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The Dragon in the Bookshop
An old Polish city fizzes with fear. The townsfolk are at the mercy of a dragon who lurks in the cave below the castle...
Konrad's dad always used to say, 'There is a character in a book somewhere that matches you almost entirely. It's just a matter of finding them'. Konrad never expected the 'finding' to involve stepping right into a story, and he never expected his dad not to be there with him.
After his dad's death, Konrad stops speaking. Not a word at home or school as the year rolls by. But that begins to change when he meets Maya on the beach he loved to explore with Dad. She doesn't mind his silence. It gives her a chance to be heard, because at home no one seems to notice her. When the pair go on a last visit to Konrad's family bookshop before it's sold, they soon get lost in the pages of Konrad's favourite book of folk tales. Whisked back in time to quest with a dragon, they must find themselves and their voices, as well as a happy end to the story in the book and in real life.
Konrad's dad always used to say, 'There is a character in a book somewhere that matches you almost entirely. It's just a matter of finding them'. Konrad never expected the 'finding' to involve stepping right into a story, and he never expected his dad not to be there with him.
After his dad's death, Konrad stops speaking. Not a word at home or school as the year rolls by. But that begins to change when he meets Maya on the beach he loved to explore with Dad. She doesn't mind his silence. It gives her a chance to be heard, because at home no one seems to notice her. When the pair go on a last visit to Konrad's family bookshop before it's sold, they soon get lost in the pages of Konrad's favourite book of folk tales. Whisked back in time to quest with a dragon, they must find themselves and their voices, as well as a happy end to the story in the book and in real life.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2022
4 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Ewa Jozefkowicz
13 books14 followersEwa Jozefkowicz grew up in Ealing, and studied English Literature at UCL.
The daughter of a bookseller, she has always been a lover of children's books and has dreamed of publishing her own. She wrote her first book aged 5 (meticulously self-illustrated with felt tip pen) and twenty five years later achieved her dream of being a published children's author with 'The Mystery of The Colour Thief'. She is fascinated by stories about friendship and growing up.
The daughter of a bookseller, she has always been a lover of children's books and has dreamed of publishing her own. She wrote her first book aged 5 (meticulously self-illustrated with felt tip pen) and twenty five years later achieved her dream of being a published children's author with 'The Mystery of The Colour Thief'. She is fascinated by stories about friendship and growing up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 4, 2022
Since Konrad's father's death, Kon didn't talk - not to anyone. His mother was distraught, not knowing how to help him, as he was continually angry, cut off from those who cared for him. But the day he met Maya on the beach, his life slowly changed. Maya was a friend who didn't mind that Kon didn't talk - she chattered on anyway. And when Kon was able to speak to her and told her his name, they became great friends. The bookshop - A Likely Story - that Kon's dad had owned and run, was now being run by his mother, and she was struggling. Taking Maya to the bookshop to show her around before it was sold, was something he needed to do.
When Kon discovered the old book of folk tales that his Dad used to read to him, he was showing Maya, when they were whisked away to long ago days in Krakow, where a dragon was terrorising the village people. What could Kon and Maya do to help? And why had they been transported to ancient times?
The Dragon in the Bookshop is another captivating middle grade read by Ewa Jozefkowicz which I thoroughly enjoyed. I've read two others by this author and both were 5 stars - this one is no different. The story of two children who learned wonderful life lessons, while having fabulous adventures plus it's set in and around a bookshop - perfection! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Kon discovered the old book of folk tales that his Dad used to read to him, he was showing Maya, when they were whisked away to long ago days in Krakow, where a dragon was terrorising the village people. What could Kon and Maya do to help? And why had they been transported to ancient times?
The Dragon in the Bookshop is another captivating middle grade read by Ewa Jozefkowicz which I thoroughly enjoyed. I've read two others by this author and both were 5 stars - this one is no different. The story of two children who learned wonderful life lessons, while having fabulous adventures plus it's set in and around a bookshop - perfection! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2022
After his dad's death, Konrad stops speaking. Not a word at home or school as the year rolls by. But that begins to change when he meets Maya on the beach he loved to explore with Dad. She doesn't mind his silence. It gives her a chance to be heard, because at home no one seems to notice her. When the pair go on a last visit to Konrad's family bookshop before it's sold, they soon get lost in the pages of Konrad's favourite book of folk tales. Whisked back in time to quest with a dragon, they must find themselves and their voices, as well as a happy end to the story in the book and in real life.
