Customer Reviews

Dragonology: Field Guide to Dragons (Ologies)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was a little nervous buying this book for my 8 year-old nephew. I thought it might be too challenging of a read for him. However, I knew he would enjoy the paper dragons. And he/we did. We spent most of the evening assembling them, and having a great conversation about whether Dragons were "extinct" . . . or not. The book is beautiful - and tempting even for an adult. I'm certain that his imagination will be enhanced. But, I'm hoping that he gains an appreciation for reading and the incredible places that a great book can take you. This product definitely increases that possibility.

Having spent "the best part" of his life studying dragons, in 1898 Dr. Ernest Drake wrote a field guide for those with an interest in dragons. It is a call to young dragonologists to join the "dragonological pioneers" in learning more about these wild and fascinating creatures.

This is the premise of the latest title in the very popular 'Ologies series, DRAGONOLOGY: FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS, which is sure to charm both children and adults. Like DRAGONOLOGY: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DRAGONS, the details in this book make it more clever fantasy than faux: even a fine-print publisher's note on the copyright page attests to the reality of dragons. The thick pages are weathered and distressed-looking, and the cover resembles an old scrapbook.

Inside, readers will find an introduction to dragon spotting, which details migration and habitat and lists necessary equipment for field work (a camera, a tracking stick, a topographical map and heat-protective clothing, for example) as well as optional supplies (a dragon whistle and a freshly-roasted chicken for bait). Armed with the field guide, dragonologists will be able to identify over 15 dragons, including the Gargouille, the Knucker and the Tibetan Dragon. The entry for each dragon describes its size, coloration and body shape, as well as its call, habitat, forms of attack and lair.

Besides the gorgeous black-and-white drawings of the dragons, young people will delight in the interactive details: lift the flaps to learn more about dragon eggs, chicks and nests, about dragon scat and using tracking sticks. Especially amazing are the 12 dragon models included with the book. The pieces for the Frost Dragon, the Chinese Dragon, the Wyvern and nine others are tucked into small sealed wallets and are easily assembled yet sturdy. While Drake's drawings are in black and white, the wallets and the dragon models bring intense and lovely color to the guide.

FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS is a special book that will capture the attention and imagination of children. Part fantastical encyclopedia and part toy, it is completely wonderful!

--- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman

Book is great...my son loves it. However, the models don't stay together and cause lots of frustration. We're going to have to glue them together so they don't continue to fall apart. Would have given this item 5 stars if the models had been of a higher quality.

For kids who are obsessed with dragons like mine is, this is a fun and interesting book. It comes with 12 relatively easy to assemble dragon models, and the book describes the characteristics of the included species. I think this is a great way to get kids interested in reading and allows them to work with their hands at the same time.

"Cool!" was all my son could say when he opened this up on Christmas morning. He had to look at all the parts right away.

Got this book for my Grandson(age 10). He loves it.

That's good enough for me.

My daughter has studied to be an computer animator. She is a dreamer which is her gift for her love and talent in her profession. I have collected all these books in the series and we both love the quality of how these books are so beautifully written and art work of design. I myself love the sci-fi of the mystical dragons. My daughter displays these books so beautifully in her collection of books she has acquired through the years There is nothing better then a book that can capture an imagination of a child or adult I cannot say enough about this book and the series. If you want a great gift buy this book and all of them.

My 6-yr-old daughter loves this book. There are so many things to look at in this book and she LOVES the models. She has them all lined up on her dresser. The models are a little flimsy and are clearly made for looking at and not playing with, but the artwork on them is very well done.

For the dragon lover this is a great gift also highly reccomend getting other dragonology products it all goes well with the set and dragon lovers love it!

Great book-my kid loved it. Lots of neat stuff on the inside, including a build-your-own dragon set.