Dragon River

This is a pacey children's book where a lot is squeezed into its 109 pages. The Drako family experience a gruelling power cut in the town Brilliana where they live, causing a spiral of events which in the end forces them to move to Dayton. Here they encounter the delights of the University of Arts and Engineering college where the children are educated and meet the mysterious teacher Hippolyta Scythe who seems to know more about Gallo the dragon than either child could anticipate. However, the Drako family also find themselves in conflict with the Purkisses and some city boys.

I found the story line surrounding the theatre show fascinating, along with the dragon appearances. The mystery surrounding Percy was a great addition to the book as well as the colourful character of Scythe. There was a good balance of writing to illustrations and the short chapters helped keep the pace of the story. I think Dragon River would appeal to both girls and boys from the ages of 7-10.