This was an enchanting and adventurous read dealing with themes of friendship, family, grief, loss and courage.
Using traditional storytelling as a basis for the plot Jozefkowicz opens up a world of magic and mystery when Konrad and Maya get trapped inside the pages of a book and have to work together and overcome their fears to deal with a pesky dragon situation.
With colourful descriptions and exciting twists and turns this was a magical story that I feel many will enjoy.
This was an enchanting and adventurous read dealing with themes of friendship, family, grief, loss and courage.
Using traditional storytelling as a basis for the plot Jozefkowicz opens up a world of magic and mystery when Konrad and Maya get trapped inside the pages of a book and have to work together and overcome their fears to deal with a pesky dragon situation.
With colourful descriptions and exciting twists and turns this was a magical story that I feel many will enjoy.
December 30, 2022
What an adorable adventure. 3.5⭐️
October 10, 2022
Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I borrowed this on audiobook from the library.
Thoughts: I was looking for another shorter audiobook from the library and this one popped up in my search. This was a much better book than I was expecting (I actually didn't have any expectations really). It is a very well done middle grade fantasy and the audiobook quality was fantastic.
Konrad hasn't been the same since his dad died; he can't make himself talk anymore and his mom is very worried. Then he finds a dinosaur footprint in a rock on the beach. This is something he would have shared with his dad, but he doesn't know who to tell. Then one day he comes down to the beach to find another person there, a girl his age named Maya. Maya likes Konrad's quietness and they enjoy the beach together. When Konrad finally decides to show her the footprint they end up at Konrad's family bookshop to try to decipher what type of footprint it is. Strangely, one of the books they open whisks them away to their town but in the past. There they must figure out how to change an ancient folktale if they are every going to make it back home.
This was a very well done story that had a lot more depth to it than I was expecting. Konrad and Maya are both dealing with some heavy family issues. Konrad is grieving over the death of his father and his mother is struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Maya is the forgotten and ignored child in her family, she feels like she is bad at everything and would just like someone to talk to.
There was a lot I liked here. I enjoyed how Maya and Konrad journey into a folktale to help change the course of it. This is a fun idea. I also liked how their time in the past mirrored some of the struggles they were dealing with in the present. Both characters grew more into themselves as a result of what they faced in the past. All of this was very well done and very well put together.
The writing flowed well too and I was engaged in the story the whole time. I enjoyed Konrad and Maya as characters. I was surprised at how much was packed into this short story. There is not only and adventure here, but a lot of lessons in dealing with grief and learning to grow up and become comfortable in your own skin.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this short fantasy adventure story. The characters are well done and the story is unique. It's a good story when you take it just at face value but there is also quite a bit of depth here. I was impressed with how it was put together and executed and enjoyed it. Jozefkowicz is definitely an author I will continue to watch and when I am in the mood for another magical middle grade read I will definitely checkout her other books.
Thoughts: I was looking for another shorter audiobook from the library and this one popped up in my search. This was a much better book than I was expecting (I actually didn't have any expectations really). It is a very well done middle grade fantasy and the audiobook quality was fantastic.
Konrad hasn't been the same since his dad died; he can't make himself talk anymore and his mom is very worried. Then he finds a dinosaur footprint in a rock on the beach. This is something he would have shared with his dad, but he doesn't know who to tell. Then one day he comes down to the beach to find another person there, a girl his age named Maya. Maya likes Konrad's quietness and they enjoy the beach together. When Konrad finally decides to show her the footprint they end up at Konrad's family bookshop to try to decipher what type of footprint it is. Strangely, one of the books they open whisks them away to their town but in the past. There they must figure out how to change an ancient folktale if they are every going to make it back home.
