Kids into books: Dragonspell

This week's title: Dragonspell

Author: John Parker

Illustrator: Errol McLeary

Publisher:Scholastic, $8.95

Age Group: 9-12 years



In the Room of Stained Glass, King William of Fairvale settled himself comfortably in the Royal Chair to read his son's final school report.

"Written Expression - excellent. Good lad, Timothy."

"Thank you, sire," said his son.

King William continued. "Spelling - perfect. Reading - first-class. Behaviour in Class - always polite and cheerful. Very good indeed, my boy. Well Done! The teacher must be very pleased."

"Well, actually, sire, Mr Percival is not very pleased," said Prince Timothy in a small voice.

"Not pleased?" spluttered the King. "But this is an excellent report. I always failed in Spelling - and in Poetry my rhymes were dreadful! What's the matter with him?"

The Prince swallowed hard, and looked down at the Royal Carpet. "It's page two, sire," he said huskily. "Dragon-Slaying."

King William turned the page.