Kidsreads.com - DRAGONOLOGY: FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS by Dr. Ernest Drake, edited by Dugald A. Steer

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'Ologies Series

ALIENOLOGY

THE OCEANOLOGY HANDBOOK:
A Course for Underwater Explorers

THE MONSTEROLOGY HANDBOOK:
A Practical Course in Monsters

OCEANOLOGY:
The True Account of the Voyage of the Nautilus

THE MYTHOLOGY HANDBOOK:
A Course in Ancient Greek Myths

THE FROST DRAGON:
Dragonology Tracking and Taming Dragons,
Volume 2

SPYOLOGY:
The Complete Book of Spycraft

MONSTEROLOGY:
The Complete Book of Monstrous Creatures

THE PIRATEOLOGY HANDBOOK:
A Course in Pirate Hunting

EGYPTOLOGY:
CODE-WRITING KIT

DRAGONOLOGY:
FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS

DRAGONOLOGY:
CODE-WRITING KIT

THE DRAGON'S EYE:
The Dragonology Chronicles, Volume One

THE DRAGON DIARY:
The Dragonology Chronicles, Volume Two

MYTHOLOGY

THE WIZARDOLOGY HANDBOOK:
A Course for Apprentices

WIZARDOLOGY:
CODE-WRITING KIT

PIRATEOLOGY:
The Pirate Hunter's Companion

PIRATEOLOGY:
GUIDEBOOK AND MODEL SET

PIRATEOLOGY
CODE-WRITING KIT

DRAGONOLOGY: FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS
by Dr. Ernest Drake
edited by Dugald A. Steer
Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763636869
Ages 8-up
40 pages

Having spent “the best part” of his life studying dragons, in 1898 Dr. Ernest Drake wrote a field guide for those with an interest in dragons. It is a call to young dragonologists to join the “dragonological pioneers” in learning more about these wild and fascinating creatures.

This is the premise of the latest title in the very popular 'Ologies series, DRAGONOLOGY: FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS, which is sure to charm both children and adults. Like DRAGONOLOGY: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DRAGONS, the details in this book make it more clever fantasy than faux: even a fine-print publisher’s note on the copyright page attests to the reality of dragons. The thick pages are weathered and distressed-looking, and the cover resembles an old scrapbook.

Inside, readers will find an introduction to dragon spotting, which details migration and habitat and lists necessary equipment for field work (a camera, a tracking stick, a topographical map and heat-protective clothing, for example) as well as optional supplies (a dragon whistle and a freshly-roasted chicken for bait). Armed with the field guide, dragonologists will be able to identify over 15 dragons, including the Gargouille, the Knucker and the Tibetan Dragon. The entry for each dragon describes its size, coloration and body shape, as well as its call, habitat, forms of attack and lair.

Besides the gorgeous black-and-white drawings of the dragons, young people will delight in the interactive details: lift the flaps to learn more about dragon eggs, chicks and nests, about dragon scat and using tracking sticks. Especially amazing are the 12 dragon models included with the book. The pieces for the Frost Dragon, the Chinese Dragon, the Wyvern and nine others are tucked into small sealed wallets and are easily assembled yet sturdy. While Drake's drawings are in black and white, the wallets and the dragon models bring intense and lovely color to the guide.

FIELD GUIDE TO DRAGONS is a special book that will capture the attention and imagination of children. Part fantastical encyclopedia and part toy, it is completely wonderful!

--- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman

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