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Trouble is brewing in Scrubbley!The town council want to demolish the old clock. Lucy isn't really interested in a silly old clock but her mother is determined to save it - with the help of a timing dragon called Gauge...
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Chris d'Lacey
87 books1,114 followersHe was born in Valetta, Malta, but as a child moved first to Leicester and then to Bolton. After gaining a degree in biology from the University of York, he returned to Leicester and got a job at the University of Leicester in their Pre-Clinical Sciences department.
Originally his writing was confined to songs and he didn't turn to fiction until he was 32. His first piece of work was a 250,000 word story about polar bears for his wife, Jay, to accompany a stuffed polar bear he had bought her as a Christmas present.
He didn't write another story for seven years, until he heard about a competition to write a story for young children with a prize of £2,000. The resulting book, A Hole at the Pole, also about polar bears, didn't win - but he sent it off to a publisher, who accepted it.
His first children's novel, Fly, Cherokee, Fly, was published in 1998 and subsequently shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. It was inspired by the time he found an injured pigeon in Victoria Park and nursed it back to health at home. It became a family pet and lived for 14 years in a birdbox attached to the back of the house. All of its offspring were given the names of different Native American tribes, which is where the title of the book comes from.)
He has since written over twenty children's books, including Pawnee Warrior (a sequel to Fly, Cherokee, Fly), a collaborative novel with fellow children's author Linda Newbery (From E To You), and the best-selling, award-winning The Last Dragon Chronicles. His books often contain environmental themes, and events based on things that have happened to him.
In July 2002 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester for his contributions to children's literature. Although writing is now his main source of income, he still works at the university as the operator of the confocal microscope.
His favourite children's books are the Paddington Bear series and The Hobbit, and his favourite children's authors are Allan Ahlberg and Roald Dahl. Chris D'Lacey has written many books like Ice Fire and Fire Star, but his most famous book was Dark Fire, the fifth book in The Last Dragon Chronicles.
Originally his writing was confined to songs and he didn't turn to fiction until he was 32. His first piece of work was a 250,000 word story about polar bears for his wife, Jay, to accompany a stuffed polar bear he had bought her as a Christmas present.
He didn't write another story for seven years, until he heard about a competition to write a story for young children with a prize of £2,000. The resulting book, A Hole at the Pole, also about polar bears, didn't win - but he sent it off to a publisher, who accepted it.
His first children's novel, Fly, Cherokee, Fly, was published in 1998 and subsequently shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. It was inspired by the time he found an injured pigeon in Victoria Park and nursed it back to health at home. It became a family pet and lived for 14 years in a birdbox attached to the back of the house. All of its offspring were given the names of different Native American tribes, which is where the title of the book comes from.)
He has since written over twenty children's books, including Pawnee Warrior (a sequel to Fly, Cherokee, Fly), a collaborative novel with fellow children's author Linda Newbery (From E To You), and the best-selling, award-winning The Last Dragon Chronicles. His books often contain environmental themes, and events based on things that have happened to him.
In July 2002 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester for his contributions to children's literature. Although writing is now his main source of income, he still works at the university as the operator of the confocal microscope.
His favourite children's books are the Paddington Bear series and The Hobbit, and his favourite children's authors are Allan Ahlberg and Roald Dahl. Chris D'Lacey has written many books like Ice Fire and Fire Star, but his most famous book was Dark Fire, the fifth book in The Last Dragon Chronicles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 24, 2020
I have just finished reading this with my son. He absolutely loved it. It was not marked on the outside what volume it was so we have read them out of order but that did not impact the enjoyment.
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Full Review
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My son and I started this series with book two. There was nothing on the cover or inside the title page to indicate the p[lace in the series. But that did not matter; we loved the story and have finished most of the other 3 books in a very short time. I know a series of books I am reading with my kids is great when I want to keep reading when we have finished their chapters for the day. It has taken an amazing amount of personal willpower not to read ahead in the books and finish the series without my son and just reread them as reading with him. My youngest has even joined us and read one of the books.
