Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lots to enjoy and discover in mock scientific book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE DISCOVERY OF DRAGONS is a mock scientific book about dragons from around the world. It features letters from different explorers—Bjorn of Bromme, Soong Mei Ying, Dr. E.F. Liebermann, and Francisco de Nuevo (in editions from 2007 onward)—reporting back to loved ones as they discover new species of dragons. The book spans a wide timeline, from the 9th century to the 19th century, and covers European, Asiatic, and tropical dragons—as well as New World dragons in more recent editions.
Is It Any Good?
Every page of this inventive children's book is full of intricate, colorful illustrations and witty footnotes, providing plenty to explore and discover for kids and adults alike. The Discovery of Dragons features letters from fictional explorers: a thrill-seeking Viking, a rebellious Chinese teenager, and a Prussian cartographer. The Eleventh Anniversary Edition (2007 onward) also includes a fourth explorer, 16th-century Spanish soldier Francisco de Nuevo, who focuses on New World dragons. Their letters to loved ones gradually reveal more about their personalities, as well as the dragons they discover, which are shown in beautiful detail on the pages opposite. Readers should make sure they don't miss the smaller details, like the maps, comparison charts, and ongoing comic-like strips along the bottom of the pages. This is a great book to read aloud with grown-ups or for kids to go off and explore on their own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the mock scientific structure of The Discovery of Dragons. Does it remind you of any nature books you've read about real, living creatures? What details does the book include to make it seem realistic and scientific?
What did you think of the book's approach in describing the discoveries through letters from the explorers? Did you feel like you got to know them? Did including human characters as well as dragons make it more of a compelling read?
How do the explorers show curiosity and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
How do the illustrations and small details, such as maps and comics, add to the book? Did it help to maintain your attention beyond just "factual" accounts of the dragons?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Graeme Base
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Dragons )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Abrams
- Publication date : September 1, 2007
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 42
- Last updated : May 25, 2026
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