How to Raise and Keep a Dragon (Hardcover)

~ Joe Nigg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up–Posing as dragon-breeder John Topsell–a descendant of Edward Topsell, author of The Historie of Serpents (1608)–Nigg instructs readers in selecting and caring for a breed of dragon suited for them. Those without much room, for example, are advised to choose a Cockatrice, a rooster-sized creature famous for its bad breath. Only those with a big yard should consider the Dragon of India, which is three times the size of an elephant. A diagram of how to identify dragon eggs; a guide on choosing a healthy, well-adjusted pet from a breeder; and a list of equipment required for proper care (such as a fireproof suit) are included. While not intended as a serious book on mythology, Nigg does share many bits of real dragon lore while spinning out details of what it might be like to live in a world where people breed, register, and show these creatures. Malone's full-color illustrations on every page offer fans many cool pictures to copy or sketch. With its tongue firmly in cheek, this book is a lot of lighthearted fun, and a wonderful choice for display and booktalking.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library
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Product Description

Why keep a dragon? There are many reasons. What else can protect your treasure . . . impress your friends . . . make diamonds out of coal . . . work as a model for coats of arms . . . heat your home? Kids who enjoy whimsy will be delighted by this beautifully illustrated owner’s manual for dragon fanciers. It tells about the wide range of different dragons available, the characteristics of each, and the equipment and supplies that every dragon owner should have on hand. (For instance, a fire extinguisher.) The book is a fanciful blend of dragon lore and colorful art, the latter including diagrams of parts of winged and non-winged dragons, portraits of sea serpents, depictions of Asian dragons, and many others. More than 250 color illustrations in all. Here’s a book that’s fun from first page to last.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 1st edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764159208
• ISBN-13: 978-0764159206
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,089 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Wonderful !, December 2, 2006

By	Porntip Viriya - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Despite its cover...its actually very good.I mean,it makes it seem that dragons can be kept as loving pets!And the book makes it sound super realistic and sane at the same time.This book is a must if you love dragons and its cheaper than Dragonology! I am most certain that you will enjoy this book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fun and engaging book for any fan of the dragon., December 13, 2006

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

If you've ever dreamed of becoming a dragon owner, HOW TO RAISE AND KEEP A DRAGON tells everything of the process and comes from a dragon scholar who's spent his life raising dragons. From different types of dragons and reasons to raise them to dragon lore, fantasy, and much whimsy, this is a fun and engaging book for any fan of the dragon.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and Nicely Illustrated, June 18, 2009

By	D. Sims "Homemaker/editor" (Boise, ID United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a delightful book with charming color illustrations of Dragons of many types.

Part 1, Should You Own a Dragon? walks the reader through a series of fundamental questions that bear consideration before adopting a dragon. What is a Dragon, Reasons to Raise a Dragon, Some Cautionary Considerations, and A Checklist of Intent.

Part 2, Dragon Breeds, devotes a two page spread to each of the following dragon types: Asian Dragon, Cockatrice, Dragon of India, Drakon, Toppa Dragon, Multiheaded Dragon, Mushussu, Piasa, Rainbow Serpent, Salamander, Sea Dragon, Standard Western Dragon, Tarasque, and Worm.

Each spread includes a nice full-color illustration of the Dragon breed, accompanied by a small numbered legend identifying key features. In addition, there is a color sidebar that includes a locator map showing the breed's home, an illustration of its egg, a picture of a skin swatch showing the texture, and, in perhaps my favorite touch, a b/w drawing showing the Dragon breed in question next to a person or other object to give you a sense of the scale. Along with this you get a paragraph of descriptive text on items such as Pedigree, Habits, Special Care, and Temperament.

Part 3, Raising the Perfect Dragon, has sections on how to choose your dragon (my favorite is a two page spread showing a red dragon and enumerating the things to look out for as signs of ill health when inspecting a dragon, such as dull eyes, coughing or sneezing, constricted nasal passages, cracked claws, and so forth). You also get notes on indoor and outdoor habitats, necessary equipment, shipping the dragon, hatching the egg, feeding, and grooming.

Part 4, Training Your Dragon, gives tips for both small and large dragons. I liked the thought that went into the types of harnesses and rigging that would be appropriate for a Dragon. There are sections on riding dragons on land, sea, and air.

Part 5, Presenting Your Dragon, has tips on showing the Dragon, what judges look for, and resources. My favorite bit here was on renting one's dragon out as a model for heraldic artists.

The book concludes with a fun bibliography, in which real and imaginary books are intermixed (the fictional ones marked by an asterisk as being available through Dragons Unlimited magazine).

All in all, a fun book that presents a wide range of dragons from around the world illustrated in a clean style and accompanied by some clever ideas sprinkled throughout. Both my seven-year-old son and my ten-year-old daughter devoured it.