Member Reviews
My kids are irrelevant for this one. I LOVE THIS BOOK! The layout, illustrations, content, all of it is fantastic. I am 100% getting this as a coffee table book.
I love this book! This is the kind of book I would have absolutely adored and believed, hook, line, and sinker when I was a kid. Every single sketch of the dragons, the people, and the dragon eggs were phenomenal, and very impressive. There was so much detail and accurate coloring, with the right finish on each illustration (that historical feeling). At the dragon description section, all of the dragons were drawn perfectly to the physical descriptions of the dragons. Lastly, for graphics, the book was organized really well, in a logical and concise way. Bravo, illustrator/graphics person!
As for the writing content, it was dense but really fun to read. All of the information kids want to know about dragons was present, and so fascinating, too. I also think that it was such a smart idea on the author's part to include a student's diary entries in this dragon info book. It will definitely inspire kids to dream and this book will trigger their imaginations to run wild. Kids love these kinds of books, and this book was done perfectly. This book will no doubt be a favorite and might even become a reference book for young to-be dragon riders. :)
Bravo!
Such a beautiful and entertaining book introducing kids to dragons. I loved the idea of it being a field guide and the illustrations were lovely
A Natural History of Dragons is a picture book "field guide" of dragons with incredibly beautiful illustrations. It reads like a non-fiction book with tons of dragon trivia & factoids. This would be a great read for dragon lovers of all ages.
I particularly liked the focus on dragon folklore around the world, and the emphasis on differences and similarities of dragons between regions. Thanks to NetGalley, Emily Hawkins, and Quarto Publishing for the chance to read and review! My opinions are my own!
Wow! This is such a gorgeous collection of information about dragons that is sure to delight any dragon lover, as well as any children interested in fantasy. While the eBook is wonderful I think this is a book that would be highly treasured in print and admit to wanting a copy when it is published later this year. With a mix of journal entries from a long ago dragon-rider student, accompanied by a field guide with illustrations and detailed descriptions, there is so much information on all things dragon. I found this book captivating and fascinating in so many ways, and enjoyed the level of research and thought that has gone into making this a great resource. Funny, quirky and brilliantly done. Thanks to Netgalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s books for letting me read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my review. Also thanks to the amazing author Emily Hawkins, and the stunningly talented illustrator, Jessica Roux.
Children with parents that are fans of Dungeons & Dragons or any dragon fantasy reader!! THIS IS A MUST HAVE ON THE SHELF!!
Absolutely beautiful dragon illustrations. The descriptive writing and attention to details is immaculate. So happy that we have more dragons books.
It has everything you need to know about dragons from their life cycle down to their wing spans. If I didn’t know any better, I would think dragons are real
Can’t wait for this to release. Will be buying this for my daughters.
My son and I love this series of books and growing up I was definitely a dragon girlie so we were excited to get a look at this book! It did not disappoint! Everything you'd expect to see with some things you would not! Beautiful illustrations as well! Thank you so much for the e arc!
This is a perfect book for all fantasy lovers, young and even old! The book is STUNNING. And the information that fills the pages is a must read for all dragon lovers.
*I was only able to read the first few pages… clunky software on NetGalley today?
This fictional book reads like a non-fiction title. I think kid and adult fantasy lovers would enjoy the content and the layout of this book. It is just the right length and features global content. The illustrations are done in a realistic style with a soft colour palette.
I love the clever premise of the Academie Solomonar and the work of the Solomonari. Between this and the gorgeous illustrations, as well as the beautiful layout, this book will engage dragon lovers of all ages.
*Thank you to NetGalley for the arc, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of A Natural History of Dragons by Emily Hawkins in exchange for an honest review. This book is gorgeous and I can only imagine how beautiful the hardback will be. My nephew and I love dragons and I can't wait to share this book with him. There is a lot of interesting information on dragons and I found it a fun read.
as a child i was obsessed with the idea of dragons. i would spend hours poring over the contents of my dragonology book, and ‘dragon rider’ by cornelia funke was one of my first bookish loves. so it makes me so happy to see a book like this set to be published for a new era of dragon obsessed children that just so happens to almost be the perfect mash of the two above listed books.
part dragon history, part school book, there is so much potential for future instalments should the authors want to do so. i for one would love to see the idea of the ‘academie solomonar’ expanded in future, it has the makings of an incredible middle grade magical school tale.
the artwork is simply exquisite, with each piece drawn with great care and so much variation and detail. in all, a great book for inquisitive young readers— highly recommend!
thank you to the publisher (frances lincoln) and netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy.
This is so creative and fun!! What an inventive concept and I want to buy this for my nephew! The illustrations are detailed and beautiful, too.
With an exquisite cover and gilt edges, A Natural History of Dragons is fated to treasured for years to come. But even without that, children would cherish A Natural History of Dragons due to author Emily Hawkins quaint storytelling and illustrator Jessica Roux’s detailed, old-fashioned depictions of dragons. Together we soar!
This picture book purports to be the letters, textbooks and notes of one Thaddeus Quinn, who learned to be a dragon-rider at the secret Academe Solomonar, located in Transylvania, in the closing days of the 19th century. The book’s vibe is definitely Dragonology, with an equally beautiful exterior and interior, and Hawkins’ history of dragons includes dragons from all over the world and all ages.
The opening letter ends with “May the flame of this ancient knowledge kindle the spark of learning in you.” I can devise no better wish than that. Who could resist that? I only wish I could give this picture book six stars!
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.
A fun concept that instantly made me think of Rowling's fantastic beasts. It's quirky and imaginative with a touch of humour like the "Princess Problem" section.
Will appeal to fantasy aficionados.
This book would be the perfect gift for a fantasy loving older child (or, frankly, a fantasy loving adult). This beautiful book covers what dragons are, a history of dragons, and how to care for dragons. The book is well written and has a very engaging format.
The illustrations are spectacular. The illustrator uses vibrant colors and intricate details in the pictures. These are the sort of illustrations that my children and I would come back to over and over again.
I love that the author covers dragons around the world. As an immigrant to the USA, I appreciated that a dragon from my home country was referenced. This also makes it more exciting for my children, who love books with that connection.
Overall, this is a beautiful book that I can see being loved by a lot of children and their families.