Here at BooksForTopics HQ, we’ve been fans of this super series since we were first charmed by Tomas and his dragon-tree in the first book. Now, in book 5, the series draws to a close, but we’re happy to say that this final instalment provides the perfect ending to Tomas’ adventures.
Five books into the series, Tomas is quite the expert when it comes to dealing with dragons. Having nursed the baby dragons in secret, learned to deal with exploding poo, figured out top tips to hide scorch marks and worked out what to do with friends that want their own dragons too, you’d think that Tomas has everything sussed by now. There’s just one last piece of the dragon-shaped puzzle to fall into place – this time involving a new friend with long-standing links to the dragons. As ever, Tomas’ beloved Grandad is never far away with some toffee, a listening ear and a few words of wisdom to steer Tomas on the right path.
There’s so much to love about this series. The stories are filled with humour and heart in equal measure, making for a warm and enjoyable read with plenty to think about but nothing to scare young readers. I’ve always enjoyed the pleasure that the relationship with the baby dragon brings to Tomas, and any reader who has ever nurtured a plant, pet or person will find Tomas’s sense of joy relatable and comforting. Also heart-warming are the family dynamics between Tomas and his younger sister Lolli as well as with his Grandad, who first inspires him to engage in gardening. Tomas is a great model for showing how young people can apply curiosity and creativity to the process of growing and nurturing plants and see ‘magic’ in the endeavour.
Coupled with charming illustrations by Sara Ogilvie, this early chapter book series makes a fantastic choice for newly confident readers just taking off with independent reading and it will also go down a storm as an entertaining read-aloud in Years 2-4.
2021 Teachers’ Favourite: KS1 Best Classroom Read-Aloud
There’s so much to love about this series. The stories are filled with humour and heart in equal measure, making for a warm and enjoyable read with plenty to think about but nothing to scare young readers. We’ve always enjoyed the warm relationship between the baby dragon and main character Tomas, and any reader who has ever nurtured a plant, pet or person will find Tomas’s sense of joy relatable and comforting. Tomas is a great model for showing how young people can apply curiosity and creativity to the process of growing and nurturing living things, while seeing ‘magic’ in the endeavour.
