Song of the Poison Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Masters #5)
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
In book #5, the Dragon Masters are excited to meet the newest Dragon Master, Petra. But when she arrives at the castle, she doesn't fit in right away. She's a know-it-all, and she doesn't even try to connect with her four-headed dragon! Could the Dragon Stone have chosen her by mistake? Then something terrible happens to the king. Petra will have to work with the other Dragon Masters to save him before it's too late!
Reviews (169)
Another Wonderful Book in Tracey West's Dragon Master Series ...
“Song of the Poison Dragon” is a story that will engage new readers and one that can be an enjoyable read-aloud for preschoolers and for kindergarteners. Tracey West has written another wonderful book involving magic dragons and diverse, multi-ethnic children who are learning to become Dragon Masters. A new Dragon Master is arriving in the Kingdom of Bracken. Eight-year old, Petra, “…from the southern lands …” has been chosen by the Dragon Stone for the unnamed four-headed hydra. Her know-it-all attitude makes an unfavorable impression on the four Dragon Masters already living at King Roland’s castle. The king’s desire to exhibit his dragons for his friend Queen Rose results in a near tragedy as Petra fails, when the dragon becomes agitated, to follow instructions and pat the hydra’s heads. After a compassionate, understanding Drake succumbs to the hydra’s poison mist, Petra must overcome her fears to save both Drake and King Roland. Perfect for the target group, “Song of the Poison Dragon” is not a difficult book to read. Chapters are short; the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or difficult. Sentences are simple and convey their message with the story and the characters’ actions. Beginning readers will appreciate the less complex structure of the narrative. The subject matter of wizards and dragons will fascinate young readers who find many early reader books “boring”. The book has magic and action; the mythical creatures contained on its pages will engage children. Damien Jones’ black-and-white illustrations are featured on almost every page. Unlike the simplistic drawings in some other children’s books, these have depth, perspective, and dimension, making them visually interesting and very appealing. These illustrations bring the characters to life. I appreciate that Tracey West has decided to include illustrations throughout the “Song of the Poison Dragon” for children who may have advanced to having chapter books read aloud to them at bedtime, but who still want pictures to accompany the story. Through the Wizard Griffith’s teaching of the Dragon Masters, the books show the importance of following the instruction and guidance of those who have greater wisdom than those being mentored. They also provide some good lessons about cooperation and the importance of listening to and of understanding others. The books in the Dragon Masters series contain magic and action, and situations that engage and interest youngsters. I am thrilled Tracey West has continued the Dragon Masters books and am glad to see there is at least one more to be published. If you are looking for a series of books that will interest early readers, particularly boys, you will want to look at the Dragon Master series. It is not necessary to have read other books in the Dragon Masters series – but you will want to do so - to enjoy “Song of the Poison Dragon”. Tracey West provides enough background information in this book to allow you to enjoy it independent of the other four Dragon Masters books. Her books are fun to read, contain enough fantasy and magic to appeal to children, and teach some valuable lessons without becoming didactic.
Good
Spoilers ahead: My 7 yo liked parts of his including Petra knowing all about dragons, but she hates the king getting poisoned and Petra blaming herself. She did not feel it was how the character would have acted based on how Petra was during the beginning of the book. Petra later became one of her favorite characters especially in later books. It was a good enough book to make my kiddo VERY PASSIONATE about her feelings but not one she rereads.
Good books, got a little bent
I bought a bunch of these books for my daughters birthday. I know she loves them because she’s gotten them from the library and has read them before. I give it 4 stars because I was disappointed that they came in an envelope instead of a box. Since these are paperbacks some of them did get slightly bent.
(Series) book reader
my daughter has been waiting on this book, she has read the entire series. She loved it! makes for a super fun summer reading series for young children, as a beginner chapter book for reading, or to be read to. (my daughter is 1st grade, going into 2nd)... excellent for boys or girls.
Can't put it down
I feel really silly as I stated reading these chapter books with and for my grandson. I find that after I have read to him, I want to keep reading. I want to know what's going to happen next.
You will want the WHOLE series!
My 5 year old LOVES this series!!! Oh and so do I! We have every book so far. Not only are they very well written and have an intriguing story line, there are small pictures on every page - making it a seamless transition to reading him chapter books. He's also any early reader and often able to follow along. He already has plans to reread the books when he is older and a more independent reader as well. I especially love how key strong characters are both boys and girls. Making the series relatable to all genders. There are no weapons or scary plot themes, but rather excitement with magic and dragon powers! The stories are creative, clever, and quite a page turner for us both! Only wish the next book would come out sooner!
A great book for new chapter book readers
My daughter is a new chapter book reader, and this book series was perfect to get her started in that direction. The stories were interesting and fun, but not too long to be intimidating. She looks forward to each new book coming out. I've noticed some other "new reader" books like animal ark and Rainbow fairies are a pretty boring read and don't keep my daughter's interest for long, so this was a welcome change.
7-year old boy approved
Even though the new dragon master was *gasp* a girl, my son decided to give it a read and loved it - more good stuff from the Dragon Masters series!
He told me the book was the best serious he ever read
My son is 6 years old and he can ready by himself. He loves this serious very much. He finished 4 books (#5-#8) in one night. I rarely saw him read a chapter book so urgent. He kept asking me to wait until finished a book before he was willing to do other things. When he finished #8, he asked me to buy #9 and rest. He told me the book was the best serious he ever read.
Great series!
My sons, ages 6 and 4, LOVE this series. Highly recommend for young readers getting into chapter books.
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