Kids into books - Dragonspell

This week's title: Dragonspell

Author: John Parker

Illustrator: Errol McLeary

Publisher:Scholastic, $8.95

Age Group: 9-12 years


King William took off the royal Crown and scratched his head. Prince Timothy stood before him eyes downcast.

A bluebottle buzzed in the sunshine that slanted through the windows depicting all the Fairvale kings and queens in stained glass: King Henry the Hacker, King Arbuthnot the Awesome, King Edward the Eager, Queen Susan the Strong ... they stretched in a brightly coloured row behind the silent Prince. They were Prince Timothy's mighty ancestors. All were brave, all were famous - and all were Dragon-Slayers.

Mitkin, the Royal Cat, wandered in and rubbed herself against the Prince's legs. The Prince bent down and stroked the cat's back. Her green eyes blinked and she purred. The Prince tickled Mitkin's chin. It was a good excuse to keep his head down while he waited for his father's decision.

In truth, Timothy felt like crying - but fancy being known as King Timothy the Tearful! King Timothy the Tearful, captured forever on a stained glass window.

The King sighed as he looked at his son. He and Queen Katherine loved him very much.


Tomorrow: Death-by-Flame.