Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
A Practical guide to dragon riding
Illustrator: Daren Bader , Carl Critchlow , Jino Choi , Eric Deschamps
Picture Book Series
For ages 8 to 12
Mirrorstone Books, 2008 ISBN: 0786949759
Sindri Suncatcher, the Kender Wizard who penned A Practical Guide to Dragons, is back. Since he wrote that very useful volume, Sindri has had a lot more adventures and encounters with dragons. It would certainly be a shame if he did not tell us about them. Thankfully, he has decided that his knowledge is just too good to waste.
Sindri begins his new guide by recapping on some basic information about dragons. If you have already studied the Practical Guide, you will only need this information to refresh your memory.
Next Sindri talks about forming a relationship with a dragon. After all, if you want to ride a dragon, you are going to need to have a dragon on hand. Being creatures with a strong will and a mind of their own, dragons are not keen on being tamed. Who can blame them! You will need to find a dragon that is not too young, stubborn, and “inflexible.” An older dragon might suit your purposes very well.
If you cannot find an older dragon who wants to form a partnership with you, then you will need to find a dragon egg so that you can hatch and raise a dragon yourself. Of course finding, and stealing, a dragon egg can be a very dangerous. Thankfully, Sindri gives you some good tips on how to procure an egg without suffering grievous bodily harm.
There is no doubt that this is one of the best books of its kind. Packed with valuable information, wonderful illustrations, and useful tables and diagrams, this is a title every potential dragon rider should have. If you happen to know someone who has in interest in becoming a dragon rider, then buy this book for him or her. He or she will thank you many times over.
