Kids Lit
Books and More for Children and Teens

Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George.

Creel's aunt decides that the best way to secure Creel's fortune is to send her to a dragon's cave to be taken prisoner.  That way a knight will arrive to rescue her and be bound to marry her despite her lack of a dowry.  But of course it doesn't work out quite as planned.  First, Creel really doesn't want to marry a pompous knight.  Then, the dragon isn't interested in taking Creel prisoner.  And finally, the dragon doesn't horde gold, but instead collects shoes.  So Creel makes a deal with the dragon.  He will be spared the need to fight and she will get to choose any pair of shoes she wishes from his collection.  Creel heads out to the large city to find work as a seamstress, wearing her new blue shoes.  Creel is not done dealing with dragons though, far from it!

This story is wonderfully written with warmth and humor.  Creel is a heroine worth journeying with as she uses her intelligence and skill to overcome obstacles.  She is a welcome change from many female characters as she is a true individual and doesn't shy away from hard work or confrontations.  Yet she is human, has weaknesses, and is not proud.  She is a true treat of a character.

Readers will also appreciate the range of personalities seen in the dragons themselves as well as the secondary characters in the story.  The author has really built a credible world with a sense of history, tradition and currency.

Highly recommended for young fantasy readers, this book will most appeal to young girls, though boys may be willing to try it due to the dragons and the battles.  Appropriate for ages 10-13.

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Comments

Two days ago I picked up an advance reader's copy of Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow, also by Jessica Day George. I'm in about 1/3 of the way now. I'm very surprised by how much I like this book. I think that your comments about Dragon's Slippers appropriately describe this book, too. I'd probably put it at a bit older level, maybe 12 for 13 and up. By your descriptions, it sounds like Dragon Slippers would be a good choice for my oldest girl. Thanks for the review.

Posted by: Dan | December 19, 2007 5:20 PM

I'm curious how similar this is to Patricia Wrede's Dealing with Dragons books, which seem to have a very similar premise.

Posted by: Wendy | December 19, 2007 6:28 PM

I will have to watch for Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow. I'll look forward to it!

Posted by: Tasha | December 20, 2007 8:25 AM

This book is similar to Wrede's but the writing styles are quite different. I would happily recommend this one to anyone who enjoyed Wrede's dragon series. They are both wonderful books. Hey, perhaps a list of great dragon books to try is forming?

Posted by: Tasha | December 20, 2007 8:27 AM

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