Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Weigel, who has tackled superheroes (Atomic Ace [He's Just My Dad]), the high seas (Thunder from the Sea), and monsters (The Monster Alphabet) in previous books, sets his sights on dragons for this genre adventure, employing detailed b&w inkwork and throwback storytelling to create a lively yarn whose only fault is that it's over too soon. Even for an animal lover like Alanna, adopting a litter of baby dragons probably isn't a good idea, especially when everyone else in the world would sooner see them extinct. But Alanna, an orphan herself, bucks the protests of her older brother, Hamel, and decides to play mother to the newborn dragons, even fashioning a homemade dragon costume from his blacksmith equipment ("This fireproof cloth we use for Hamel's aprons will be perfect," Alanna thinks to herself). Not surprisingly, the situation quickly escalates, and soon Alanna, Hamel, and dragon hunter Sir Cedric end up in a cloistered dragon sanctuary, each with their own conflicting ambitions. Alanna's ingenuity, daring, warmth, and sense of humor make the prospect of future adventures a welcome one. Ages 7-12. Agent: Steven Chudney, the Chudney Agency. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-Sir Cedric is a dragon slayer, intent on ridding the world of dragons. However, Alanna, an adventurous village girl, learns that dragons aren't necessarily dangerous when she befriends Griffin, an orphan baby dragon whose mother was killed by the knight. Alanna's explorations lead her to disguise herself as a dragon in order to care for Griffin and a cave full of baby dragons. Hammel, Alanna's brother, is not as trusting as she is, and eventually leads Sir Cedric to the hidden location. A battle ensues between Alanna's love for the dragons and Sir Cedric's greed for the silver that their land contains. Readers will be pulled into the conflict between good and evil. The narrative moves along at a steady pace and black-and-white inked illustrations are clear and support the plot development. While the tale focuses on the heroine's love for dragons, Weigel fully describes both views of dragons so that children can consider two sides of the story. Educators will find this text useful when discussing the Common Core concept of perspective with students. The book includes a section with facts about dragons from the story and mythology. It is also refreshing to have a female protagonist in a story about dragons, adventure, and battles. An engaging choice.-Andy Plemmons, David C. Barrow Elementary, Athens, GA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In a fantasy land where dragons are hunted and prized as prey, Alanna, a strong and kind young girl, finds and vows to protect a dragon nest at the expense of all else. Orphans Alanna and Hamel have learned to fend for themselves and survive on the earnings from Hamel's meager blacksmithing skills and by foraging and hunting for food. One day in the forest, Alanna discovers a cave filled with baby dragons and unhatched dragon eggs. She tries to hide her newfound knowledge from Hamel, who longs to become a knight, but he learns her secret and betrays her. Alanna, who had made herself a dragon costume to act as mother to the new babies, now finds herself living among the dragons in their hidden valley. When Hamel and a disreputable knight named Sir Cedric discover her whereabouts, Alanna must decide to save herself and Hamel or the dragons. Weigel has created a compulsively likable heroine who seamlessly blends her strength and compassion, reminiscent of Ben Hatke's Zita the Spacegirl. With lovable dragons, flying ships and danger around every corner, this delightful fantasy doesn't disappoint. Get this charmer into the hands of fans of Jeff Smith's Bone series and its spinoffs. (Graphic fantasy. 7-11) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
