'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 28 March 2021

Review: Here Be Dragons

Here Be Dragons is about knights, horses, and dragons. 

Or is it? Are dragons real?

Only one knight believes that dragons exist, and he is out to prove it, and perhaps he'll find some treasure while he's at it.

The trouble is, he doesn't seem to have much experience. This knight has a map, and it says where to find dragons.

So it should be easy, right? Well, maybe, if he can spot the clues. 

To find dragons, you need to be looking closely all around you.

As the knight travels through the woods and snow and fields in search of his quarry, look carefully and you may see a dragon before he does. 

Paddy Donnelly has embedded a camouflaged dragon in his illustrations. Can you spy the tail, spikes, and nostril as you read along? Oh, and is that a cave, or something else altogether? The characters are full of expression and a sense of silliness that will entertain.

Susannah Lloyd's story is full of humour and the language is ye olde style in keeping with the period. It's also not just about the stereotype. This story has a damsel in distress who turns the tables and shows that girls can be strong and clever and win the day as well.

Verily, Here Be Dragons is a story awaiting young knights and maidens who are looking for adventure and laughs. Huzzah!

Title: Here Be Dragons
Author: Susannah Lloyd
Illustrator: Paddy Donnelly
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's, $ 12.99
Publication Date: February 2021
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780711256613
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book