These are delightful tales to enthral children of all ages, in our household from 4-45 we all love them. Lucy Pennykettle and her daughter Liz have a secret. Not all the clay statues Lucy makes are what they appear, ever now and again she makes a special Dragon and through some magic, and the ancient dragon languages things always become exciting. In this particular story the town council has decided that in order to save money they will be replacing the broken clock in the library tower with something more modern. This is not something Lucy will stand for. And as Lucy gets more and more worked up Liz gets more and more worries. This story has a protest rally, a sit in, a ghost, evil henchmen, and let's not forget dragons; what kids not like about such a wonderful mix?
Chris writes wonderful books, they capture the imagination of children and keep the parents interested and engaged. We love these books and as this was our introduction Gauge will always have a special place in our hearts. A wonderful read for child and adult alike!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and other reviews of books by Chris d'Lacey.
...
Full Review
...
My son and I started this series with book two. There was nothing on the cover or inside the title page to indicate the p[lace in the series. But that did not matter; we loved the story and have finished most of the other 3 books in a very short time. I know a series of books I am reading with my kids is great when I want to keep reading when we have finished their chapters for the day. It has taken an amazing amount of personal willpower not to read ahead in the books and finish the series without my son and just reread them as reading with him. My youngest has even joined us and read one of the books.
These are delightful tales to enthral children of all ages, in our household from 4-45 we all love them. Lucy Pennykettle and her daughter Liz have a secret. Not all the clay statues Lucy makes are what they appear, ever now and again she makes a special Dragon and through some magic, and the ancient dragon languages things always become exciting. In this particular story the town council has decided that in order to save money they will be replacing the broken clock in the library tower with something more modern. This is not something Lucy will stand for. And as Lucy gets more and more worked up Liz gets more and more worries. This story has a protest rally, a sit in, a ghost, evil henchmen, and let's not forget dragons; what kids not like about such a wonderful mix?
Chris writes wonderful books, they capture the imagination of children and keep the parents interested and engaged. We love these books and as this was our introduction Gauge will always have a special place in our hearts. A wonderful read for child and adult alike!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and other reviews of books by Chris d'Lacey.
July 1, 2017
Second in The Dragons of Wayward Crescent paranormal fantasy series for middle-grade readers and revolving around young Lucy Pennykettle and her dragon-making mom, Liz.
My Take
I do enjoy these stories. They’re so cozy with that element of fantasy in the dragons. Lucy is the quintessential child with her curiosity and stubbornness warring away within her, and yet she does know when to be careful. As for Liz, we would all be lucky to have had her for a mom. She's determined that her daughter follow her rules, and D'Lacey has such a fun way of ensuring it *she's says laughing*, yet she's also very easygoing.
I’d say the theme is that there’s more than one way to skin a cat, lol. That ending certainly was a surprise *more laughter*
The perspective is Lucy’s using a third-person subjective point-of-view, as we hear her thoughts but no one else’s. And she’s too typically a kid who can be so easily embarrassed by her mother’s actions. It’s a major incentive for Lucy to come up with an answer.
The Story
It’s embarrassing. Downright embarrassing that her mother is going to get them thrown in jail. Just because the town council wants to tear down some old clock.
We can only hope that a dragon who measures time, a ghost, and Lucy can outsmart the wicked Mr. Trustable.
The Characters
Lucy Pennykettle is nine years old and quite skeptical. Liz Pennykettle is her mother and a potter who specializes in clay dragons, whom she creates in the Dragons’ Den.
The dragons
There are two types: the ones Liz sells and the special ones she keeps. The special ones include the listening dragon in the kitchen; Gruffen, who is a guard dragon ( Gruffen , 1) who comes with his very own instruction manual; Gawain and Guinevere who have their own special roles; and, Gwendolen is Lucy’s special dragon.
Gauge is the special dragon in this story who loves to measure time.
Henry Bacon is their grumpy next-door neighbor who works at the library. Miss Baxter is Lucy’s teacher. Roger Trustable is with the Town Council. Hmmm…”trustable”…? Mr. Higson is his troublemaker. Sir Rufus Trenchcombe is the ghostly Clockmaker to the Crown.
