Dugald A. Steer

Let me just start by saying I love dragons and fantasy. Needless to say, I began this book with the mindset that I would really enjoy it, and I did. Steer did not disappoint. As usual, I did my read 2 chapters before bed-time and see how bad you want to keep going or stop. Surprisingly, after the prologue & chapter 1, I really did want to continue! Who was that lady? What was in the crate? What's going on?

Sneaking in chapter after chapter, I was simply thrilled by this book! Daniel & show more Beatrice are sent to live with one of their parents friends, Dr. Drake who is at first glance obsessed with dragons. He owns a dragon memorabilia shop and for some strange reason, something is flying around in a room blowing steam out of its nostrils....but dragons aren't real! Or are they?

This book takes us on a journey of education, problem solving and adventure. I was able to learn along with Beatrice & Daniel. I figured out all the little questions asked when presented with a problem. I wanted to help save the dragons and stop Ignatius Crook! ...with a last name like Crook, its no wonder that he's evil.

This book, although slightly predictable is still fun for young dragon apprentices. I enjoyed it and can't wait to see if they tie up the loose ends in Volume 2. With a fun cast of characters and suspense, Steer really presented an adventure of Dragon-sized proportions...European like Scorcher, not Knucker like Weasel. =) show less

You can definitely see the appeal of a big black book with "Pirate" on the side of it. The binding is sturdy and dark, and on the cover is a compass. Inside is strings and flaps, a lot like the Dragonology book, but with pirates instead -duh! There's letters and article clippings held on by tape, and what's this? Little letters and tiny books within books? Talk of treasure and gold and strange animals(name one book with a tenrec in it, seriously!), enough to really get your imagination show more going.

Kids will love this book, more than the dragon one though? No way! Dragons beat pirates, just ask a kid! show less

A whimsical book for sure, the textures and little pop out details are gorgeous. The thick binding grabs your eyes with "Dragon" on the side followed by "ology", any kid who doesn't know the second half of the word, is already pulled in by the first. It's lively within the pretty cover, with many illustrations that leave you reading tiny print details and fiddling with paper flaps that hide secrets. Definitely recommend for kids, it's a keeper!

The true magic of this book is that it really appeals to all ages. Though aimed at elementary school children, it holds appeal to younger and older audiences. Plenty of beautifully sketched, black-and-white illustrations make it easy to read, yet the text is presented in such a way as to appeal to older children as well as younger. In addition, there are so many flaps, riddles, and other material to make this an extremely entertaining read for all. It can even be used as a learning show more tool—tales about dragon encounters could be used to teach children history and literature and the possible explanations for fiery dragon’s breath could be used in a science classroom. Matter-of-fact yet fanciful descriptions of dragons make it possible for the suspension of disbelief even after the book is finished—and make it a book to read over and over again. Though fictional, the sheer extent of information based on actual literature will appeal to even nonfiction lovers. show less