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The Dragon's Boy
Before the legendary Arthur became king, he took lessons from a dragon . . .Artos is a lonely child, teased or ignored by the other boys in the castle of Sir Ector. One day, he follows Sir Ector’s runaway hound into a mysterious, dark cave, where he encounters a dragon who offers him the gift of wisdom. Both frightened and intrigued, Artos becomes the dragon’s student and gains what he’s always longed the friendship and respect of other boys. Under the guidance of the dragon, Artos’s life begins to take shape in a way he could never have imagined. But has Artos really learned everything the dragon has to teach? And what does the dragon mean when he refers to him as “Artos Pendragon,” or “Arthur son of dragon”?This ebook features a personal history by Jane Yolen including rare images from the author’s personal collection, as well as a note from the author about the making of the book.
128 pages, ebook
First published September 30, 1990
22 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Jane Yolen
973 books3,237 followersJane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 7, 2018
Ever since I was a kid, I have loved Jane Yolen's books. When I was about thirteen years old, I picked up Sword of the Rightful King. It's the first King Arthur retelling that I remember reading. I remember loving it so much that I read it in about two days because I couldn't put it down. Recently, I came across a book by her called The Dragon's Boy and wanted to give it a try to see if I still love her books as an adult. I thought it was just okay.
I have to admit, if I would have been the intended audience about twenty years ago, I think I would have loved The Dragon's Boy. As is, I thought it was just an okay book. I liked it, and found it fun to read. However, it didn't blow me away. I've read books that are a lot better about King Arthur over the years. I also found all of the characters to be unlikable. The main character, Artos, was a brat for most of the book. He was very selfish, and a jerk to those around him. The only side character that I really liked was Lady Marion, and she wasn't in the book very much.
Even though I didn't find The Dragon's Boy mind-blowing spectacular, I did enjoy it. Once it ended, I wanted to know more about the author's interpretation of the relationship between Linn and Artos. I might have to read/re-read some of Jane Yolen's other King Arthur books and refresh my mind on her take on the tale. I think this would be a good book for children that are interested in the King Arthur legend, but have never read anything about it before. It's a great beginning stepping stone to other King Arthur retellings.
I have to admit, if I would have been the intended audience about twenty years ago, I think I would have loved The Dragon's Boy. As is, I thought it was just an okay book. I liked it, and found it fun to read. However, it didn't blow me away. I've read books that are a lot better about King Arthur over the years. I also found all of the characters to be unlikable. The main character, Artos, was a brat for most of the book. He was very selfish, and a jerk to those around him. The only side character that I really liked was Lady Marion, and she wasn't in the book very much.
Even though I didn't find The Dragon's Boy mind-blowing spectacular, I did enjoy it. Once it ended, I wanted to know more about the author's interpretation of the relationship between Linn and Artos. I might have to read/re-read some of Jane Yolen's other King Arthur books and refresh my mind on her take on the tale. I think this would be a good book for children that are interested in the King Arthur legend, but have never read anything about it before. It's a great beginning stepping stone to other King Arthur retellings.
June 4, 2024
One of my professors was retiring this past semester, so he was giving away a lot of books for our class to take. This is one I snagged, as I was intrigued by the premise as a King Arthur retelling.
This was a very unique and fresh take on Arthurian legend, and I enjoyed it! The stakes were pretty low, as it was more focused on Artos gaining wisdom as opposed to fighting bad guys; the lessons were pretty simple and definitely for a younger audience, so it wasn't exactly life-changing for me, but that's just a consequence of me being older than the target demographic. I will say, there were some twists I didn't see coming! This also seemed to be more of a snippet from his life instead of a full story, as some things weren't quite tied up by the end; I'm not sure how to feel about that.
Overall, I probably wouldn't have picked this up on my own, but I'm glad I stumbled upon it!
This was a very unique and fresh take on Arthurian legend, and I enjoyed it! The stakes were pretty low, as it was more focused on Artos gaining wisdom as opposed to fighting bad guys; the lessons were pretty simple and definitely for a younger audience, so it wasn't exactly life-changing for me, but that's just a consequence of me being older than the target demographic. I will say, there were some twists I didn't see coming! This also seemed to be more of a snippet from his life instead of a full story, as some things weren't quite tied up by the end; I'm not sure how to feel about that.
Overall, I probably wouldn't have picked this up on my own, but I'm glad I stumbled upon it!
