Spud is stubborn, Sparrow is the small one, and Stick is the thinker. They’re gutterlings – people born in the gutters of London. Gutterlings always watch each other’s backs, and Spud, Sparrow and Stick have formed a friendship with that foundation at its core. They would either pilfer for food together, or they would starve. That’s their way of life.
One day at the markets, Spud and Sparrow disappear, and Stick is determined to find them. Leaving the rest of his gutterling friends, Stick spots a large crack in the pavement. He can see the crack opening and closing in tandem with the sound of breaths. Despite his hesitations, he crawls down and ventures into the tunnels under London.
Stick discovers there is a dragon living in the tunnels, and he finds himself unintentionally drawn into an epic adventure and a quest – but how can he find a place for a dragon to live in London when dragons aren’t supposed to exist?
Penny Chrimes has worked as a television news journalist for most of her career, and now she’s a full-time writer based in Kent. Chrimes’ characterisation in The Dragon and her Boy is well-established and highly engaging. I was immediately drawn to the theme of friendship that’s vividly shown through Stick’s relationships. In particular, it was enjoyable to see how the dragon and Stick’s relationship develops over the course of the novel – and helps build to the climax at the end (no spoilers here).
Chrimes uses language that allows middle-grade readers aged 9+ to fully immerse themselves in the world she has created. While some of the words are quite sophisticated, the book’s accessibility to young readers stems from Levente Szabo’s vivid illustrations and Chrimes’ inclusion of a glossary at the end. This makes it ideal for teachers to give students a text that pushes the boundaries of language, encouraging them to utilise this language in their own writing.
Stick’s traits of loyalty, determination, and strength to go above and beyond for those he cares about (but without compromising himself) are important qualities to portray to young readers. We can see this through the way Stick unintentionally allocates himself as the dragon’s protector, developing a daring plan to find a safe place for her – and for himself – despite the obstacles along the way. This is the perfect read for fans of The Girl of Ink & Stars who want a fresh, heartfelt, and moving new read.
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