How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon Series) »

J. E. Bright has had dozens of novels, novelizations, and non-fiction books published for children and young adults. He lives in SoHo, New York, with his good, fat cat Gladys, and his evil cat Mabel, who is getting fatter.

All young Vikings must prove they are fierce and strong enough to fight dragons. But Hiccup isn't as brawny as his friends and fails miserably at dragon training. So he invents a new weapon that can take down the fiercest dragon in the sky—and when it actually works Hiccup has a choice to make. Can he really kill a dragon? Or will he make a new friend instead?

Children's Literature

This book based on the recently released movie is a great way for a child who is new at reading to get a glimpse into the "Dragon Series" by Cressida Cowell. The book has movie-based illustrations that enhance the reading of this novelette for a new chapter book reader. In the time of the Vikings, Hiccup has a task to do to help save his town—slay dragons. In learning to perform this task, Hiccup realizes he does not really have the stomach and creates a plan to outsmart the dragons (Night Fairies). He finds out that friendship lurks around any corner, and the presence of mind to do what is right and not make assumptions about others leads him on a very different path. There is also a great lesson about doing what one is good at despite what others might think. This book is part of a series of adaptations from the movie and the previously published book. Reviewer: Patricia Williamson