March 4, 2025
A cute King Arthur retelling, I appreciated the true-to-life early-Christian depiction of England, and the message was sweet if a bit heavy handed. Good read and a nostalgic one!
December 29, 2017
My name is Artos, and I've mostly enjoyed my life as a foster child to Sir Ector and Lady Marion. However, I've discovered a dragon living in a nearby cave who has promised to teach me wisdom each day. I'm able to read, unlike my illiterate brothers, but I don't understand what the dragon meant when it said I need to learn to read inter linea. It also called me Artos Pendragon, but I don't remember my real parents. I used one of the dragon's gems to buy a wonderful sword, and after that, my brothers finally accepted me as an equal. However, I ran to tell the dragon about my sword, but the cave was empty. Where did it go? I appreciate all of the knowledge I've gained, but I'm angry that the dragon left without telling me. Now what do I do?
This book was based on a short story written by the best-selling author. It was surprising that a plot containing a dragon didn't have much action or suspense. The story was about the growth of Artos's character. He was feeling like the forgotten child in the family and wanted to be welcomed by his three brothers. The dragon's teachings gave him confidence, and he was clearly more intelligent than the other boys. Even as Artos became closer to his brothers, he realized their differences. He had more compassion for others and cared about their feelings. In the end, this short story left me wanting more. The last pages of the book introduced the next phase of Artos's life, and I suspect it would have made an entertaining tale.
This book was based on a short story written by the best-selling author. It was surprising that a plot containing a dragon didn't have much action or suspense. The story was about the growth of Artos's character. He was feeling like the forgotten child in the family and wanted to be welcomed by his three brothers. The dragon's teachings gave him confidence, and he was clearly more intelligent than the other boys. Even as Artos became closer to his brothers, he realized their differences. He had more compassion for others and cared about their feelings. In the end, this short story left me wanting more. The last pages of the book introduced the next phase of Artos's life, and I suspect it would have made an entertaining tale.
January 20, 2014
THE DRAGON'S BOY is a sweet, short retelling of the King Arthur mythos. It's similar to the Disney movie "The Sword In the Stone" but it reshapes things like Merlin and that sword in subtly different ways. For such a short book, there's quite a large twist at the end, but it's an interesting one. Sick of being bullied by the older boys at Sir Ector's small castle, Artos is happy to find a dragon who offers him wisdom in exchange for pots of gravy with meat. Artos complies, and learns, but soon is able to take his place with the other boys and ignores the dragon and its wisdom for a while. Of course, Artos eventually wants the dragon's help, but what he finds there is not what he expects. This is a short story, so we don't see how Artos incorporates his hard-earned lessons, but they are good ones, presented in novel ways. If you are a fan of King Arthur mythology, you'll enjoy this quick reimagining of how he gained the wisdom to become great.
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher.
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher.
July 26, 2018
Artos, foster son at a distant castle, encounters a dragon who offers him the gift of knowledge. This is fairly slight, in both conceptual and length; the plot isn't surprising, and it's not a hugely ambitious retelling of Authurian mythos. But it speaks well to the intended audience--sometimes in bald moral statements, but Artos's character growth is approachable and sympathetic. I also enjoy how Yolen handles historical fiction, how she balances the romanticized and unromanticized, the lived experience and the mythic tone.
October 12, 2017
If I had to sum up he main character in one word than that word would be persistent. I would call the main character persistent because when he first met the dragon the main character was very scared but he always came back to talk to the dragon and receive some wisdom.
what is the most interesting scene in the novel? What did the writer do to catch your interest?
the most interesting scene in the book The Dragon Boy the boy went to look for his lost dog but he could not find him but he still did not give up he still kept trying till he was really tired so he found this it was warm inside kind of like a furnace so he sat and waited when he got up he noticed he could not see the castle so he sat to think then all of a sudden he heard and giant growl that starled him.
what is the most interesting scene in the novel? What did the writer do to catch your interest?
the most interesting scene in the book The Dragon Boy the boy went to look for his lost dog but he could not find him but he still did not give up he still kept trying till he was really tired so he found this it was warm inside kind of like a furnace so he sat and waited when he got up he noticed he could not see the castle so he sat to think then all of a sudden he heard and giant growl that starled him.
August 15, 2021
I didn't realize that this was a retelling of Arthur when I first picked it up, I had just finished another book by Jane Yolen and was eager to pick up another and I found this.
