THE DRAGON DIARY: The Dragonology Chronicles, Volume Two
written by Dugald A. Steer
illustrated by Douglas Carrel
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763634254
Ages 9-up
272 pages
No one knows exactly how many dragons are left --- especially since a devastating plague has broken out and they are dying by the dozens. Probably the one person who will be able to help is none other than the famous Dragon Master, Dr. Ernest Drake. But can he find a cure before all the dragons are afflicted? Time is of the essence, and there may be more obstacles ahead than he anticipates. For instance, is someone behind this horrible outbreak? Suspicions lie in the direction of the dragonologist Alexandra Gorynytchka, who is more famous for her hunger for power than her good works.
For the time being, young Beatrice and her brother Daniel are studying Dragonology under the good doctor’s tutelage. With their parents soon returning from a four-year investigative journey, this experience is working out fine for them. What is making it all the more fun is that they will get to watch over a new dragon hatchling when it’s born. Apparently the egg was turned over to the doctor when the mother was injured, and this has become a perfect opportunity for the students to work from the very beginning with a real dragon.
Along with Daniel and Beatrice, the reader gets to find out all sorts of things about dragons: the different kinds, their sizes, their favorite habitats, the good ones versus the bad ones, and of course, their languages. They also have the help of the kindly Mademoiselle Gamay, who works for Dr. Drake, and a fellow student named Darcy. All hover close to the egg between lessons and even prepare a fine nest with bright objects/toys for the soon-to-be baby. Then one day they know it’s time. Before their very eyes they witness the birth of Torcher:
Suddenly, a piece of shell from the top of the egg dropped off and fell onto the floor. Then another piece followed it and another. A dragon’s snout with a tiny horn struck upwards out of the shell. A head emerged, followed by a thick neck and a scraggy, red, scaly body, two sharp little claws, and two folded-up little wings. A tail with a large arrowhead at the end flicked out. It was a boy dragon! The chick fixed us with his beady eyes. He sneezed twice in a jerky motion, and a lot of green, phlegmy stuff came out of his mouth and nose. Then he looked up at us, gave a faint little roar, and stretched out his tiny wings for the first time.
This little dragon really takes over the story from the minute he appears. Like a puppy, he is into everything, and like any dragon, he loves to steal and hide treasures. He proves to be a real hero in his own way as he struggles to learn to breathe fire and fly. His antics are absolutely hilarious, and as he helps in their battles to save the dragons, he manages more than once to risk his own life. When Beatrice and Daniel become involved in helping Dr. Drake find the formula, which hopefully will save the dragons, Torcher is right there.
Several elements are involved in solving these mysteries. First they must obtain the book LIBER DRACONIS. Then they must figure out how to read it, as the pages appear blank (enter Torcher). Also there is the problem of getting Saint Petroc’s Chalice (the formula only works by being mixed in it). None of these tasks are easy as there are enemies everywhere, and even some who seem like friends really aren’t. The adventures get more complex when it’s discovered that evil Alexandra Gorynytchka is holding Beatrice and Daniel’s parents captive. Of course, Ignatius Crook manages to make himself known, and as always, the enemy of Dr. Drake creates yet more havoc. Lots of wild, tense moments swell into a most exciting ending --- complete with some great flying dragon battles.
The beautiful artwork on the cover and throughout the book is outstanding. Douglas Carrel masterfully presents interpretations of the action as well as great pictures of all the characters. Don’t miss this exciting second installment of the wonderful Dragonology Chronicles.
--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts
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