“As principal of the school –and, I am not too humble to admit, an acclaimed expert in my field– I have written this book as a guide for all students to the remarkable world of dragons.”


A Natural History of Dragons is a very pretty children book. A bit like JKR’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, it is a true false school book. In this book, supposed to be addressed to Academie Solomonar’s students in Draconology, we learn everything about dragons.
I loved how the book mixes facts from that imaginary world, and “true” legends, how it interprets art and myths. Everything mixes and make us travel, exposing children to a lot of different works in a very fun way. Then, it lists Dragons coming from different cultures like in a true natural science book, adding comparisons between “species”.
In addition to that creative idea, the book is absolutely gorgeous, with magnificent illustrations, giving us the impression to actually read a grimoire.

Thank you Emily Hawkins, NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own

This was a very cute and adorable book, I loved reading about dragons and the illustrations were stunning. I would definitely recommend this book.

This was a beautiful, original, and unique children’s book or a book for any dragon lover. I love the format and the letters/diary entries mixed in with the different dragon species. The illustrations by Jessica Roux are amazing.

I’d absolutely buy this book for a dragon lover in my life. I’ve since discovered the author/artist have written other books designed like this including one about fairies that I’m interested in reading.

Thanks to the publisher and author/artist for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Reading this book made me wish (once again) that dragons were real. It’s presented as a field guide to all things dragons with notes from a young student training at a dragon academy.

So cute with beautiful illustrations. It will make a great present for all the young dragon lovers in your life.

Book Review: A Natural History of Dragons by Emily Hawkins & Jessica Roux

Rating: 4 Stars

As someone who has always been captivated by the mystical allure of dragons, A Natural History of Dragons by Emily Hawkins, with illustrations by Jessica Roux, was a delightful treat for me. This beautifully crafted book presents itself as an 1800s handbook intended for students of the Academie Solomonar, the sole institution for aspiring dragon-riders.

From the very start, the book pulls you into its world by addressing the age-old question: Are dragons merely the stuff of legends, or do they hold a kernel of truth behind their fiery tales? The narrative unfolds through a series of letters penned by Thaddeus Quinn, a boy training to ride dragons. This unique format not only makes the reading experience engaging but also adds a touch of authenticity to the lore and knowledge being shared.

The book is packed with fascinating details about various dragons from all over the globe. You’ll learn about their life cycles, anatomy, habitats, and even the secrets behind how they manage to soar through the skies. With each page turn, you are treated to enchanting illustrations that bring these majestic creatures to life, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the mind.

I can't help but rave about the stunning cover—it's a real eye-catcher! The entire layout of A Natural History of Dragons is designed thoughtfully, with a perfect blend of text and imagery that invites both young readers and adults to dive deep into the mythical world. It's the kind of book that not only educates but also sparks your imagination, making it a fantastic addition to any dragon lover’s library.

Whether you’re an avid collector of fantasy literature or simply someone who appreciates beautiful illustrations, this book is a must-have. It would serve wonderfully as a coffee table book to spark conversations and intrigue guests. If you share my passion for dragons or just love a good tale, I highly recommend giving this volume a read—you won’t be disappointed!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Another beautifully illustrated book which I will definitely be be purchasing, it is amazing for grown ups and kids alike.

Absolutely beautiful illustrations. The information shared is funny and insightful, which makes it very believable. The art is very detailed with almost an aged look to them. Great book for any fantasy loving person, adult or child.

This book is a real gem for anyone who loves fantasy. It dives deep into the world of dragons, exploring everything from their anatomy to the legends that surround them. Written as if it’s a handbook from the 1800s, it’s like stepping into a secret school for dragon-riders. If you’re into magical creatures and love beautiful books, this one’s a must-have.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

A Natural History of Dragons is a stunningly illustrated and put-together book for young and old alike all about dragons. The book reads as a format of letters from Thaddeus Quinn (a boy trained to be a dragon rider at a secret academy) textbook information and notes - all set out in an eye-catching and knowledge devouring way with stunning illustrations throughout. Everything you could think of relating to dragons is within the pages of this beautiful book. I would suggest getting it in physical format as the netgalley ARC on my kindle and tablet was quite hard to read in places as the font is quite small. This is a must for every bookcase of any dragon lover (like myself).

This is a gorgeously illustrated guide to dragons written in an encylopedia style that suits the subject matter (dragons) well. In addition to the many facts and illustrations about dragons and their anatomy and lifestyles are many facts about the school for dragon riding and caring for a young dragon, as the frame story is that this is a textbook at said school. It is in some ways reminiscent of the Dragonology (and other -ologies) books and also Quidditch Through the Ages. It is written in the same dry, old-time-y style.

I found the text engaging and fascinating, the illustrations beautiful and intriguing, and the whole book excellently thought-out and put together. My dragon-obssessed kiddo enjoyed it thoroughly as well.

*Thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing an early copy for review.

