Dragon Books for Kids
Why do knights, princesses, dragons, and castles inspire so much imagination? I’m not sure, but I do know that my children are enraptured by these types of fairy tales, as am I, which is how this list of dragon books for kids came to be.
Dragons, in particular, seem to cross all age brackets and genders. After compiling our list of dragon books for tweens, I decided to compile the best dragon kids’ books to inspire the lords and ladies of your castle.
The Best Dragon Books for Kids
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Classic Dragon Picture Book
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch – Jump to section
The Best Modern Dragon Picture Book
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin – Jump to section
The Best Early Reader Dragon Book for Kids
Rise of the Dragon by Tracey West – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Classic Dragon Picture Books
The Paper Bag Princess
Author: Robert Munsch
Illustrator: Michael Martchenko
Year: 1980
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This is a hilarious story about the princess who outwits a dragon, rescues the prince, and realizes she doesn’t need him to be happy!!! It is a classic, wonderful story. Like most of Robert Munsch’s books, it is funny and silly and the perfect read-aloud.
Why Jackie loves it
Robert Munsch and his collection of smart and mostly hilarious children’s books are a household name in Canada. I have the entire collection of books, which was given to me when my oldest was born. While I Love You Forever may be Munsch’s most famous book, this one is my favorite.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Best Canadian Authors / Dragon Books for Kids
There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon
Author: Jack Kent
Illustrator: Jack Kent
Year: 1975
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
When a dragon shows up in a young boy’s room, he tries to tell his family. The more they deny his story, the larger the dragon gets!
Why Kirsten loves it
This story delighted me as a child as much as it delighted my boys. It’s a classic for a reason!
George and the Dragon
Author: Chris Wormell
Illustrator: Chris Wormell
Year: 2002
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 6
Plot
This fantastically illustrated story tells the story of a terrible dragon, who is afraid of mice, and George, the mouse who just moved in next door.
Why Kirsten loves it
Silly and fun, the illustrations in this story are really what bring it to life!
Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Year: 2001
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 8
Plot
A friendly witch takes to the night on her broomstick, but as the wind blows away her hat, her bow, and her wand, she finds some cute friends to join her on her ride. Will her friends be able to save her from a hungry dragon? This classic Halloween book for kids is now a cartoon movie!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a year-round book in my house. The sweet tale by Donaldson and the fun illustrations by Scheffler will have this on your favorites list long after Halloween is over!
Why Jackie loves it
The wonderful rhymes in this book tell the story of friendship and inclusivity. This is one of my favorite books to promote reading readiness.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Picture Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Rhyming Books / Dragon Books for Kids / Best Books for 2-year-olds
Puff, the Magic Dragon
Author: Peter Yarrow, Lenny Lipton
Illustrator: Eric Puybaret
Year: 2007
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 4
Plot
The famous song, Puff, the Magic Dragon, is brought to life with gorgeous illustrations in this darling picture book.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite songs to sing to my kids. Â What I love about the book is the wonderful illustrations that leave the story with a positive feeling at the end.
Dragon Picture Books
Plot
This charming picture book is my most anticipated picture book of the fall! It’s about a tiny dragon who can’t keep up with his dragon brethren in the hunt for gold until he meets a baker! Soon they are working together in the bakery.
Why Kirsten loved it
This is the most charming little story about a dragon that finds joy in baked goods…I mean…don’t we all? The illustrations were incredible and I see this becoming a modern classic.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Kids / Best Children’s Books of 2024
Hush, Little Dragon
Author: Boni Ashburn
Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
Year: 2022
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 1 – 12
Plot
As humans, we sing Hush, Little Baby to our little ones. It only makes sense that a Dragon Mom would sing the same tune with a slightly different tale. Think about Momma bringing knights, princesses, queens, and the like.
Why Jackie loves it
I like this story because you can sing the words to your child, so it’s a story and a lullaby all in one.
