This was very cute and definitely, something younger me would have really appreciated. I always love seeing illustrations in books as well. It definitely made me nostalgic for the books I used to read and enjoy as a kid. Definitely something to check out if you have young readers who enjoy fantasy books.

The children of the castle, Thomas and Emily, meet Meg, an old friend of their mother's. Meg tells the two children stories of their mother's youth, especially about the time their mother was taken prisoner by a dragon, and the children gradually come to know the story of the estrangement of Meg and their mother.

The characters are all cleverly drawn and appealing, and the story is rich with humor and fun. As a child (and, truly, even as an adult) I loved the stories like this, with illustrations sprinkled throughout the book, and with a feeling of magic throughout. ( )

A cute and whimsical fantasy story for children ages 7-10. The story revolves around two children, Thomas and Emily, who are told stories about a dragon who used to live in the castle where they now reside. An interesting and fun adventure tale, it's definitely entertaining and would work well for the intended audience. ( )

I won a copy of this book.

This would be a good chapter book for kids 7+. Read along or bedtime story would work well as chapters are short. Dialog is easy to get into, characters feel real, and the story is just entertaining. The artwork (not completed in my book as it's an ARC) included my book follows the story and gives the reader some idea of what things look like.

Thomas and Emily, royal children, are practicing archery when they lose one of the really good arrows. When they go looking for it, they discover a door they've never seen before. Knocking, they meet a woman who knows all about the Queen - Thomas and Emily's mom! And oh the tails she weaves... ( )

I received this from Library Thing Early Reads

Thomas and Emily were practicing their archery, one day, and lost one of their good arrows in the brushes near one of the towers. (Thomas and Emily are the little nobles who live in the castle.) While looking for it, they discovered there were people in the basement of the tower. They turned out to be Meg, the leader and a bit of a grouchy lady, and her assistants. They are the castle scribes.

It seems Meg used to be very good friends with the little nobles Mummy, when both were young girls. That was back when a dragon lived in the castle. The little nobles start spending time with the scribes and coerce Meg into telling them about how and why there was a dragon living in their castle. Meg tells the tale in chapters, which leaves the little nobles wondering if the story is true or not. Thomas hopes it is, as he can learn about dragons. He is going to be a knight when he grows up and fighting dragons is very important. Emily thinks it is thrilling and hopes it is true as she is learning about her Mummy as a young girl.

The book is a fairy tale that isn’t saccharine sweet or gory and violent. Meg may be a bit grouchy, but she tells a good tale. There are touches of sarcasm and humour as she spins her story.

The age level is 7 – 10 but I think it is an enjoyable read for any age. There are also illustration sketches that add to the story.

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