Parents' Guide to

The Ice Dragon

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Beautifully illustrated dragon fantasy is short but intense.

Book George R. R. Martin Fantasy 2014
The Ice Dragon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Melo7
Melo7 Adult
February 23, 2019
age 10+

Bloated dead bodies and heads split by axes.

My 7 year old came home with it from the library. The first page I opened it to had a pretty horrific description of a head split open by an axe, and the smell of bloated green dead bodies. He won't be reading that one for a few years.

This title has:

Too much violence
Jane P.
Jane P. Adult
July 9, 2018
age 8+

Short but exciting story

This short novel is wonderfully written! Really captured my daughters imagination. Pretty intense and can be scary in parts. It has references to a war and describes the injured troops. Quite a gritty ending that could be too much for younger readers. The language is challenging but great for improving vocabulary.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Adara's always been different from everyone else. She's more comfortable and happy during the cold of winter when most people want to huddle by the fire. When she befriends a rare ice dragon, she decides she wants to leave her home and go live with the ice dragon far away to the north. But war has come to her homeland, and when enemy dragon riders turn on the family farm, Adara has to decide between leaving to live out her dream or staying behind to defend her home.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (2):

THE ICE DRAGON is an engaging, if brief, dragon fantasy. The gorgeous illustrations, along with every aspect of the book's design, including the beautiful illustrated type, are what make it a satisfying experience, given that the story itself is so short and ends rather abruptly.

Dragon lovers, especially elementary and middle schoolers, will be enchanted with Adara and her magnificent ice dragon. The heirloom-quality presentation ensures that it'll be a pleasure to revisit many times.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why fantasy books, especially with dragons, are so popular. Why do we love to read them so much?

  • Did you like the illustrations? Did they help you picture the people and events of the story, or would you rather be able to use your imagination?

  • Why do you think Adara turned back for home when she was so close to realizing her dream of living with the ice dragon?

Book Details

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