Night Sky Dragons

Author:

Mal Peet & Elspeth Graham

Illustrator:

Patrick Benson

Published by:

Walker Books Ltd.

First Published:

1 Jul 2014

Ideal for readers aged

6-9y

My Review

These books are unusual in that they each tell stories that could fill a novel, in the format of an easy to access picture book. They are perfect for reading aloud or for independent readers 7ish and up, as the illustrations are just so immersive and transporting. I particularly enjoyed the close relationship between Yazul and his longsuffering and gentle Grandfather in 'Night Sky Dragons' - and the mending of the relationship between Yazul and his father that happens in the final pages of the book. The story also has the added interest of taking us to the Silk Road route in Medieval times - an interesting place to start conversations around trade and its history through the ages....

All three books in the trilogy have heroes who are unlikely, poor, and overlooked, yet remain steadfast and find that in the end their integrity is rewarded. They take the reader to places in the world seldom visited in children's literature!

Heads Up!

For another book set in Asia - this time on a tea plantation in the high Himalyas - read 'Cloud Tea Monkeys' by the same authors!

Publisher Review

From Owl Babies illustrator, Patrick Benson, and from the creators of the Kate Greenaway shortlisted Cloud Tea Monkeys, comes a captivating story set in medieval Mongolia – a story of family, danger, banditry and kite-flying. Set at a caravanserai along the Silk Road, Night Sky Dragons is the tale of Yazul, a young boy who spends most of his time with his grandfather in his workshop, making kites. More than anything, Yazul wants the approval of his father, the lord of the han, but his love of kite-making only ever seems to cause disappointment: "Travel and trade are what matters," his father says. One day, the han becomes surrounded by a group of bandits. Everyone becomes trapped within the walls of the han and with the bandits waiting them out, food becomes scarce and spirits rapidly fall. However, Yazul has an idea... With the help of his grandfather he might just be able to scare the bandits away and save the han!