And, this was okay. It was an entertaining read, and I most definitely flew through it, but it didn't have the same charm that was present in the other book of her's that I had read.
I do recommend it, it would be a great weekend read, or afternoon read, depending on how much time you have available. It just didn't blow me away.
And, this was okay. It was an entertaining read, and I most definitely flew through it, but it didn't have the same charm that was present in the other book of her's that I had read.
I do recommend it, it would be a great weekend read, or afternoon read, depending on how much time you have available. It just didn't blow me away.
October 6, 2018
Not sure how this got on my shelf, as I thought I'd sworn off Arthur stories. But it is Yolen, who is always worth checking out. And it's short. So even though it covers only Artos's childhood, and doesn't illuminate more of the subsequent bits of the legend for me, I don't feel like it wasted my time. And there is a tiny hint of Lancot's character, and a bit more of the other boys'.
February 26, 2020
This was a nice quick retelling of the King Arthur origin story with a young YA audience in mind. I enjoyed the twists and the themes of education, friendship, and growing up.
Yolen's beautiful prose did not disappoint, though it made this book less accessible for younger readers.
Yolen's beautiful prose did not disappoint, though it made this book less accessible for younger readers.
November 18, 2022
In the world of easy kid friendly accessible King Arthur related tales this one definitely fits the shoe. It’s nothing mind blowing and is extremely fast to get through. It doesn’t stand out but it’s also not terrible just a regular good book. If anything the versions of the names might throw some people off if they aren’t familiar with the different variations.
(Also in my copy the name Artos (who is Arthur) mistakenly gets spelled as Arthur and I thought that was a funny mistake)
(Also in my copy the name Artos (who is Arthur) mistakenly gets spelled as Arthur and I thought that was a funny mistake)
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October 30, 2022“Mithras, the Druids, Christianity, the fen folk- wisdom, it seemed, came in many forms and from the mouths of many gods. It was seen placed under many cups. How one used the wisdom was what really counted.”
October 10, 2019
The story as written ended too soon. I've enjoyed variations on the Arthurian legend for a long time. I will read more from this author. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2021
This is a good book for those children in need of an Arthurian adventure.
October 20, 2021
An Arthur retelling, this one is very satisfying, the humble beginning of a legend. And the tale of a very old dragon passing on wisdom made me smile.
April 7, 2023
Different twist on an old story
May 22, 2025
Wholesome retelling of the Sword in the Stone sort of but really cute.
August 28, 2013
“Uncoiling the Mythos of the Pendragon”
A master at creating and recreating the mythos of the Arthurian legend (see MERLIN’S BOOKE) Jane Yolen offers readers an original tale from the youth of Arthur—with tantalyzing hints of his legendary future. Thirteen-year-old Artos, the orphaned fosterling of Sir Ector, finds himself the youngest of a band of unruly, illiterate but nobly-bred bullies—who barely accept him. In danger of growing up to be one of the wild bunch one day Artos stumbles upon a case who very existence he did not suspect. Unwilling but ever more curious he soon becomes drawn to its unseen occupant: a harsh-voiced old dragon. For reasons best known to himself this Master of Riddles has chosen young Artos to reveal his wisdom--acquired over more than one lifetime.
In this 120-page novella Artos gradually realizes that there are
many kinds of wisdom—from diverse and even contradictory sources—some of which he must puzzle out for himself. Book learning, reading between the lines of one’s life path or one’s own palm; court protocol and courtyard smarts—not to mention navigating the intricacies of the human heart. Christened with a new, mysterious patronymic epithet Artos must ultimately mature in order to don with dignity the surname of Pendragon—son of the ancient dragon whom he has finally grown to respect and even to love.
The literary pacing changes in the last two chapters, where plot and action become secondary to more serious dialogue. With oblique references to Arthur’s future glory in Celtic legend Yolen includes several pages of deep introspection which may challenge interest of younger readers. Yet we can never get enough insight into the creator of the dream of Camlann—a shining milieu which has captured the imagination of Western civilization for centuries—from the twilight of the Roman era right up to our present age. The world will long cherish and prove the richer for Arthur’s legacy of chivalric justice before the Dark Ages.