This book is truly so much fun. I loved the ability to read about the variety of dragons and their differences. It is clear that a lot of care and research went into creating this book and I am so excited that I had the chance to read it.

If you love reading about dragons this is the perfect book for you. There is plenty of information and lots of amazing artwork. I’ve already made sure it is stocked n my store.

Absolutely loved this book, it’s so informative and I loved the sections they had in it. I loved the descriptions and artwork in the book, I’m definitely going to recommend this and the others in the series to my library!! Thanks Frances Lincoln Children’s Books and Emily Hawkins for a cute read!!

A really fun history of dragons from around the world. I really enjoyed the creativity and details put into each dragons habitat, description, and abilities! My kids would LOVE to have this book, so it'll be going on their Christmas list for sure!
I also really enjoyed the story about Freckles but I did find it kind of awkward to read it along side the history. I think it may have been better as it's own book.

A Natural History of Dragons is the newest book in Emily Hawkins & Jessica Roux’s Folklore Field Guides series, and it is a terrific entry into this collection! Like previous books by these creators, we get a good mix of introduction to traditional folklore, unique takes on mythological creatures with consideration to how they would evolve in different environments, and a wrap around narrative conveyed through journal notes. Emily Hawkins’ writing transports you into the world of these guides and Jessica Roux’s gorgeous illustrations bring the creatures within to life. This book is great for dragon or folklore enthusiasts of any age and the design will make it a beautiful addition to any collection.

Thank you Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A beautifully illustrated children's book for anyone with a love for anything dragons. It was wonderfully written and the content is easy to take in for children. I can't wait to share this with the children in my life.

Thank you to Netgalley's book for anyone with a love for anything dragons.

‘A Natural History of Dragons’ by Emily Hawkins is an imaginative and captivating book that presents a fictional exploration of dragons through the lens of historical and academic study. The book is framed as a late 19th-century handbook intended for students of the Academie Solomonar, a fictional school for dragon riders, adding a unique historical twist to its presentation.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆

While the information about dragons is fictional, the book draws upon a rich tapestry of folklore and mythology, making it feel well-researched and authentic within its fantastical context. The attention to detail in the depiction of dragons and their lore adds depth and credibility to the fictional world.

Perspective: ★★★★☆

The perspective of the book is both creative and immersive. Presented as an academic handbook from a bygone era, it offers a delightful blend of historical authenticity and imaginative storytelling. This unique viewpoint enhances the reader's experience, providing a sense of discovery and exploration.

Relevance: ★★★★☆

Though dragons are not a current scientific focus, the book’s relevance lies in its reflection of growing interest in fantastical creatures and their representations in modern media. The increasing popularity of dragons in books and pop culture makes this read particularly appealing to enthusiasts of the genre.

Engagement: ★★★★★

The book is highly engaging, with its detailed descriptions and inventive narrative keeping readers thoroughly absorbed. The historical framework and thorough exploration of dragon lore capture the imagination, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

Readability: ★★★★☆

The readability is excellent, with a well-structured format and accessible language that complements the historical and academic style. The book’s presentation is clear and enjoyable, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Enjoyment: ★★★★★

‘A Natural History of Dragons’ is immensely enjoyable, blending scholarly charm with imaginative storytelling. Readers with a love for dragons and historical fiction will find it particularly delightful, offering both entertainment and a sense of wonder.


Emily Hawkins' ‘A Natural History of Dragons’ is a thoroughly engaging and imaginative exploration of dragon lore, presented through a creative historical framework. Its blend of detailed research, unique perspective, and captivating narrative makes it a must-read for fans of fantastical creatures and historical fantasy. The book’s delightful readability and enjoyment make it a standout addition to any fantasy lover’s collection.

"A Natural History of Dragons" is a beautifully crafted book that makes dragons seem real. Presented as a journal or collection of facts, it offers a rich, immersive experience through detailed illustrations and meticulous accounts. My daughter, who already owns another book from this series, loves this one too, and I share her enthusiasm. The blend of natural history with fantasy elements is both enchanting and educational. It's a delightful read for all ages, and we will definitely be purchasing a physical copy to add to our collection. Highly recommended for dragon enthusiasts and lovers of magical adventures alike!

What a beautiful and delightful book! The illustrations guide the reader through such a fun journey about dragons! My daughter loved to look at the pictures and explore each of the pages many details. I love this entire series, and this book was a lovely addition.

I enjoyed this picture history of dragons. It is written in a very informative manner, allowing students who are into dragons to get sucked into their imagination. However, it is written at a higher level, and in trying to figure out where to shelve it, I am not sure I can justify the purchase from my meager budget. I will keep it on a short list, in case I have a student with a sincere interest in dragons.

The illustrations are stunning and I loved how the dragons covered include the dragons of Japan and China.

Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group- Francis Lincoln's Children Books and Net Galley for the eARC! All opinions are my own.