Maggie the dragon by Tony Armstrong. Illus. by Emma Sjaan Beukers

Maggie is the best flyer, she can do rolls and skydives. The dragons’ work is to patrol the skies, keeping the kingdom safe, and with her skills she is patrolling the faraway edges of the kingdom. Here she uses her fire breathing skills to repel unwanted visitors. But she wants to see the rest of the kingdom. She longs for a holiday. But last time she tried this, she frightened the villagers with her fire breathing and their wizard put up a shield to keep her out. 

One cold morning as she set out on her patrol, she sees a green flash of lightning. Every protector knows that this is the warning of an incredible storm and it is up to her to alert the kingdom.  But as she sets out she is overcome with a case of hiccups. This is so debilitating, she needs help in stopping them. She notices the wizard and his friend from the village. George and Harriet stop to help, encouraging Maggie to calm down and breathe. This simple instruction works and the hiccups stop. Maggie and George climbed onto Maggie’s back and they fly through the storm to warn Summervale.

But the storm comes more quickly than expected so George once again climbs onto Maggie’s back and the two fly into the heart of the storm. George’s magic keeps the storm at bay and together they save the village. 

Bright vivacious illustrations cover each page illuminating the wonderful Maggie, a bright red dragon living on her mountain. Children will empathise with the dragon, repelled by the villagers because of her fire breathing, but showing just how useful she can be in an emergency. The story and the eye catching illustrations show a character looking for acceptance and a place where she belongs. Kids will love reading about her dilemma, knowing that this is a universal concern, one which is obvious to them all. They will be able to suggest ways to find their place, a place they feel safe and comfortable. The solution to Maggie’s problem is one that is comparable to their own lives, as they offer different skills to those around them.

A pleasing sequel to George the wizard (2024) which introduced the kingdom and some of its inhabitants.

Themes: Dragons, Wizards, Fantasy, Picture book, Friendship, Humour.

Fran Knight