This was a very well done story that had a lot more depth to it than I was expecting. Konrad and Maya are both dealing with some heavy family issues. Konrad is grieving over the death of his father and his mother is struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Maya is the forgotten and ignored child in her family, she feels like she is bad at everything and would just like someone to talk to.
There was a lot I liked here. I enjoyed how Maya and Konrad journey into a folktale to help change the course of it. This is a fun idea. I also liked how their time in the past mirrored some of the struggles they were dealing with in the present. Both characters grew more into themselves as a result of what they faced in the past. All of this was very well done and very well put together.
The writing flowed well too and I was engaged in the story the whole time. I enjoyed Konrad and Maya as characters. I was surprised at how much was packed into this short story. There is not only and adventure here, but a lot of lessons in dealing with grief and learning to grow up and become comfortable in your own skin.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really enjoyed this short fantasy adventure story. The characters are well done and the story is unique. It's a good story when you take it just at face value but there is also quite a bit of depth here. I was impressed with how it was put together and executed and enjoyed it. Jozefkowicz is definitely an author I will continue to watch and when I am in the mood for another magical middle grade read I will definitely checkout her other books.
October 1, 2023
sweet and heartfelt but also quite cringe in certain moments and really under-edited.
I feel like it could have benefitted from like 3 to 5 more rounds of editing and enhancing the story.
But sweet given the author's connection to the storyline.
I feel like it could have benefitted from like 3 to 5 more rounds of editing and enhancing the story.
But sweet given the author's connection to the storyline.
March 19, 2025
Listened to this book as an audio when I have my children in the car. It was a lovely little book. I have to admit though I zoned in and out so much during this book that I cant really remember much in the middle, only the beginning and end, hence why I've put a bit of a middling rating. From what I heard and remembered it was good but I'm afraid I just cant give a fuller picture of what I liked and didn't like about the story.
February 28, 2023
This was a fun middle grade that felt really reminiscent of the books I read as a child, just fun and magic and like a fairytale.
July 28, 2022
3.5 stars
November 20, 2022
Konrad loved their family bookshop A Likely Story, where his father would share stories and fill customer's hearts with wonder as he matched them up with the perfect book. Kon marveled at the possibility of finding a character just like him in a book one day. At least that's what his dad had told him would happen.
But now dad has gone, leaving Kon and his mum alone. Mum is struggling to keep their book shop going and Kon hasn't spoken a word now months after his father's death. Everything is different now. They had to move to a smaller home, Kon can't muster up the energy to play football any more and his friendships have slid away from him.
Until Kon meets Maya. Kon feels more at peace and closer to his father down on the beach and among the rockpools, and one day Kon finds a girl there. She's friendly and chatters at Kon, with no expectation of an answer. Her awe in the tiny sea creatures she finds draws Kon into looking too - previously unaware of the wonders at his feet.
At the most ease since losing his dad, he lets Maya in, little by little as she gives him something and someone to look forward to when not at school. He even finds his voice, scratchy at first, then more confident, and they begin to share things about their completely different lives.
One day, Konrad shows Maya A Likely Story, after avoiding it for months. He shares all that his father told him about the wonder of stories, showing Maya a favourite his father used to read him about a dragon long ago...
...and suddenly they are inside the story! At first they are confused and frightened. What happened? How did it happen? But soon they understand what they have to do.
A tale of loss and grief, trust and friendship. Two children, poles apart in lifestyles, come together just when they need one another. Thrown together in a magical medieval storyline, one discovers who she is really meant to be, and one finds the courage to return to his lost life before loss.
Throw in a dragon who is as lost as they are and readers will enjoy this adventure, and journey to truth and confidence, all woven into Polish folklore.
I loved the message from the father in this story -"There is a character just like you in a book somewhere in the world."
I personally will enjoy the challenge of reading as many books as I can to find them.
9+ Readers
But now dad has gone, leaving Kon and his mum alone. Mum is struggling to keep their book shop going and Kon hasn't spoken a word now months after his father's death. Everything is different now. They had to move to a smaller home, Kon can't muster up the energy to play football any more and his friendships have slid away from him.
