After searching high and low for the best dragon books, we compiled this magical list! Now, most kids love dragons because they’re cool and breathe fire. You won’t often find a kid who dislikes them. Some kids don’t like to read, on the other hand, and it can be challenging to encourage them to do it. The books on our list are selected specifically because children find them so engaging.
Some books are great for entertainment purposes, and others are designed to help you explain more essential topics to the kid. After reviewing reviews and heavy research on the books, we’re excited to share the dragon list.
Check Amazon- The timeless children's song adapted into an illustrated book.
- A classic that has also been adapted in film multiple times.
- Includes a CD with four songs.
Check Amazon- Teaches children about anger as an emotion, and how to handle it.
- Book three in a series of eight.
Check Amazon- Book 15 in a series of 59.
- Series designed to teach children about specific topics, like responsibility, self-love, and manners.
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best Children’s Books About Dragons
1. Puff, the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton (authors), illustrated by Eric Puybaret
Puff, the Magic Dragon is one of the most cherished children’s songs, but did you also know that it’s a book about dragons? It may be hard to believe, but until 2007, co-composer Lenny Lipton and singer-songwriter Peter Yarrow didn’t agreed to let this enchanted story be turned into a picture book.Â
It’s exciting to see the characters in the book, which is geared towards children aged two to four, after waiting so long. Puff and his friend Jackie Paper skip in the land of Honalee as they travel in a fantastic boat with swaying sails. They meet with royalty and observe pirate ships lower their flags for the thundering dragon in richly hued paintings of the sea.Â
The artist Eric Puybaret created a fantastic universe with fascinating landscapes, colors, and creatures. Everyone will adore how the artwork masterfully transforms the song’s ending, which first sounded so depressing, into a startling and happy moment.
Some reviewers were upset that the book was made “politically correct” by adding a little girl to the story (the song is about a little boy). Also, a couple of readers said that they received copies inscribed to someone else.
Pros and Cons of Puff, the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton (authors), illustrated by Eric Puybaret
| This illustrated children’s book is based on the children’s song by the same name. | Some reviewers were upset that the book was made “politically correct” by adding a little girl to the story (the song is about a little boy). |
| It’s geared towards children aged two to four. | |
| It’s beautifully illustrated. |
- The timeless children's song adapted into an illustrated book.
- A classic that has also been adapted in film multiple times.
- Includes a CD with four songs.
2. Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
In Dragon Rider by bestselling children’s book author Cornelia Funke, a young dragon named Firedrake gets a terrifying message: humans want to wipe out the valley where he lives! The dragons must all leave. The Rim of Heaven, which may or may not even exist, is their only haven and is located above the clouds.Â
Firedrake bravely offers to take the lead. He encounters Ben, a stray boy, as he begins his adventure. Together, the child and dragon advance toward the Rim of Heaven, dodging Nettlebrand, a creature hell-bent on tracking down Firedrake at every turn.
Their journey will turn into an experience unlike any other. This book might spark nostalgia if you were lucky enough to read it. Adults also enjoy this book, and you know it’s a great story if grown-ups can’t put it down.
This charming book, which was first published in Germany, is appropriate for readers aged six to 10.
Several reviewers said that they didn’t like the writing style.
Pros and Cons of Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This illustrated book was first published in Germany by bestselling author Cornelia Funke. | Several reviewers said that they didn’t like the writing style. |
| The story is about a young dragon named Firedrake and a “stray boy” named Ben who are searching for safe haven for dragons. | |
| It’s geared towards readers aged six to 10. |
3. Attack of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman (Author), Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
Cole gets his wish when Sir Percival, his favorite knight, accepts him as an Assistant Knight. Then he gains skills in horseback riding, swordplay, supporting Sir Percival in battle, and bandaging his wounds after a fight.
He is adamant about becoming a knight and enjoys honing the many abilities a Knight-in-Training must possess. In many respects, Sir Percival is a superb knight, but he has one flaw: he is scared that an Underwear Dragon will attack and wreak havoc on the realm. Cole is the sole knight (and only an assisting knight) left standing when the unthinkable occurs.
Cole must confront the terrifying dragon and avert a catastrophe using his newly learned abilities. This is a perfect book for kids who love dragons but also have a sense of humor.Â
A few reviewers said that the “art was good but the story was bad.” Others said that this was more about knights than dragons.
Pros and Cons of Attack of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman (Author), Pete Oswald (Illustrator)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The protagonist of this illustrated children’s book is Cole, a boy who becomes Assistant Knight to his favorite knight, Sir Percival. | A few reviewers said that the “art was good but the story was bad.” |
| Sir Percival’s main fear is Underwear Dragons. | Others said that this was more about knights than dragons. |
- A light book with a sense of humor.
- The first book in a series of two.
4. The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon
Michael Gordon is a gifted writer who has produced over fifty brilliant children’s books. Michael wants to write books that parents and kids of all ages will find interesting, humorous and motivating. It’s a great book geared to children ages two to six with kid-friendly poetry and adorable illustrations. The narrative is captivating.Â
Children are taught that anger is inappropriate and destructive, and this story explains how to control it. Joe, a little boy’s pet dragon, and George are great buddies. While playing one day, George unintentionally breaks Joe’s favorite toy. Joe gets irritated, and he almost breaks their friendship because of it.
