Dragon [Hardcover]

Jody Bergsma (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

While Briana, the fair young Queen of Lugin, is giving birth to her first child, in the not-so-distant forest a most unusual hatchling is born to a beautiful green dragon.

Briana's son, Prince Langilor, is a shy and gentle boy, adored by his parents and the peaceful people of Lugin. Saras, the young dragon, becomes an arrogant bully, who terrorizes the dragon clan and threatens the Kingdom of Lugin.

During his twelfth year, Langilor stands before his parents and the Royal Advisors, who will judge his worthiness to become the future king. With ever-increasing threats from enemies to the north as well as the dangerous fire-breathing dragon, how could this gentle young Prince ever be strong enough to protect the kingdom?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-Celtic mythology and art strongly influence this original story patterned after classic heroic quests. When Prince Langilor is born at the same moment as a dragon named Saras, their paths are destined to cross. As the gentle prince matures, the King's advisors worry that he is unfit to protect the kingdom from the nefarious Saras. With guidance from an elf queen and a talking swan, Langilor summons the courage to confront the beast. After a battle in which both are seriously injured, they are nursed back to health by the elves. During their convalescence, the foes develop a mutual regard for one another and eventually return to the palace triumphant. It is never made clear why Saras is so evil when the rest of his clan is peace loving, or why he alone can breathe fire or fly. Similarly, the reconciliation between the two enemies is too facile. Executed in a high-fantasy style, the double-page artwork integrates Celtic imagery with more modern renderings of elves and the like. The depictions of dragons are much more dynamic and arresting than those of people, whose faces all tend to wear the same expression and have fairly static forms. This debut may find a following among fantasy aficionados, but most libraries will be better served by well-illustrated collections of more traditional dragon lore.
Rosalyn Pierini, San Luis Obispo City-County Library, CA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Children will love Dragon. Jody Bergsma’s powerful watercolors are a perfect match for the delightful new fairy tale. -- Jack Canfield co-author Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul Jack Canfield, Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul

Dragon empowers readers of all ages with its message of discovering the gift of healing inside each of us. -- Jane Howard, author Commune with the Angels

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Illumination Arts Publishing Company; First edition. edition (November 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0935699171
• ISBN-13: 978-0935699173
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,259,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, Beautiful, Gratifying, Satisfying!, August 3, 2000

By 

A reader in Northern Virginia - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon (Hardcover)

This is one of the finest picture books our family and friends have ever experienced. We were so bowled over by this work that it's difficult to know where to start. To the extent that the author is an accomplished and successful artist, it is an understatement to suggest that the colorful, engaging art is superb -- the more you study each panel, the more you see. As for the story, it's truly a gem -- a finely spun tale of fantasy, with a satisfying lesson for young readers. The heir to throne in a mystical land of elves, unicorns, and wise owls must confront the fierce, flying, fire-breathing dragon, with ramifications of significance to the young prince, the angry dragon, and the kingdom between the worlds. It's a fable filled with mystery, adventure, fantasy, and intrigue artfully told without frightening young readers or glorifying violence. Treat yourself to this remarkable work -- you and children will not be disappointed!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for children and adults alike!, October 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Dragon (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful and moving story that both adults and children will adore. I love the illustrations and how Bergsma used the Celtic symbols and fantasy plot to weave a fascinating and engaging tale. Since I am a fan of fantasy books and anything that inspire the imagination, this story is truly one of my favorite picture books! Besides, it has a wonderful message about working together and finding peace with one's enemy that anyone can relate to.

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW, THIS IS A DRAGON STORY, June 8, 2007

By 

DRAGON FREAK "LOU" (TN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dragon (Hardcover)

JODY BERGSMA CAN TELL A STORY AND DRAW IT TO BOOT. I'M THINKING OF BEING A FREELANCE WRITER MYSELF. JODY CAN DRAW PEOPLE WAY BETTER THAN ME. (I CAN'T EVEN DRAW STICK PEOPLE). AND SHE MAKES BABY SARAS LOOK SOOOOOO CUUUUUUUTE! I WISH I CAN DRAW LIKE HER, BUT MY ONLY TALENT IS LANDSCAPE. I'M USED TO READING NOVELS SO I FOUND THE STORY A LITTLE BIT (AND I DO REALY MEAN A LITTEL BIT) EMPTY OF OTHER CHARACTERS. BUT IN A CHILDREN'S STORY ONLY THE MAIN CHARACTERS HAVE CHARACTER.