Until Kon meets Maya. Kon feels more at peace and closer to his father down on the beach and among the rockpools, and one day Kon finds a girl there. She's friendly and chatters at Kon, with no expectation of an answer. Her awe in the tiny sea creatures she finds draws Kon into looking too - previously unaware of the wonders at his feet.
At the most ease since losing his dad, he lets Maya in, little by little as she gives him something and someone to look forward to when not at school. He even finds his voice, scratchy at first, then more confident, and they begin to share things about their completely different lives.
One day, Konrad shows Maya A Likely Story, after avoiding it for months. He shares all that his father told him about the wonder of stories, showing Maya a favourite his father used to read him about a dragon long ago...
...and suddenly they are inside the story! At first they are confused and frightened. What happened? How did it happen? But soon they understand what they have to do.
A tale of loss and grief, trust and friendship. Two children, poles apart in lifestyles, come together just when they need one another. Thrown together in a magical medieval storyline, one discovers who she is really meant to be, and one finds the courage to return to his lost life before loss.
Throw in a dragon who is as lost as they are and readers will enjoy this adventure, and journey to truth and confidence, all woven into Polish folklore.
I loved the message from the father in this story -"There is a character just like you in a book somewhere in the world."
I personally will enjoy the challenge of reading as many books as I can to find them.
9+ Readers
June 8, 2023
Finished reading: June 6th 2023
“Dad used to say that in books, authors leave pieces of themselves behind for others to find.”
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
May 8, 2022
An intriguing read for tweenaged audiences and up, that bears quite a lot of old-fashioned qualities and bears them as virtues, not something left on the page by accident. Kon(rad) has not spoken in months, ever since his bookseller father collapsed and died in the family-owned shop in their coastal town. Taken to exploring the marshy, rocky, seashore area the following spring, he stumbles upon Maya, a girl whose parents work with endangered species, and who knows more than Kon about the wildlife around. She quickly gets him back to a talking state, and gives his life a much happier focus than the bullies at school and his mother's plans to sell the store – but a strange mixture of elements comes into play when he takes Maya to see the shop's contents before it's closed down.
And that's where the problems lie. The jump from emotive realism to full-on fantasy is so unexpected it really jars. You can see what it's trying to do – the bookseller father always said there is a right character and book for every reader, therefore the inverse says there is a right story for each of us to play out – but boy it is a shock to see what the book switches to be. All of which means the veracity is abandoned for broad folklore, and even when the author tries her damnedest to push the two together, with characters doubling up as in panto, the two wildly different approaches don't ever really gel together.
Which is a shame – the ease and readability of the first chunk made this a most welcome novel, Kon is a good character to have a first person narration from, and his hobbies and his silence would have carried me through. (I did fail to get a clear picture of the coast – one minute it's marshy stuff, the next it's this weird step arrangement of rocks I couldn't compute either.) It's a shame, in a way, too, that I have to mention the fantasy/folklore side of things, as it comes after we should have packed up revealing the plot in our reviews, but it's a stupid critique of this that ignores its arrival. Finally, I know the phrase 'intriguing failure' does have some positivity in it, but I don't think my thoughts about this are positive enough to exceed three stars for it.
And that's where the problems lie. The jump from emotive realism to full-on fantasy is so unexpected it really jars. You can see what it's trying to do – the bookseller father always said there is a right character and book for every reader, therefore the inverse says there is a right story for each of us to play out – but boy it is a shock to see what the book switches to be. All of which means the veracity is abandoned for broad folklore, and even when the author tries her damnedest to push the two together, with characters doubling up as in panto, the two wildly different approaches don't ever really gel together.
Which is a shame – the ease and readability of the first chunk made this a most welcome novel, Kon is a good character to have a first person narration from, and his hobbies and his silence would have carried me through. (I did fail to get a clear picture of the coast – one minute it's marshy stuff, the next it's this weird step arrangement of rocks I couldn't compute either.) It's a shame, in a way, too, that I have to mention the fantasy/folklore side of things, as it comes after we should have packed up revealing the plot in our reviews, but it's a stupid critique of this that ignores its arrival. Finally, I know the phrase 'intriguing failure' does have some positivity in it, but I don't think my thoughts about this are positive enough to exceed three stars for it.
