The Dragonling

By Jackie French Koller and Judith Mitchell

A boy and a baby dragon forge an unlikely friendship in this first book in the fantastical Dragonling chapter book series!

Darek can’t wait for his first Dragonquest. Then he can be just like his older brother, Clep, the hero who brought down a Great Blue, the largest and fiercest dragon of all.

Darek goes to admire the kill—and finds a dragonling peeking out of the giant dragon’s pouch. Scared but curious, he feeds the hungry baby and makes an unlikely friend. But to save the helpless Dragonling he must now venture into the fearsome Valley of the Dragons, risking his life to return his friend to his own fire-breathing kind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aladdin
• Release date: Jul 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781534400634

Jackie French Koller

JACKIE FRENCH KOLLER is the award-winning author of numerous books for children. She lives in Westfield, Massachusets.  

Book preview

1

DAREK AWOKE AT THE FIRST light of dawn. He sat up quickly and pushed his bed curtains aside. Through his window he could see the soft violet rays of the morning sun just touching the tips of the yellow mountains of Orr. His brother, Clep, was up there somewhere, probably breaking camp, getting ready for the day’s hunt. It wasn’t fair, Darek thought. Why did he have to wait three more years before his first dragonquest? So what if Clep was twelve and he was only nine. He was nearly as tall and strong as Clep. Three more years! It seemed like forever.

Darek? Darek, are you up? It was his mother’s voice from the kitchen below.

I’m coming, Darek called back. He got dressed and clattered down the stairs.

His mother was bent over the hearth, spooning porridge into his bowl. Darek slid into his place at the table.

Do you think maybe the men will be home today? he asked.

His mother’s brow wrinkled with worry as she served him his breakfast.

Who knows how long they will be gone? she said. Ten days? Twenty? A dragonquest ends when it ends.

I can’t wait until it’s my turn, Darek said eagerly. I will be the one to make the kill. I will win the claws to wear around my neck. I will be the Marksman, like Father.

Darek’s mother shook her head and turned back to the fire.

Why are you silent, Mother? Darek asked. Why don’t you get excited about the dragonquest like everyone else?

My brother was killed on his first dragon-quest, said Darek’s mother quietly.

Many have been killed on the dragonquests, said Darek, but they are heroes. You should be proud.

Darek’s mother sighed. In the old days, she said, "when the dragons were plentiful, when they threatened the villages and raided the yukeI herds, that was the time for heroes. Now the dragons are few, and they keep to the mountains. Why should we send young boys into their midst?"

They are not boys, said Darek. They are men, and they must face a dragon to prove it.

There are other ways to prove you are a man, said Darek’s mother.

What are they, then? asked Darek.

Doing your work with pride, caring for others, and thinking your own thoughts are good ways, said Darek’s mother.

Bah, said Darek. "Anyone

Reviews for The Dragonling

[authormarion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love dragons! Big, small, short, or tall. But baby dragons, or dragonlings, are the ultimate in cuteness for me. So when I found this series I was hooked. And the fact that it is written by a high school classmate of mine makes it extra special. Although written over a decade ago the story brings to life lessons that are timeless.The Dragonling is an enchanting story of how a young boy, dreaming of going on his own dragonquest, finds a dragonling whose mother has been killed. Although the boy, Derek, has been taught to hate and fear dragons this dragonling tugs at his heartstrings. He decides to return the baby to the Valley of the Dragons, to his own kind. Along the way the two become friends and Derek names the dragonling Zantor. When at last the pair arrive at the Valley of the Dragons, Derek is amazed to learn that the dragons aren?t to be feared as he?d been taught. And the prospect of staying with the dragons is not what Zantor wants. Will the village folk, and Derek?s family, accept the dragonling into their midst?A perfect story to help children learn that while we aren?t all alike externally, the same love beats in all hearts. Well told, easy to read, and full of likable characters, this story will charm readers of all ages. The dragons are endearing in their humanlike manner. Great read for ages 7-10 but also works as a read-to book for ages 4-6. Short chapters, detailed artwork.