Andy Shepherd Delivers her pick of Dragon Books

Andy Shepherd is the author of the wonderfully entertaining The Boy Who Grew Dragons series and has kindly contributed this selection of her favourite dragon books. I wonder if you'll head out to find any of them and fall in love with dragons too. I know I have! Of course, there is also Andy's most recent books, The Boy Who Grew Dragons: A Christmas Delivery perhaps Santa will deliver that one for you along with a few other treats? Read on to discover what Andy loves about dragon stories.

The Boy Who Grew Dragons story actually began as an idea for a picture book that ended up growing into a six book series for ages six and over. But I have always dreamed of developing the idea for a younger audience and finally seeing my dragons shining in full colour.

I’ve had lots of letters from readers telling me that Lolli, Tomas’ little sister, is their favourite character and she’s definitely the one that I’ve had the most fun writing. From the very beginning she tumbled onto the page, and I never quite know what she will do next. Neither does Tomas really, but they always stick together – after all as Grandad says ‘families stick together like the very best jam tarts’.

In this first picture book, Lolli grows a wintry dragon who breathes glittering ice that quickly causes chaos in Grandad’s garden and threatens their Christmas present delivery. But with the dragons help they are able to save the day.

I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Sarah Warburton whose glorious illustrations are sheer magic. From the twinkling dragon-fruit tree to the magical night-time scenes, I could not be more excited to see this story come to life with her incredible artwork. And I will always be so thankful that she said a hearty ‘Yes’ to this project!

I firmly believe that you are never too old for a picture book. I sometimes wonder if they are left on the shelf too soon, ignoring the fact that older children still love to share and remember them and of course have the opportunity to discover them afresh.

Here are five of my favourite picture books for dragon lovers – whatever their age. After all  beautiful books are beautiful books whether you are three or ninety three!

Tell Me A Dragon by Jackie Morris

This will always remain one of my absolute favourites especially in the big format hardback edition. It is glorious, with beautifully poetic words and artwork that deserves its own exhibition. Children and adults will delight in poring over the pages and ultimately imagining what kind of dragon might be growing inside the eggs on the end covers.

A timeless book to treasure!

Sylvia and Bird by Catherine Rayner

There are some writers and some illustrators that I utterly adore everything they have done and love to collect their books. Catherine Rayner is one of these. The difference with Catherine is that she falls into both groups. I always think it must be wonderful to be able to write AND illustrate a book. But to create heartfelt characters, a satisfying story AND exquisite artwork is no easy thing and then to do it consistently time and again, well that’s the rarest of all.

Sylvie and Bird is a charming tale of friendship between a dragon and a bird that will have your heart soaring into the sky alongside them.

The Snow Dragon by Abi Elphinstone and Fiona Woodcock

Whoever thought of pairing Abi Elphinstone and Fiona Woodcock together deserves a medal. This is gorgeously illustrated with a story that’s charming and rich, for a proper curl-up-together-and-settle-in bedtime read.

The Night Dragon by Naomi Howarth

I defy anyone not to fall in love with Maud, a quiet dragon with rainbow scales who finds a friend in Mouse and discovers she’s braver than she thought and that believing in yourself can light up the world in beautiful ways.

You’ll never look at a sunset in the same way!

Daisy’s Dragons by Frances Stickley and Annabel Tempest

This is a wonderfully fun and vibrant picture book with a really important message at its heart about learning to live with all our dragons… I mean feelings.

In no way heavy-handed this is utterly charming and visually hugely appealing.

Why not try them all, dragons are our forever friends! Thank you to Andy Shepherd for this charming contribution to the Blog and to Pippa Poole, Senior Publicity Manager, at Bonnier Books for making it happen. Don't forget to read the Book O' the Week review on the Armadillo home page for The Boy Who Grew Dragons: A Christmas Delivery!