May 16, 2022
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
I've really enjoyed Ewa Jozefkowicz's contemporary Middle Grade books so when it was announced that her next was going to be a fantasy I was, naturally, rather excited. It's a retelling of the Wawel Dragon, a Polish myth, and two modern children are pulled into a storybook and have to find a way to make the story happen - but in a better way.
The fantasy section of the book is steeped in Polish mythology. There is the "main" myth of the hungry dragon, but there are also lots of other references to other stories and traditions that help build the world of Medieval Kraków. The weight of history and legends, told through offhand references, really does make a world feel real to me, because it means it exists beyond the narrow confines of a book.
A lot of research has clearly gone into the process of manuscript creation. The children find themselves roped into preserving stories by creating new books to replace damaged ones. The process is described so well, full of the little quirks (like pages vs strips for how they handled the paper) that help distinguish the scribe's location.
The contemporary section has a fair bit to say about dinosaurs. There are fossils and a (fake, I think?) professor, as well as discussions about how we "recreate" dinosaurs from incomplete fossil records. Of course, though, dinosaurs and dragons aren't too dissimilar...
The one thing I will say is that it does take a while (relative to book size) for the book to go from contemporary to fantasy - I did check I'd opened the right file at one point! There's a lot of contemporary set up to ensure you know what's going on in Konrad's personal life, the challenges he's facing. It's not until that's all been laid and Maya's been introduced that they get sucked into the book.
I've really enjoyed Ewa Jozefkowicz's contemporary Middle Grade books so when it was announced that her next was going to be a fantasy I was, naturally, rather excited. It's a retelling of the Wawel Dragon, a Polish myth, and two modern children are pulled into a storybook and have to find a way to make the story happen - but in a better way.
The fantasy section of the book is steeped in Polish mythology. There is the "main" myth of the hungry dragon, but there are also lots of other references to other stories and traditions that help build the world of Medieval Kraków. The weight of history and legends, told through offhand references, really does make a world feel real to me, because it means it exists beyond the narrow confines of a book.
A lot of research has clearly gone into the process of manuscript creation. The children find themselves roped into preserving stories by creating new books to replace damaged ones. The process is described so well, full of the little quirks (like pages vs strips for how they handled the paper) that help distinguish the scribe's location.
The contemporary section has a fair bit to say about dinosaurs. There are fossils and a (fake, I think?) professor, as well as discussions about how we "recreate" dinosaurs from incomplete fossil records. Of course, though, dinosaurs and dragons aren't too dissimilar...
The one thing I will say is that it does take a while (relative to book size) for the book to go from contemporary to fantasy - I did check I'd opened the right file at one point! There's a lot of contemporary set up to ensure you know what's going on in Konrad's personal life, the challenges he's facing. It's not until that's all been laid and Maya's been introduced that they get sucked into the book.
April 22, 2023
”People leave parts of themselves behind in the things and people they love.”
This was a sweet middle grade adventure about finding yourself and learning to accept the help and support from those around you.
After his father passes away suddenly, Kon loses his ability to speak. He feels trapped and lost and can’t find the words to express himself anymore. One day when he is exploring the coast, he bumps into Maya, who’s chatter and acceptance begins to fill the space inside him, wanting to once more share his passions. So, after months of silence, he invites her to the place that reminds him of his father- his dads bookshop. When there, he opens and old book of fairytales and suddenly they find themselves within the story, in a medieval town that’s being terrorised by a dragon, and only they have the ability to save the town, which they must do before they get sent back to their world.
I found this quite an easy adventurous story, but it seemed to lack character depth. The characters all seemed very flat, and the story felt very convenient without needing much character input. It would have been nice to see Maya open up a bit more, and Kon deal with his grief rather then just shout in rage and then be okay?
I struggled slightly to place the age range for this story too, as the themes seemed to be aimed at 9+, but the lack of detail and depth in the story made it feel like a younger read 7+
But despite the hiccups, it was still and easy adventure I’m sure many will enjoy.
*** thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review ***
This was a sweet middle grade adventure about finding yourself and learning to accept the help and support from those around you.
After his father passes away suddenly, Kon loses his ability to speak. He feels trapped and lost and can’t find the words to express himself anymore. One day when he is exploring the coast, he bumps into Maya, who’s chatter and acceptance begins to fill the space inside him, wanting to once more share his passions. So, after months of silence, he invites her to the place that reminds him of his father- his dads bookshop. When there, he opens and old book of fairytales and suddenly they find themselves within the story, in a medieval town that’s being terrorised by a dragon, and only they have the ability to save the town, which they must do before they get sent back to their world.
I found this quite an easy adventurous story, but it seemed to lack character depth. The characters all seemed very flat, and the story felt very convenient without needing much character input. It would have been nice to see Maya open up a bit more, and Kon deal with his grief rather then just shout in rage and then be okay?
I struggled slightly to place the age range for this story too, as the themes seemed to be aimed at 9+, but the lack of detail and depth in the story made it feel like a younger read 7+
But despite the hiccups, it was still and easy adventure I’m sure many will enjoy.
*** thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review ***
August 4, 2022
The dragon in the bookshop.
By Ewa Jozefcowicx
Published by Head of Zeus
What a fabulous mythical story, full of adventure, friendship and trust.
Author Ewa Jozefcowicx, tells a story within a story that is both deeply personal entwined with the magic of memories.
Told through the character of Konrad, who feels lost, alone and angry after his father’s death, this modern story shows how we can all overcome our inner fears if we only give ourselves time and self-love.
When Konrad meets a young girl Maya on the beach, everything begins to change. His stories from his father and his bookshop, his boundaries from his mother and his memories old and new.
The compassion and yearning for a new start that Ewa Jozefkowicz writes with proves her ability as a terrific storyteller for our youngsters. This isn't just a tale about dragons and how to outwit them. This is about how we find our voice to tell others what lies deep within the fire of our hearts. Then with strength and support we can then leave little traces of ourselves in the stories we continue to tell to future generations.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Netgallery
By Ewa Jozefcowicx
Published by Head of Zeus
What a fabulous mythical story, full of adventure, friendship and trust.
Author Ewa Jozefcowicx, tells a story within a story that is both deeply personal entwined with the magic of memories.
Told through the character of Konrad, who feels lost, alone and angry after his father’s death, this modern story shows how we can all overcome our inner fears if we only give ourselves time and self-love.
When Konrad meets a young girl Maya on the beach, everything begins to change. His stories from his father and his bookshop, his boundaries from his mother and his memories old and new.
The compassion and yearning for a new start that Ewa Jozefkowicz writes with proves her ability as a terrific storyteller for our youngsters. This isn't just a tale about dragons and how to outwit them. This is about how we find our voice to tell others what lies deep within the fire of our hearts. Then with strength and support we can then leave little traces of ourselves in the stories we continue to tell to future generations.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Netgallery
August 27, 2022
Konrad hasn't spoken since his father died.
He wants to but is so sad & angry he can't find the words.
His Mum is upset & trying to keep the bookshop going but it isn't the same.
Finding a girl on the beach when he's exploring, he finds he can just be himself.
Finding courage to ask her to come to the bookshop so they can see if they can find what the big footprint is in the rock they've discovered they choose a story of the Dragon of Krakow to read & fall into the story.
Can Konrad and Maya change events so the dragon doesn't have to die?
Will they be able to change things and get home, or get burnt to a crisp?
I liked that Konrad had selective mutism worked through his anger and sorrow to find he could find ways to remember and honour his father and help others along the way.
He wants to but is so sad & angry he can't find the words.
His Mum is upset & trying to keep the bookshop going but it isn't the same.
Finding a girl on the beach when he's exploring, he finds he can just be himself.
Finding courage to ask her to come to the bookshop so they can see if they can find what the big footprint is in the rock they've discovered they choose a story of the Dragon of Krakow to read & fall into the story.
Can Konrad and Maya change events so the dragon doesn't have to die?
Will they be able to change things and get home, or get burnt to a crisp?
