Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

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. What I love about the book is the wonderful illustrations that leave the story with a positive feeling at the end.

Dragon Picture Books

The Bakery Dragon

Author: Devin Elle Kurtz

Release Date: 2024

Genre: Picture Book

Age: 4-8

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 D r agon

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

Classic Tween Dragon Book Series

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

How to Train Your Dragon

Author: Cressida Cowell

Year: 2004

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fantasy

Age: 7 – 10

More info: How to Train Your Dragon #1

Plot

Hiccup, an unlikely hero, overcomes many obstacles in the harsh Viking landscape. He needs to catch and train a dragon, but he’s not quite sure how to do it. Filled with misadventures and funny scenarios, this book is a delight.

Recently made into a movie series, each book in the series is filled with Hiccup being a Viking in his own way.

Why Jackie loves it

These middle-grade fantasy books are funny with cute illustrations that are bound to entertain even the pickiest of readers. I know because my son is the pickiest of them all!

Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Adult Versions of Favorite Childhood Books / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

Eragon

Author: Christopher Paolini

Year: 2003

Genre: Fantasy

Age: 11+

More info: Inheritance Cycle #1

Plot

Eragon, a 15-year-old boy, believes that he is merely a farm boy until one day, he discovers a polished blue stone in the forest. When the stone hatches and a dragon emerges, Eragon enters a world full of magic and power that he never knew existed. Eragon discovers he is a dragon rider, one of the few left.

Why Jackie loves it

This middle-school fantasy series is a world of dragons, magic, and power. Almost a “Dragon Masters” for the more mature reader, this series took me into a world of fantasy I won’t forget.

Find this book in: Fantasy Books for Tweens / Popular Fantasy Series for Young Adults / Books like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults and Teens / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens / Best Books for 12-year-olds

Gregor the Overlander

Author: Suzanne Collins

Year: 2003

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8+

More info: The Underland Chronicles Book 1 of 5
#1 Bestselling author of The Hunger Games

Plot

In this book like the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Gregor falls into a dark Underland from the laundry room, in his apartment. The world is on the brink of war and his arrival has been foretold in a prophecy.

Now Gregor must stay and play his part while solving the mystery of his father’s disappearance years ago. This series came before the Hunger Games and is geared toward a slightly younger crowd.

Why Jackie loves it

I would recommend this to a middle-grade fantasy reader, especially one looking for a book series like Percy Jackson. It has lost some of its popularity in recent years, but it is a very fun and unique fantasy

Find this book in: Books like Percy Jackson / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

Epic Dragon Books for Tweens

Fury of the Dragon Goddess

Author: Sarwat Chadda

Year: 2023

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 12

Plot

Sik and his friends, Daoud, Belet, and Rabisu are in search of an ancient, powerful, tablet. They run into trouble to get it, but make it to the tablet unharmed, until Sik runs into Lugal.

Lugal has been looking for the table as well and will do anything to get it away from Sik and his group.

Why Jackie loves it

Well-written and exciting, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is perfect for YA readers who enjoy Fantasy and Adventure.

Find this book in: Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

Dragonwatch

Author: Brandon Mull

Year: 2018

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 9 – 13

More info: Dragonwatch #1

Plot

Kendra and Seth Sorenson are back. This time, their enemies are none other than the dragons from Wyrmroost, the dragon sanctuary. Celebrant, the king of dragons, wants to escape. To him, the sanctuary doesn’t keep him safe, but instead imprisoned. The time to break free has come, and no one will be able to stop him.

Luckily, Kendra and Seth have already been assigned to be the co-caretakers of Wyrmroost, and are experts in doing the impossible. Once again, they must take on a dangerous, and possibly deadly task. Will they be able to defeat the dragons? Or will the dragons escape and change life as we know it?

Why Jackie’s daughter loves it

This book was so interesting to read. It is the perfect sequel to Fablehaven, and it makes me so happy to be able to continue reading about Seth and Kendra’s adventures. I was completely hooked while reading it, and it was hard to put down.

Find this book in: Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

The Fire Within

Author: Chris D’Lacey

Year: 2007

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 12

More info: The Last Dragon Chronicles #1

Plot

David Rain, a college student, desperately needs a place to stay. So, he makes an advertisement in order to find a place he can rent. Liz Pennykettle and her daughter, Lucy, take him up on his offer. The house is cozy, and the people are kind. Plus, Liz is a potter, and she makes strangely detailed, amazing little dragon figurines.

Lucy and Liz both have dragons of their own, and end up giving one to David, which he names Gadzooks. After a few weeks, of living inside the Pennykettle house, strange things start happening. David starts having strange dreams about the clay dragons, until he’s not sure what’s real, and what’s not.

Why Jackie’s daughter loves it

I loved reading this book. It’s such a unique concept, and you can never expect what happens next. It was so interesting to read, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Find this book in: Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

The Dragonet Prophecy

Author: Tui T. Sutherland

Year: 2012

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 11

More info: Wings of Fire #1

Plot

The first series is about 5 dragons who were told a prophecy about how they would save the world. The 5 dragons, Rain Wing, Sand Wing, Mud Wing, Sea Wing, and Night Wing, start out trapped in a cave. They must escape the cave where they have been locked up and go out into the world to find out who they really are.

Why Jackie loves it

With more than a dozen books in the story, this is a great one for dragon-loving children to get hooked on. More dragons are introduced throughout the series and each adventure is more high-stakes than the last.

My children and I loved this as a read-aloud when they were younger. When they started to read on their own, I got them the graphic novel version!

Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books Like Harry Potter for Kids / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens

Fantasy Books with Dragons as Minor Characters

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Author: J. K. Rowling

Year: 2015

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 10+

More info: Harry Potter #4, New York Times Bestseller

Plot

Harry Potter finds himself participating in the Triwizard Tournament when someone tricked the Goblet of Fire and entered Harry’s name. He must compete against much more experienced wizards in tasks that will bring him glory or death.

Why Kirsten loves it

Harry faces dragons, dark wizards, and mermaids while performing magic he never thought possible. He faces the Death Eaters for the first time!

Why Jackie loves it

Although the order changes sometimes, this is my second favorite Harry Potter book in the series. In my opinion, it was the first book that really showed Rowling’s potential for great storytelling. If you are reading the Harry Potter books in order, as you should, you will LOVE this book.

Find this book in: Harry Potter Books in Order / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens / Puzzle Books for Middle School/

Impossible Creatures

Author: Katherine Rundell

Illustrator: Ashley Mackenzie

Year: 2024

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 10+

More info: Impossible Creatures #1, International Bestseller, New York Times Bestseller

Plot

Bestselling author, Katherine Rundell launched a new fantasy series for the magical creature obsessed! After rescuing a baby griffin, Christopher learns about magical islands where magical creatures have lived in secret for thousands of years. Soon, he’s on a mission to help Mal figure out why the magic is fading from the islands.

Along the way, he meets numerous mythical creatures, discovers the magic of the archipelago, and forms a deep attachment to Mal and two adults who help them on their journey to restore the glimourie.

Trigger Warnings

Animal death, Child death

Why Kirsten loves it

Rundell wove a story that earned its place with the greats like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. Christopher and Mal’s friendship moved me to tears and the lessons they learned about life, death, and what it all means felt as filled with wisdom as anything Dumbledore ever said.

I listened to this one and can attest that the narrator is marvelous. My boys looked forward to our car rides listening to this epic adventure and we can’t wait for the rest of the trilogy!

Find this book in: Books with Magical Creatures / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens / Best Children’s Books of 2024 / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Audiobooks for Kids

The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, The Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog

Author: Adam Gidwitz

Illustrator: Hatem Aly

Year: 2016

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Age: 8 – 12

More info: A New York Times Bestseller, Newbery Honor Book

Plot

In 13th century France, three children set out on a quest with their dog. Each of the children and the dog have a magical gift. Together, they survive a kidnapping, help defeat a dragon, and save the kingdom. Come read the tale of these unlikely friends – I promise, you won’t be able to put it down!

Why Jackie loves it

All of my kids have read this book and they all loved it- devoured it in a day. Somehow this book can combine historical characters and mythical tales of the 13th century with morals and lessons that are completely relevant today.

Find this book in: Middle Grade Books / Best Books for a 10-year-old / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Dragon Books for Kids and Tweens / Newbery Award Winners