He is persuaded to calm down by George, who also fixes his toy. Joe subsequently explodes in rage again in a different circumstance, followed by the third time, but each outburst is quickly addressed. This is great for letting kids know it’s okay to be angry and how to handle feeling that way.
Several reviewers said that the storyline and the illustrations weren’t in sync.
Pros and Cons of The Angry Dragon by Michael Gordon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This book is geared towards kids ages two to six and features kid-friendly poetry, captivating narrative, and adorable illustrations. | Several reviewers said that the storyline and the illustrations weren’t in sync. |
| The moral is that anger is inappropriate and destructive and the book teaches children how to deal with the emotion appropriately. |
- Teaches children about anger as an emotion, and how to handle it.
- Book three in a series of eight.
5. Teach Your Dragon to Stop Lying by Steve Herman
Bestselling children’s book author Steve Herman is enthusiastic about imparting essential life lessons to young readers through his charming, humorous, and engaging dragon stories. Many parents, teachers, and even therapists have utilized and advocated for his dragon books as an enjoyable, efficient, and realistic tool to help kids deal with social and emotional difficulties.Â
This dragon book and others in the series are excellent for children to learn more about why lying is wrong in a way they can easily understand. Over a dozen other books in this series teach kids the process of the many encounters they may have or need to deal with in life. It can help cover more critical topics, teach kids specific values and give hope. If you buy one, you’ll want to buy them all! Some of the fantastic books in this series cover topics such as empathy, manners, responsibility, self-love, hygiene, sharing, ADHD, self-esteem, and trauma.
We were only able to find two negative reviews for this book. One said that the paper it’s printed on is too thin and tears too easily. The other said, “Visually overwhelming and the story is way too long. The unnecessary rhyming makes the sentence structure awkward.”
Pros and Cons of Teach Your Dragon to Stop Lying by Steve Herman
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This dragon book was written by bestselling children’s book author Steve Herman. | One reviewer said that the paper it’s printed on is too thin and tears too easily. |
| The author is renowned for imparting essential life lessons to children through his dragon stories. | Another reviewer said, “Visually overwhelming and the story is way too long. The unnecessary rhyming makes the sentence structure awkward.” |
| This book helps children learn why lying is wrong. |
- Book 15 in a series of 59.
- Series designed to teach children about specific topics, like responsibility, self-love, and manners.
6. The Dragon Defenders by James Russell
Flynn and Paddy reside on a paradise island amid the ocean with their dog, horse, and pet falcon. However, their island also has a great secret: dragons live there! When The Pitbull, the villainous employer, learns of this, he decides he needs one for himself. The world of Flynn and Paddy is about to fall apart.
Will their courage and talent be sufficient to foil The Pitbull’s sinister scheme? The Dragon Defenders’ first book in the series has now begun. The courageous, fierce, and magnificent Briar joins the brothers in the subsequent four volumes, where she aids the boys in defeating The Pitbull’s wicked schemes.Â
This book is targeted to kids ages seven to 10.
Over 60,000 books sold in New Zealand alone (where the book’s author, James Russell, is from), The Dragon Defenders has become a phenomenon. Its themes include family, resilience, cooperation, preservation, and fighting for what you believe in. This is the start of an incredible story that will have kids so hooked they’ll want the next one!
A few reviewers were disturbed by some “crude” language.
Pros and Cons of The Dragon Defenders by James Russell
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This adventure book is geared towards kids ages seven through 10. | A few reviewers were disturbed by some “crude” language. |
| The book (the first of a series of four) is a phenomenon in New Zealand where the author is from. | |
| Themes include family, resilience, cooperation, preservation, and fighting for what you believe in. |
- A novel.
- An augmented reality book series.
- The first book in a series of five.
Criterion: How to Choose the Best Children’s Books About Dragons
When you’re searching for a children’s book about dragons, consider the following factors: age, type of book, purpose. Let’s take a closer look at these criterion.
Age
The seller’s page always indicates the age group the book is targeted for, such as “two to seven.” While this guideline is helpful, it’s just that — a guideline. Some children read below or above the level of other kids their age. Also, some children are more sensitive than others, so a book that alludes to a dragon’s family dying, for example, may leave them devastated while it may not disturb other children at all.
Type of Book
In this review, we featured two types of books: picture books and narrative fiction. In general, babies, toddlers, and children who are just learning to read benefit the most from picture books. The illustrations captivate them and help them to follow the story as you read it out loud.
Narrative fiction, on the other hand, is what adults call novels. They tell stories exclusively (or almost exclusively) through words, challenging children to imagine what characters and worlds look like.
Purpose
What do you hope to accomplish by reading the book to your child? (Or giving it to them to read if they’re old enough to do so?) Is its purpose simply to entertain through rhyme, amusing verbiage, and illustrations? Or do you want the book to teach your child and make him or her think about a particular subject(s) such as honesty, loyalty, or friendship?
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