I liked that Konrad had selective mutism worked through his anger and sorrow to find he could find ways to remember and honour his father and help others along the way.
October 31, 2025
*Rough Draft*
Konrad hasn't spoken a word since his father passed away. One day, he meets Maya at the beach and they quickly become friends. They visit his dad's bookshop one last time before it's sold, and somehow fall into the book of legends Konrad's father used to read him. Transported back in time to a village terrorized by a huge yellow-eyed dragon, it's up to them to save the town before it's too late!
This was a wonderful, fun-filled and quick portal fantasy adventure story following Konrad and Maya, two kids who feel misunderstood, invisible and lonely but team up to end the reign of terror of a huge dragon and save a whole village from death and destruction. While I enjoyed this story, I couldn't fully connect to the characters. I wish there had been more depth and a little more worldbuilding. I still have some unanswered questions.
Konrad hasn't spoken a word since his father passed away. One day, he meets Maya at the beach and they quickly become friends. They visit his dad's bookshop one last time before it's sold, and somehow fall into the book of legends Konrad's father used to read him. Transported back in time to a village terrorized by a huge yellow-eyed dragon, it's up to them to save the town before it's too late!
This was a wonderful, fun-filled and quick portal fantasy adventure story following Konrad and Maya, two kids who feel misunderstood, invisible and lonely but team up to end the reign of terror of a huge dragon and save a whole village from death and destruction. While I enjoyed this story, I couldn't fully connect to the characters. I wish there had been more depth and a little more worldbuilding. I still have some unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
This book was such a sweet & lovely little story. It was a well written, compelling tale that dealt with loss, friendship, family, & plenty of adventure, with of course a dragon as a cherry on the top. I loved how each element was woven beautifully into each other to really draw you into the story. I love that it was based off of polish folklore and mythology with plenty of magic woven throughout it. I loved the story and I loved the characters. My 10 year old son and I found this story very engaging & I can definitely see him reading it again. Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus Publishing House for sending me a digital ARC of this to review in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2022
I was lucky enough to win this book in a competition. I thought I'd read it before giving to my granddaughter.
I thought it was a lovely story of a boy called Konrad and a young girl called Maya. Konrad hasn't spoken a work since his fathers death. Konran finds a prehistoric footprint on the beach. The children arrange to go to his fathers bookshop. While they're alone they open a book and are transported to another world where the villagers need their help..
I'm sure children will love this book
I thought it was a lovely story of a boy called Konrad and a young girl called Maya. Konrad hasn't spoken a work since his fathers death. Konran finds a prehistoric footprint on the beach. The children arrange to go to his fathers bookshop. While they're alone they open a book and are transported to another world where the villagers need their help..
I'm sure children will love this book
July 19, 2022
The Dragon in the Bookshop is a wonderfully imaginative middle grade story , where a boy's adventures in an alternative universe help him come to terms with his dad's death. There are strong themes of acceptance, friendship and perseverance and a kick ass dragon , which is never a bad thing!The story helps explain that anger is not always a bad thing and is instead a natural part of the grieving process.
April 12, 2022
I whizzed through this book it is such a lovely little story. well written with a compelling story that is infused with polish folklore and legend and has magic woven through it. I loved the story and I loved the characters. I think children will adore this engaging story.
September 4, 2022
A brilliant story, a tale of friendship and grief that made me travel in time and space. Great storytelling and plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 23, 2022
Great middle grade/young adult fantasy about a young boy who can't come to terms with his father's death. He stops speaking entirely and endures constant bullying at school. Through his friendship with a strange girl and a mysterious footprint, he enters the world of a legend and finds himself.
November 1, 2022
2.5 stars
March 13, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Couldn’t put it down! Also brought back so many happy memories from Krakow!
August 7, 2023
Wow! I picked this one up on a whim for a readathon bexause I needed a short book with a beautiful colour and it did not disappoint!!!!
January 25, 2024
This is a great children's story, I really enjoyed it.
March 29, 2024
3.5 stars
June 12, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook and really enjoyed it. Definitely one to read with my nephew.
July 16, 2024
Sweet folklore based children's story.
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