(August 27, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
A master at creating and recreating the mythos of the Arthurian legend (see MERLIN’S BOOKE) Jane Yolen offers readers an original tale from the youth of Arthur—with tantalyzing hints of his legendary future. Thirteen-year-old Artos, the orphaned fosterling of Sir Ector, finds himself the youngest of a band of unruly, illiterate but nobly-bred bullies—who barely accept him. In danger of growing up to be one of the wild bunch one day Artos stumbles upon a case who very existence he did not suspect. Unwilling but ever more curious he soon becomes drawn to its unseen occupant: a harsh-voiced old dragon. For reasons best known to himself this Master of Riddles has chosen young Artos to reveal his wisdom--acquired over more than one lifetime.
In this 120-page novella Artos gradually realizes that there are
many kinds of wisdom—from diverse and even contradictory sources—some of which he must puzzle out for himself. Book learning, reading between the lines of one’s life path or one’s own palm; court protocol and courtyard smarts—not to mention navigating the intricacies of the human heart. Christened with a new, mysterious patronymic epithet Artos must ultimately mature in order to don with dignity the surname of Pendragon—son of the ancient dragon whom he has finally grown to respect and even to love.
The literary pacing changes in the last two chapters, where plot and action become secondary to more serious dialogue. With oblique references to Arthur’s future glory in Celtic legend Yolen includes several pages of deep introspection which may challenge interest of younger readers. Yet we can never get enough insight into the creator of the dream of Camlann—a shining milieu which has captured the imagination of Western civilization for centuries—from the twilight of the Roman era right up to our present age. The world will long cherish and prove the richer for Arthur’s legacy of chivalric justice before the Dark Ages.
(August 27, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
January 17, 2014
The Dragon's Boy by Jane Yolan is a children's chapter book in the Arthurian tradition. Artos is a lonely and regularly teased boy in the castle of Sir Ector. One day he is tasked with chasing down a dog that has run off- and somehow ends p in a mysterious cave where he meets a dragon that offers him wisdom. Despite his fear, Artos becomes the dragon's student and learns things he never imagined. Atros receives wisdom of all kinds from the dragon, but still wants to be recognized as a worthy friend by the other boys of the castle. Many lessons need to be learned, in many different ways, to complete the learning required of Artos Pendragon.
I am firmly of the opinion that Jane Yolan is an author that would have to put serious effort into writing something that isn't wonderful. Combine that with my love of Arthurian legends, and The Dragon's Boy could not lose. This book offers a new look at Arthur, or Artos's, early life and his relationship with Sir Ector and Old Linn (Merlin). I liked that Artos was a young man that new his mind, and thanks to the wisdom of 'the dragon' and his own common sense, saw through most of the faults of the other boys. However, like most going through the preteen and teen years, he still wanted to fit in even when the crowd was doing something he did not want to be a part of. The book offers a coming of age ideal with the hints of adventure soon to come. The twist of the dragon and possibilities for the future really made the book even better.
The Dragon's Boy is a book that I would recommend to all readers that love Yolan's work, have a love of Arthur, enjoy coming of age tales, and enjoy stories about being true to yourself. I really enjoyed this book, and the experience was made even better with the personal history of Yolan and some of her photographs that were included at the end of the book.
I am firmly of the opinion that Jane Yolan is an author that would have to put serious effort into writing something that isn't wonderful. Combine that with my love of Arthurian legends, and The Dragon's Boy could not lose. This book offers a new look at Arthur, or Artos's, early life and his relationship with Sir Ector and Old Linn (Merlin). I liked that Artos was a young man that new his mind, and thanks to the wisdom of 'the dragon' and his own common sense, saw through most of the faults of the other boys. However, like most going through the preteen and teen years, he still wanted to fit in even when the crowd was doing something he did not want to be a part of. The book offers a coming of age ideal with the hints of adventure soon to come. The twist of the dragon and possibilities for the future really made the book even better.
The Dragon's Boy is a book that I would recommend to all readers that love Yolan's work, have a love of Arthur, enjoy coming of age tales, and enjoy stories about being true to yourself. I really enjoyed this book, and the experience was made even better with the personal history of Yolan and some of her photographs that were included at the end of the book.
November 17, 2013
Young Artos lives in Sir Ector's castle and is shoved around by the other boys. One day, while tracking down a wayward hound, he discovers a cave that has a dragon living in it. The dragon offers him wisdom in exchange for pots of gravy and meat.