The Cover and Title
The cover is much darker than those pictured on the Internet. The one I’m reading is a dark, dark smudgy metalllic green for a background with a silver metallic oval in the center surrounded by a metallic copper outer border and a red inner one. Gauge, a green skinned dragon with scattered scales of gold, fills the center. Wearing a blue velvet vest with lapels, he’s hunkered down, examining his special pocket watch connected to his vest pocket with a gold chain. The series information is in a curly gothic font in white at the top while the title is in the same font in copper against a deep cream scroll at the base of the oval graphic. The author’s name is at the very bottom in a serif white.
The title is the focus of this story, the time-measuring dragon named Gauge.
My Take
I do enjoy these stories. They’re so cozy with that element of fantasy in the dragons. Lucy is the quintessential child with her curiosity and stubbornness warring away within her, and yet she does know when to be careful. As for Liz, we would all be lucky to have had her for a mom. She's determined that her daughter follow her rules, and D'Lacey has such a fun way of ensuring it *she's says laughing*, yet she's also very easygoing.
I’d say the theme is that there’s more than one way to skin a cat, lol. That ending certainly was a surprise *more laughter*
The perspective is Lucy’s using a third-person subjective point-of-view, as we hear her thoughts but no one else’s. And she’s too typically a kid who can be so easily embarrassed by her mother’s actions. It’s a major incentive for Lucy to come up with an answer.
The Story
It’s embarrassing. Downright embarrassing that her mother is going to get them thrown in jail. Just because the town council wants to tear down some old clock.
We can only hope that a dragon who measures time, a ghost, and Lucy can outsmart the wicked Mr. Trustable.
The Characters
Lucy Pennykettle is nine years old and quite skeptical. Liz Pennykettle is her mother and a potter who specializes in clay dragons, whom she creates in the Dragons’ Den.
The dragons
There are two types: the ones Liz sells and the special ones she keeps. The special ones include the listening dragon in the kitchen; Gruffen, who is a guard dragon ( Gruffen , 1) who comes with his very own instruction manual; Gawain and Guinevere who have their own special roles; and, Gwendolen is Lucy’s special dragon.
Gauge is the special dragon in this story who loves to measure time.
Henry Bacon is their grumpy next-door neighbor who works at the library. Miss Baxter is Lucy’s teacher. Roger Trustable is with the Town Council. Hmmm…”trustable”…? Mr. Higson is his troublemaker. Sir Rufus Trenchcombe is the ghostly Clockmaker to the Crown.
The Cover and Title
The cover is much darker than those pictured on the Internet. The one I’m reading is a dark, dark smudgy metalllic green for a background with a silver metallic oval in the center surrounded by a metallic copper outer border and a red inner one. Gauge, a green skinned dragon with scattered scales of gold, fills the center. Wearing a blue velvet vest with lapels, he’s hunkered down, examining his special pocket watch connected to his vest pocket with a gold chain. The series information is in a curly gothic font in white at the top while the title is in the same font in copper against a deep cream scroll at the base of the oval graphic. The author’s name is at the very bottom in a serif white.
The title is the focus of this story, the time-measuring dragon named Gauge.
April 25, 2025
This is what I wanted in The Last Dragon Corniclies. None of this time travel stuff even tho times does play a part in this book.
March 26, 2024
It's a pity that Chris d'Lacey is making Lucy a bit of an annoying character. She seemed to worry too much about being arrested by the police. And because the books feel as though they are set in the United Kingdom, the money should be pounds and not dollars. Still enjoying the books.
April 26, 2025
The beautiful old clock tower attached to the library hasn't worked properly for years, and the mayor has plans for a flashing modern digital clock instead. The citizens protest, and Liz does what she does best: creates a special dragon. Gauge is great at keeping time but not so sure about how to actually fix the giant clock. But he gets a little supernatural help, resulting in a fix that isn't what anyone expected.
I don't think I actually wondered why the Scuffenbury clock told time so erratically, but I'm glad I know. This story was a lot of fun to read, with just the right elements of cute, humorous, and magical. I'm currently hunting for the rest of the series.
I don't think I actually wondered why the Scuffenbury clock told time so erratically, but I'm glad I know. This story was a lot of fun to read, with just the right elements of cute, humorous, and magical. I'm currently hunting for the rest of the series.
June 8, 2025
Cute! These are just too short and I want more.
