Common Sense Media Review
By Patricia Tauzer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Female-led story is predictable but has positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In JANE AND THE DRAGON, young Jane spends her time sewing with her mother while she looks out of the window, dreaming of training with the boys to become a knight. Everyone laughs at her—that is, except for the court jester, who offers her his armor and support. This encourages Jane to ignore other people's expectations, and whenever she gets the chance, she practices her swordplay, secretly watching and learning from the real knights. One day, she gets her chance and does the unexpected.
Is It Any Good?
This cute story matches a spunky girl character, a wistful jester, and a confused dragon with a challenging message to do the unexpected. The outcome is predictable, but Jane and the Dragon is enchanting all the same. With her wild red hair billowing out from under her helmet, the armored Jane shows a kind of good-hearted, undaunted spirit that's meant to inspire. Still, she feels like just one of us. We expect her to make mistakes, get herself in trouble, and come out a hero in the end.
Author Martin Baynton has said he's hoped to "reverse the treatment of fairytale heroines," and he has succeeded with Jane. His colored-pencil drawings are soft yet strong, just like his main character. And his message is a good one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about expectations and stereotypes in Jane and the Dragon. What are stereotypes, and why do we care so much about them? Have you ever wanted to do something or be something that's different from what everyone else expects?
How does Jane show courage, perseverance, empathy, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
The book has a girl as the main character. Why is it important for books and other media to represent lots of different characters in main roles?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Dragons , Fairy Tales )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : February 13, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 7
- Number of pages : 32
- Last updated : May 25, 2026
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