Dragons Love Tacos
Author: Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Year: 2012
Genre: Picture Books
Age: 2 – 5
More info: Dragons Love Tacos #1
Plot
Both the original story and the sequel feature taco-eating dragons who can’t stand spicy salsa! The whimsical illustrations are childlike and the stories are just plain silly! Your child will be giggling when they see the dragons burn down the house after eating spicy tacos.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book is adorable and hilarious. It is one we do not mind reading on repeat.
Find this book in: Books for 4-year-olds / Kids Books About Food / Dragon Books for Kids
Early Reader Dragon Books
Dragon’s Halloween
Author: Dav Pikey
Illustrator: Dav Pikey
Year: 2003
Genre: Beginning Reader Fantasy
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Dragon loves Halloween in this spooky Halloween early reader book. Your younger reader will laugh out loud as Dragon tries to figure out how to be scary.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a great one for even the most reluctant early reader. Pilkey’s unique storyline and fun illustrations will have any child entertained.
Find this book in: Dragon Books for Kids / Halloween Chapter Books
My Father’s Dragon
Author: Ruth Stiles Gannett
Illustrator: Ruth Chrisman Gannet
Year: 1948
Genre: Classic Early Reader
Age: 4 – 7
More info: My Father’s Dragon #1, Newbery Honor Book
Plot
This is the story of Elmer, a runaway who headed to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon, being taken advantage of by the lazy animals of the island. It is such a great story and continues with two more books after. Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland complete this trilogy.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this book. It was my kid’s first fantasy chapter book. This is a wonderful book with a wonderful message as well as a perfect read-aloud bedtime story.
Find this book in: Classic Books for Kids / Best Books for 5-year-olds / Best Books to Read Aloud / Dragon Books for Kids
Rise of the Earth Dragon
Author: Tracey West
Illustrator: Graham Howells
Year: 2014
Genre: Early Reader
Age: 6 – 8
More info: Dragon Masters #1
Plot
Drake has been taken by King Roland’s soldiers so that he can be trained as a dragon master. At the castle, Drake and his new friends, Ana, Rori, and Bo, have to learn to connect and train their dragons.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a wonderful series for the early reader. High-frequency words, great stories, and bright, colorful pictures fill these stories.
Find this book in: Best Books for 6-year-olds / Early Readers Books / Dragon Books for Kids / Chapter Books to Read Aloud
Dragonbreath
Author: Ursula Vernon
Illustrator: Ursula Vernon
Year: 2012
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Dragonbreath #1
Plot
Danny Dragonbreath is a dragon with a problem – he can’t breath fire! However, he has no fear which is helpful at school when he faces lots of scary things – like a sea serpent. This is the first in a series of books that more than 10 books strong!
Why Jackie loves it
Dragonbreath is a graphic novel that is funny, engaging and perfect for a little witch or wizard who would like to encounter dragons a little less menacing than the ones Harry encounters. If you love Harry Potter, this is a perfect first graphic novel.
Find this book in: Best Books for 7-year-olds / Dragon Books for Kids / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids
Dragons in a Bag
Author: Zetta Elliott
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Age: 8 – 10
More info: Dragons in a Bag #1
Plot
This newer series is an urban fantasy about Jaxon, who is helping to deliver baby dragons to a magical world. After letting the dragons out of the bag AND feeding them sugar (the two things he’s not supposed to do!) he needs to figure out how to get them out of Brooklyn and into the world where they belong.
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantasy story was required reading for both of my kids the summer going into their 4th-grade years. They read and loved it!
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Dragon Books for Kids
Expert Tips
- Does your child like to read a series straight through? Then pick one of the older series that is already completed.
- Dragons in a Bag is often seen on summer reading lists.
- If your child is right on the cusp of tween reading, check out these dragon books for tweens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best new dragon book for kids?
Looking for a cute new picture book about dragons? Look no further than The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz.
What are some good fantasy books about dragons for kids?
I love Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliot and the Dragon Masters series by Tracey West for kids just beginning to read.
Related Content
Epilogue
Those are my favorite dragon kids’ books to read with my boys. What dragon books for kids am I missing? Tell me what you loved below so I can read it too!
Book Lists by Age
If you are looking for more amazing book lists, check out these lists sorted by age.
