The upcoming 2024 Lunar New Year brings the Year of the Dragon and I’ve got some fiery tales you aren’t going to want to miss!
Dragons have captivated us for years and for good reason. Whether they play the hero or the villain in stories, there is something fascinating about a creature who could be larger than life, potentially breathe fire, and take to the skies. The below books feature a myriad of different types of dragons in fun entertaining stories that will amuse and amaze.
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Dragons Love Tacos (2012) and Dragons Love Tacos 2: the sequel (2017) by Adam Rubin; illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
(Ages 4 and up)
We all know that most kids love tacos, but who knew that dragons loved them even more? In this silly story, an omniscient narrator informs a boy and his dog of taco-loving dragons, but warns them against serving any spicy salsa in fear that it will cause the dragons to breathe fire. Good thing the boy only serves mild salsa at his taco party. Wait a second, what is that fine print on the salsa label? “Now with spicy Jalapeno peppers?” Oh boy.
The story is completely ridiculous, which is probably why children love it so much.
There’s a Dragon In Your Book by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott, 2018
(Ages 3 and up)
We absolutely adore this series of interactive books and this one is exceptionally cute! Readers are invited to participate in a variety of activities to prevent the dragon from accidentally lighting the book on fire with his sneezes.
Check out the entire series here.
Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett, 2018
100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David Larochelle, illustrated by Lian Cho, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
I love books that combine learning and entertainment! This silly romp skillfully works in math skills as readers count down from 100 dragons to only one. The best part is the surprise ending!
The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This award-winning story follows a young boy who explores his multicultural heritage by learning about Western and Eastern dragons from his grandmothers. The enchanting illustrations are absolutely stunning and the empowering message that we are richer for our multifaceted cultures is truly beautiful.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
Prepare to feast your eyes on one of the most enchanting books of the year! Little owl may be short in stature, but he is big in brains. When he pursues his dream of becoming a knight, he uses his wits to defend the castle against a hungry dragon. The lush artwork is a real feast for the eyes, while the endearing storyline could not be better. Filled with mesmerizing details and one of the most adorable characters in children’s literature, this one is a must read!
Who Loves the Dragon? by Bianca Schulze; illustrated by Samara Hardy, 2021
(Ages 3 and up)
This new interactive book could not be cuter! When Dragon’s friends are all too busy to attend the annual friendship festival, he is left feeling sad and alone. Children will delight in cheering up Dragon by teaching him how to take deep breaths, sharing kind words, and showing off funny dance moves. The gratifying surprise ending will also leave them smiling and feeling loved themselves.
The Story Book Knight by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty, 2016
(Ages 4 and up)
Leo was a gentle knight who simply wants to read. When his parents force him to tame a dragon, he sets off on a quest where he encounters a griffin, a troll, and ultimately the fearsome dragon. Each time, he shares a book with the menacing beast making a new friend in the process. The flowing rhymes make this a nice read aloud and I loved the illustrations in this book. I was so happy that my son requested it so many times since I always enjoy reading a story that celebrates the power of books.
Dragons Eat Noodles on Tuesdays by Jon Stahl; illustrated by Tadgh Bentley, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
I don’t know who loves this book more, my kids or me! When two monsters argue over how to tell a story, their imaginations come to life in a unique tale featuring a hungry dragon and a brave damsel. This is a fantastic story to inspire future writers. Teachers and parents are not going to want to miss this one!
When a Dragon Moves In by Jodi Moore; illustrated by Howard McWilliam, 2011
(Ages 4 and up)
Full of imagination, cartoony illustrations, and an amusing storyline, this is one of my kids’ favorite stories about the beach. When a boy creates the perfect sandcastle, a dragon moves in causing a bit of havoc, but mostly a lot of fun!
