Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

Eins meiner Lieblingsbücher als Kind, hab es öfter gelesen.
Jetzt das erste Mal so semi erwachsen (22) wieder und hui, es ist alles, was es immer war: Eine wunderschöne warme Kindergeschichte, deren Hauptfigur (Jeremy, ein künstlerisch veranlagter, büchernärrischer Sechstklässler) empathisch und vorsichtig agieren muss, um ein Drachenbaby auszubrüten und großzuziehen (Herausforderungen kommen auch dadurch hinzu, dass ein Mädchen aus seiner Klasse in ihn verknallt ist, und sein Vater eine Tierarztpraxis inklusive gefühltem Privatzoo besitzt). Als Kind mochte ich Jeremy und irgendwie mochte ich die Bibliothekarin Frau Kreuz auch immer, die ja in einigen "Geschichte aus dem Zauberladen" vorkommt, aber wen ich jetzt erst richtig show more zu schätzen weiß: Jeremys Vater.
Alleine schon für die Stelle: Als Jeremy nicht in die Schule gehen möchte, entgegnet sein Vater: "Ich kann dich gut verstehen. Schulen sind repressive Institutionen, welche die Massen zur Anpassung erziehen. Trotzdem ist es bequemer für mich, dich dorthin zu schicken, als dass du hier die ganze Zeit im Weg stehst."

Ein tolles Buch, vor allem, aber nicht nur für Kinder empfehlenswert. show less

While this indicates a 2019 read date, I have since read it every year.
I read this book a bunch when I was in fifth grade. I cannot emphasize how much the ending made cry every time. I wanted a dragon really really badly especially after reading this originally. I even tried to find a magic shop in the suburbs and thought if I wished hard enough, I'd find it. After all, I was bullied regularly at school and home and was convinced I kind of deserved a magic shop to help me and a dragon to protect me. Needless to say, there was no Mr Elives' shop, but there was a New Age shop I frequented and many items I yearned for. No dragon eggs, though. I don't remember what got me to reread this now as an adult. It was just as wonderful in a lot of show more ways. Lindsay Ellis remarked in one of her videos that there's a desire from current audiences for more complex stories, and it's how I felt reading this. It's a good story all around; I just wanted it to be longer and go into more depth. Jeremy seemed--not like a thirteen-year-old. He had his moments, but overall--eh. Too perfect of a kid. Dr Thatcher was an interesting stereotype of the goofy dad. I was--glad he could find humor in a ruined dinner party, I guess, and I definitely wondered how he approached the business deal afterward. Mrs Thatcher was a barely-there character, but I recognized her as the sterner parent right away. The dynamics must have been interesting. Mary-Lou was a massive creep and I was so unhappy with her and the double-standard the author was perpetuating. Miss Priest was my favorite character above all. Every time she was on the page, my heart warmed. Mr Elives was so interesting all over again, and I really wondered about their backstories and connections. I absolutely loved and marveled at the illustrations ever moment in this book, and have always been awed by the cover. It was -wonderful- to rediscover it again as an adult. I'm glad I got to read this again. show less

This is the book that essentially started my unending love for fantasy, and it's still magical that way. This is definitely a book for children: there's no real villains or evil or anything else that might be deemed disturbing. Rather, it focuses entirely around a boy and the dragon that has become his to care for, all wrapped in a beautiful story-arc about the fate of dragons and the bonds they share with those who help get them ready to go home. The magic is mostly subtle, but ever-present nonetheless, while the dragon and its abilities serve as a powerful early introduction to the wonder of fantasy reading. This is definitely one I'd still keep on hand for the children of today.

I’ve read Jennifer Murdley's Toad and The Monster's Ring, but this is my favorite novel in the Magic Shop Series thus far. The eponymous Jeremy learns a lot about what’s important and about judging people, but author Bruce Coville never lets the message slow down the action in a book that young and old alike will love.

An absolutely fantastic book that is whimsical and otherwise enjoyable from cover to cover. I picked this book up when I was in elementary school and I remembered it vividly for years following. While working at a book store (perhaps my favorite place I've worked to date), I saw it in a miniature hardback and snatched it, at 18 years old, read it cover to cover in a matter of hours that evening (it is rather short, and fits the age group), and even now it rests on my bookshelf. It was definitely a purchase I do not regret, and I lovingly recall it even now, at 24. If I ever have kids, it is one that will be read to them, without a doubt.

Heartwarming, coming-of-age, first chapter book for young readers. Includes the main character dealing with drama with a friend, an admirer, and a teacher, and it handles all of them well.
My one complaint was a delayed acceptance of responsibility for the main character’s actions either from the narration or main character’s perspectives - that’s confusing to young readers and required clarification.

These aren't anything special, really, and I don't necessarily recommend them for adults or experienced readers. But they're charming.

He was "feeling deliciously cranky."

I recognized several of the dragons Jeremy found while researching, but need to check on Niddhogg. Is that the same story as the one about the dragon at Lambton Hall who liked milk?

"Nothing you love is lost. Not really.... You can't hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight... The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart."