Sonderbooks Book Review of Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology

Reviewed June 23, 2004.
Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2003. 30 pages.
Available at Sembach Library (J 398.24 DRA).
Sonderbooks Stand-out 2004, #5, Children's Nonfiction

Dr. Ernest Drake’s Dragonology is purported to be a scientific study of dragons from about one hundred years ago. It outlines different species of dragons, where to find them, how to find them, their physiology, and how to deal with them.

This would make a fabulous gift book, but I’m not sure it will hold up well under library usage. It has lots of flaps and some special envelopes with messages. The binding is pseudo-dragon hide, and there are samples of dragon scales and dragon dust.

There are some practical tips on working with dragons. For example, if you attempt to rear a dragon chick, “these creatures must be released into the wild at maturity, not into the New York sewerage system as occurred in one case in 1862.” Another good tip is that “it is not recommended to leave children and hungry dragons alone.”

If you do attempt to rear an infant dragon, “Keep an adequate food supply. A 40- to 50-acre farm with a head of 300 cows should be enough for one chick. Small treats such as turkeys, dogs, cats, mules, or geese may be used as rewards for all-important house training, as a chick learns that setting fire to your home is not acceptable behaviour.”

This book is an imaginative work of art, and a delight to browse through. You’ll be ready to go out and hunt for a dragon, just as soon as you prepare some heat-protective clothing.

Reader comment: A reader gives this book 5 stars, with the comment "incredible!"

Mackenzie gives it 5 stars, and says, "I think this is an excellent book. I could read it over and over and I still would'nt get bored for months! I'm hoping to get Egyptology. I still think this will be the best of them all.I could write tons more about this book. I hope you don't use the spell to turn your dragon against you. I wouldn't want to be brushing my dragons teeth from the inside of his mouth and have him bite me and I'm sure you wouldn't either."

"T-12" gives it 5 stars and says, "I plan on going dragon hunging and trying the spell in the front of the book and to ride one."

Callum gives it 5 stars, with the comment, "This book is outstanding. I am 11 years old, and i absolutely loved it. It contains all the components to make the greatest gift book of all time. I would recommend it to anyone on the spot without having to know your age, likes or dislikes. This book appeals to everyone (unless one of your dislikes is dragonology)."

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Book Reviews by Sondra Eklund

*****Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology*

The Complete Book of Dragons