June 30, 2020
This is for younger children, about a hundred pages, very large font, wide spacing. It was an adorable story. I highly recommend for small children. When you have interesting characters, whether its dragons, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, or Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon--my favorite aspect is watching these interesting characters live their day to day lives. It makes you feel like you know them more personally, understand them more intimately, and the contrast of odd creatures doing normal things is cute. If you agree, you'll like his Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. His writing capabilities are much better suited to this level of story telling.
March 22, 2025
This book was so cute! It reminds me of what most of the Last Dragon series is missing.
I'LL HAVE TO READ THE ONE ABOUT Gruffen!
I'LL HAVE TO READ THE ONE ABOUT Gruffen!
February 20, 2019
being one of the main stars in a protest seems rather unlike liz, but this was another charming read.
January 23, 2022
Cute book.
March 26, 2024
The magic of the first book hasn't carried over to the second book.
April 26, 2025
Brilliant!
As a great aunt i really recommend these stories to all who read to, with or provide books for, children.
As a great aunt i really recommend these stories to all who read to, with or provide books for, children.
March 16, 2010
Another delve into the Pennykettle's past, as we witness the creation of a little dragon named Gauge.
Lucy, her mother and Gauge are a little stumped at what Gauge's gift is. Mom is also distracted with protesting the demolition of the town clock. But Gauge does something Pennykettle dragons almost never do: he leaves the Pennykettle home unnoticed. The dragon then takes an interest in the town clock, and what he finds changes some things.
I find these back stories charming as they revisit the dragons we have come to know and love from The Last Dragon series (especially while awaiting the next book, Dark Fire). The Dragons of Wayward Crescent books are magical and readable, even if you haven't read The Last Dragon series.
Lucy, her mother and Gauge are a little stumped at what Gauge's gift is. Mom is also distracted with protesting the demolition of the town clock. But Gauge does something Pennykettle dragons almost never do: he leaves the Pennykettle home unnoticed. The dragon then takes an interest in the town clock, and what he finds changes some things.
I find these back stories charming as they revisit the dragons we have come to know and love from The Last Dragon series (especially while awaiting the next book, Dark Fire). The Dragons of Wayward Crescent books are magical and readable, even if you haven't read The Last Dragon series.
November 14, 2012
The town that Lucy and her mother, Liz, live in has decided that they are going to demolish the old historic clock tower attached to the library and replace it with a new one. Liz decides this is horrific and creates Gauge the dragon to help find an answer to the problem. In case Gauge isn't able to do anything, Liz and other citizens also organize a protest (much to Lucy's horror). Gauge and Lucy come through to save the day, with the help of a ghostly resident of the tower.
A cute, easy chapter book for young readers. Nothing very deep or complicated since it is aimed at younger elementary kids. I personally like my dragons with a little more character. Gauge was pretty flat.
Kids who can't handle ghosts should probably be encouraged to read something else.
A cute, easy chapter book for young readers. Nothing very deep or complicated since it is aimed at younger elementary kids. I personally like my dragons with a little more character. Gauge was pretty flat.
Kids who can't handle ghosts should probably be encouraged to read something else.
November 27, 2016
This small book is an extra for The Last Dragon Chronicles. It describes the making and birth of the dragon Gauge. It is clearly written for younger children as it is very short with big writing and pictures. However as I am a big fan of finding out the history of characters in books I actually enjoyed this book.
I love the way that after Lucy complains that a measuring dragon is boring. Liz uses Gauge to accurately time Lucy’s bedtime, how long she should brush her teeth for and how long she should work on her homework for. It is also funny that Lucy uses Gauge to help her Mum fix the library clock because she is so terrified for going to prison for partaking in a peaceful protest.
This was a nice little addition to the main series and so receives three stars.
I love the way that after Lucy complains that a measuring dragon is boring. Liz uses Gauge to accurately time Lucy’s bedtime, how long she should brush her teeth for and how long she should work on her homework for. It is also funny that Lucy uses Gauge to help her Mum fix the library clock because she is so terrified for going to prison for partaking in a peaceful protest.
This was a nice little addition to the main series and so receives three stars.
March 31, 2011
Again a really cute story by Chris D'Lacey, he is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors!