Dear Dragon by Josh Funk; illustrated by Rodolfo Montalvo, 2016
(Ages 4 and up)
Blaise Dragomir and George Slair have been assigned as pen pals for a school project. Although each is a reluctant writer, they are surprised by how much they enjoy writing to each other. Unbeknownst to them, however, is that Blaise is a dragon and George is a boy!
Attack of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman, illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
Kids who love to laugh will be excited to receive this hilarious story with heart. When Cole becomes the assistant to his favorite knight, he bravely faces the fearsome, but comical Underwear Dragon! Expect requests for multiple readings of this funny story!
Return of the Underwear Dragon by Scott Rothman; illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2021
(Ages 4 and up)
In this humorous sequel, Cole realizes a Dragon is attacking his kingdom because he cannot read. In a series of comical scenes, Cole and the dragon practice their reading and with a little help from a girl named Claire, they finally succeed in their mission saving the kingdom and making new friends in the process.
Though the stories are completely silly, there are also important lessons in perseverance and helping others. The text has a nice flow, making it a joy to read aloud while the expressive illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny!
In Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragonby Kat Zhang; illustrated by Charlene Chua, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
, Amy is excited about a new class project to create dragons. When her friends question her Chinese dragon, however, she begins to doubt herself. Feeling miserable, she returns home where her grandmother regales her with stories featuring wise dragons with special powers who can even fly without wings. Feeling newly inspired by her Chinese heritage, she pulls out a dragon costume and makes it her own. When she presents it to her class, they cheer and relish in learning about her culture. Buy It Here
Here Be Dragons by Susannah Lloyd, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This comical story follows a clueless knight searching the countryside for dragons. Children will love spotting parts of the dragon hiding in plain sight and the satisfying ending of this fiery tale!
Being Friends with Dragons by Katherine Locke; illustrated by Diane Ewen, 2022
(Ages 3 and up)
This entertaining story illustrates the many ways dragons can be fantastic friends. Once the reader is hooked, the author also reveals how even dragons can falter as a friend. Luckily, when a disagreement happens, dragons know to apologize and help make amends. Dragons have a ton of kid appeal and this amusing story is an excellent tool to prompt discussions on what it means to be a friend.
Once Upon a Dragon Fire by Beatrice Blue, 2021
(Ages 4 and up)
My kids love fairytales, so they couldn’t wait to read this original story that is full of enchantment and wonder. Once upon a time, there was a village whose inhabitants feared a dragon. Everyone, except for Freya and Sylas, who loved sharing stories of the mysterious beast. When a cold storm blows in, Freya and Sylas are convinced it is the dragon’s fault and travel to battle him in order to restore warmth to their village. Upon meeting the dragon, however, they learn an important lesson in kindness and friendship that will change everything.
Lush illustrations bring Freya and Sylas’ world to life with a particularly impressive four-page foldout revealing the dragon’s new talent.
The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight by Elli Woollard, 2016
(Ages 3 and up)
Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
(Ages 4 and up)
In general dragons are known to be pretty terrible, but this dragon is particularly rude. He scribbles in books (gasp!), he steals candy from baby unicorns, and he pops birthday balloons. Something must be done! The king has offered a prize to anyone who can tame the terrible dragon, but alas, all the brave knights in the kingdom fail. Finally, a young boy has the idea to read to the dragon. At first the dragon resists the story, but soon finds himself completely engaged in the tale. This is a hilarious read that reminds readers of the joy of storytelling.
There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann ; illustrated by Ben Mantle, 2015
(Ages 4 and up)
Knowing my kindergartner’s love for dragons and the There Was an Old Lady series by Lucille Colandro, I had no doubt this was going to be a huge hit in our house. This medieval version of the classic song uses the same bouncy rhyming cadence to share the story of a dragon who eats a myriad of things from a squire to an entire castle. “There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight. I don’t know why he swallowed a knight. It’s not polite!”
While the reader is not sure why the dragon swallows the knight (and everything else), one thing is clear; this is an entertaining read aloud that begs to be shared again and again.
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