It's a grand tale of young King Arthur with some familiar characters. He doesn't become king by the end of this book, but he's well on his way to understanding how to lead people. He gains some understanding of himself and the people around him as well.
I enjoyed it and found it clever and engaging. The character of Artos changes quite a bit over the short length of the book and Yolen is a masterful storyteller. There are some nice surprises in the lessons that Artos learns throughout the book.
Included in the ebook is a note by the author about how the book got written along with a nice personal history of Jane Yolen with photographs. According to the author, she has a sum of books of 335. If you've never read anything by her, you owe a look at her work.
I was given a review copy of the book by Open Road Integrated Media and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book.
It's a grand tale of young King Arthur with some familiar characters. He doesn't become king by the end of this book, but he's well on his way to understanding how to lead people. He gains some understanding of himself and the people around him as well.
I enjoyed it and found it clever and engaging. The character of Artos changes quite a bit over the short length of the book and Yolen is a masterful storyteller. There are some nice surprises in the lessons that Artos learns throughout the book.
Included in the ebook is a note by the author about how the book got written along with a nice personal history of Jane Yolen with photographs. According to the author, she has a sum of books of 335. If you've never read anything by her, you owe a look at her work.
I was given a review copy of the book by Open Road Integrated Media and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me review this book.
April 9, 2008
I checked this out for my nephew because I was tired of reading his Animorph reviews. Now that I have finally read it I feel embarrassed that I pushed this book on him. Not one of Yolen's best. It wasn't a bad book really, but when reading it as if I was 9 years old I realized that it was a very confusing and dull book. The language and subject matter was more for a teen-ager. So my gripe might be more with the library system for putting in the Juvenile section when it should have been put in the Young Adult section.
So, one thing I could not tell was whether this book was pro- or anti- Christianity. And was it pro- or anti- the existence of dragons? I am not sure. A fantasy book that included Christian references and faeries but twisted it all up in such a way that it made me wonder what the motivation for this book might really be since it wasn't fun and exciting and creative enough to be a purely a fantasy book about dragons.
So, one thing I could not tell was whether this book was pro- or anti- Christianity. And was it pro- or anti- the existence of dragons? I am not sure. A fantasy book that included Christian references and faeries but twisted it all up in such a way that it made me wonder what the motivation for this book might really be since it wasn't fun and exciting and creative enough to be a purely a fantasy book about dragons.
February 7, 2014
13-year-old Artos stumbles across a cave while searching for Sir Ector's hound, and the thundering voice of a dragon ropes him into stew in exchange for wisdom each week. Slowly Artos begins to rethink his world and his place in it, just as he finally wins the respect of larger knights-to-be who have been pummeling and teasing him for years.
This is a great book to hand to readers who can handle advanced vocabulary but aren't ready for mature content (or middle school boys). A short read that can easily be mistaken for an early reader, Yolen's story is an original tale of King Arthur that gives a nod to the traditional stories and preserves the same flavor, but has almost none of the same events. A good story in its own right, it would make for good classroom discussion on how it compares to the original legends as well.
This is a great book to hand to readers who can handle advanced vocabulary but aren't ready for mature content (or middle school boys). A short read that can easily be mistaken for an early reader, Yolen's story is an original tale of King Arthur that gives a nod to the traditional stories and preserves the same flavor, but has almost none of the same events. A good story in its own right, it would make for good classroom discussion on how it compares to the original legends as well.
February 25, 2010
What to do about books for younger readers who can manage adult words and aren't ready for adult topics? This is an interesting possibility, if not a must read. Yolen's take on the Aurthur legend is original and doesn't avoid fifty-cent words, yet the content is completely appropriate for the second grader I read this to. (There's a tinny bit of sword play, rich allusions, and no real peril, violence, or evil.)
Unfortunately, the ending didn't seem to satisfy my seven year old (too open ended and too big a stretch from what seemed to be coming), and I thought the final chapter was too melodramatic, too vague and too pat - if it is even possible for an ending to be all three at once. While I don't regret it, I think I'll look for other things next go around.
Unfortunately, the ending didn't seem to satisfy my seven year old (too open ended and too big a stretch from what seemed to be coming), and I thought the final chapter was too melodramatic, too vague and too pat - if it is even possible for an ending to be all three at once. While I don't regret it, I think I'll look for other things next go around.
September 6, 2013
When I agreed to review The Dragon's Boy for Open Road Media, I checked off the book due to its title. I did not know Jane Yolen, so this the first book of her's I read.