This time the dragon in this story follows the special dragon that can tell time and measure things. Lucy (the daughter of Liz) and the dragon help to save the town clock and make it into a landmark.
Its so lovely to think that there are children in the world that might read this story and fall in love with the amazing world that i too am in love with.
There are a further 2 books in the DRAGONS OF WAYWARD CRESCENT and i cant wait to read them.
This time the dragon in this story follows the special dragon that can tell time and measure things. Lucy (the daughter of Liz) and the dragon help to save the town clock and make it into a landmark.
Its so lovely to think that there are children in the world that might read this story and fall in love with the amazing world that i too am in love with.
There are a further 2 books in the DRAGONS OF WAYWARD CRESCENT and i cant wait to read them.
Read
June 11, 2011This book reminded me a lot of the children's series "The Magic Treehouse Series." It was a very easy read and really fun! "Gauge" is about Lucy Pennykettle and her mother "Liz" who makes clay dragons. These clay dragons come to life with the help of a dragon teardrop. Each dragon has a special power. Gauge is a timing dragon and he and Lucy try to save the old town clock from destruction. This book is definitely for younger children probably 2nd or 3rd grade level.
August 18, 2010
Already an intriging start, I wonder what the author will do to keep it that way, it doesn't seem like there's much he can do, but you never know...
This short story was great. I've enjoyed the dragons of Wayward Crescent much more because the content is actually about the dragons. this story was charing and cute, with a very unexpected ending. Read this if you want a quick breath of fresh air.
This short story was great. I've enjoyed the dragons of Wayward Crescent much more because the content is actually about the dragons. this story was charing and cute, with a very unexpected ending. Read this if you want a quick breath of fresh air.
December 9, 2011
Not at all what I expected. Illustrations are absolutely adorable which is the best element of the whole story and there aren't that many of them. The story is weak in both characters and plot. The mother who behaves like a child and leaves her 12 year old daughter to be the grown up is in no way amusing. Most interesting bit of plot is showing the sanctimonious nature of "peaceful" protests.
June 4, 2013
Another charming tale of the Dragons of Wayward Crescent. Gauge is every bit as endearing as Gruffen. I am eager to track down Glade and Grabber now, and sincerely hope there will more of these wonderful little stories.
I have also moved Chris D'Lacey's other dragon stories higher up my 'to be read' list. His works are a must for dragon lovers everywhere, of any age.
I have also moved Chris D'Lacey's other dragon stories higher up my 'to be read' list. His works are a must for dragon lovers everywhere, of any age.
August 27, 2016
This series continues to tickle me: the dragons are really quite endearing and the young protagonist is refreshingly multi-faceted and believable. The mother is a competent and engaging character who obviously knows more about sorcery and dragons than she's letting on, with several hints dropped about her true background. I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 6, 2011
A delightful tale of when Lucy is nine-years-old and her mom Liz wants to save the town library tower clock from being replaced with a digital. The tale has a ghost, a time dragon, a villainous town counsel member and his henchman and a dorky librarian. A must read.
June 29, 2013
Well written for its target audience. Nice lead in and intro of some characters for the series. Bit of a gap in reading volume and level between them though. I like that it is set with one if the lesser known dragons...or is my memory faulty?
September 16, 2013
My daughter requested I get another book in the series immediately, so I must give it a 4! And I liked the cute bit about the protest at the library, and the main child character's embarrassment about her mother participating in--gasp!--a sit-in.
March 9, 2016
This is the second book in the Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. It is a very cute and accessible book for beginning chapter readers, especially those with "dragon fever". The illustrations add to the story.
April 27, 2016
Lucy's mother makes clay dragons, and occasionally one of them takes on life! Personally, I've always wanted a house dragon, and this delightful book takes that conceit a bit further. The dragon is full of charm, and the plot, involving political action, is refreshing.
February 22, 2010
very cute a book that goes with the fire within series.VERY CUTE
July 27, 2011
a cute short story about the magical dragons in the fire with in series, very basic early reader... cute pictures
February 17, 2012
My 8 year old daughter loves this series: I prefer the older series!
July 22, 2012
delightful story and really wonderful writing. will read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews