7—Readers of “Dragonlance: The New Adventures” series (Mirrorstone) will recognize the “inscriber” of this book, an elf-eared “kender” named Sindri Suncatcher. Having gleaned much of his knowledge from a wizard mentor, he begins his book with a general look at the anatomy and life cycle of dragons. The bulk of the work is divided into six-page chapters, each introducing a specific species with a fierce-looking, full-page portrait and descriptions of physical attributes, offspring (“Eggs”), development (“Wyrmlings”), adult behavior, lair, and combat skills. Inset paintings, labeled anatomical sketches, and maps decorate the pages, which are shaded to look like parchment. Readers will learn that red dragons are “ferocious and cruel” and live in volcanoes, blue ones use their lightning breath to cook their food, brass dragons prefer talking to fighting, and gold ones spend most of their lives in human form. Filled with interesting and quirky details, this well-imagined manual is fun to browse. Although readers unfamiliar with Sindri’s world may feel lost by references to the character’s compatriots and experiences, this offering may appeal to die-hard fantasy fans.