Turns out Jane is a prolific writer in both SF & Fantasy and a self confessed Aurthur-holic.
This is a charming tale about the boy Artos and his longing for more from life. Old Linn wants to give it to him but chooses a unique way of doing so. Artos discovers a cave in a lonely tor with a resident dragon. he trades lessons in order to gain status within the castle.
This is an old fashioned page turner that you will not want to put down till the end.
Turns out Jane is a prolific writer in both SF & Fantasy and a self confessed Aurthur-holic.
This is a charming tale about the boy Artos and his longing for more from life. Old Linn wants to give it to him but chooses a unique way of doing so. Artos discovers a cave in a lonely tor with a resident dragon. he trades lessons in order to gain status within the castle.
This is an old fashioned page turner that you will not want to put down till the end.
January 24, 2015
The Dragon's boy
by Jane yolen
Artos Pendragon is learning to be a night, a foundling that has been raise in Sir Ector's Beau Regard castle, but finding a secret cave leads to unexpected knowledge. His friendship with this new impressive friend changes his life forever. Teaching him lessons that will help him be accepted by Cai, Lancelot, and Bedvere the other apprentices of the castle. A great story to share with your students who are struggling with coming of age conflicts. Jane Yolen is a great children's author whose stories teach life lessons to children in a story that allows the reader to explore their view of the world.
by Jane yolen
Artos Pendragon is learning to be a night, a foundling that has been raise in Sir Ector's Beau Regard castle, but finding a secret cave leads to unexpected knowledge. His friendship with this new impressive friend changes his life forever. Teaching him lessons that will help him be accepted by Cai, Lancelot, and Bedvere the other apprentices of the castle. A great story to share with your students who are struggling with coming of age conflicts. Jane Yolen is a great children's author whose stories teach life lessons to children in a story that allows the reader to explore their view of the world.
November 20, 2013
A full review is available at my blog:
http://destinydawnlong.wordpress.com/...
Excerpt:
Overall, I think this would be a nice book to introduce younger readers to the Arthurian legend. Artos is a protagonist that tweens and early adolescents should be able to relate to and sympathize with. Although, if they are already reading fantasy, they might find it a bit short compared to other books they’ve encountered. In final analysis I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I liked reading it, but it could have been better.
http://destinydawnlong.wordpress.com/...
Excerpt:
Overall, I think this would be a nice book to introduce younger readers to the Arthurian legend. Artos is a protagonist that tweens and early adolescents should be able to relate to and sympathize with. Although, if they are already reading fantasy, they might find it a bit short compared to other books they’ve encountered. In final analysis I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I liked reading it, but it could have been better.
April 20, 2014
Very disappointing read, entirely too short even for a child's book. Author could have gone so much further, and should have, to expect the electronic-edition book that I unfortunately purchased to be worth $6. Shallow characters, poor story-line, improbable scenes. And, when I read the product details after I finished nibbling this unsatisfying morsel, I found the thing should have been 128 pages... I only got 82. Which included several pages about the author. If I could return for refund, I would. Unfortunately, I got the e-book.
January 15, 2010
I am a fan of Jane Yolen's work targeted to adults, so when I saw she had written books for a younger audience (starting in the late 1990s I think), I picked them up. "The Dragon's Boy" is a young King Artor story; she changed his name slightly. The story is engaging the entire way through, and well-written. I read it to my five-year old, and he adored it--he was totally into the story throughout.
July 2, 2017
Artos is a "fosterling" who never knew his mother or father and was taken into the castle of Sir Ector and Lady Marion. His one true wish is to be accepted by the other boys: Bedverl, Lancot and Cai, heir to Sir Ector. One day, as he searches for a missing hound, Artos stumbles upon a cave inhabited by a dragon. The dragon promises to give Artos wisdom in return for a pot of stew.
Thus begins a stroy based on the Arthur legend. A good, short introduction into the fantasy genre.
Thus begins a stroy based on the Arthur legend. A good, short introduction into the fantasy genre.
February 16, 2009
This is not Jane Yolen's best work. Artos is a young man who finds himself discovering a cave and a dragon that offers him a trade for wisdom. Artos discovers he enjoys the dragon's trades and so the story goes. Not really that interesting and a little confusing for the younger reader. The ending was just lousy so I'd pass this one by for a much nicer read.
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