What do you think?
Rate this book
This is an illustrated fantasy in which readers accompany three bald dwarves on a perilous puzzle quest. When evil Winston, the wig-wearing wizard, casts a spell which makes all their hair fall out, the villagers of Shortsville (previously known for the length and lustre of their locks) decide that something must be done. Armed only with eight big bug burgers, a bottle of yab's milk and a book of old maps, three intrepid villagers set off to find the source of Winston's power deep inside the dragon's lair. Each scene has strange things to find, mysteries to solve and colourful creatures and characters to spot.
Paperback
First published March 1, 1997
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 20, 2014
As one of my "Lost Books" from my childhood, (I'd tried to read it as a child but it disappeared and I forgot the name,) I am thrilled to finally have my search come to an end.
Dragon Quest is about three bald people off on a quest to defeat the curse that made them bald in the first place, and you have to help them along the way by finding objects hidden in the illustrations. Gorgeous illustrations and interestingly weird plotline.
Warning: These puzzles are insanely difficult. I was unable to find any of the objects as a child, and I seriously doubt I could do so now, even though I remember vaguely what they're supposed to be. Luckily, they have some answers to the puzzles in the back of the book.
My verdict: Good for anyone who enjoys a challenge.
Dragon Quest is about three bald people off on a quest to defeat the curse that made them bald in the first place, and you have to help them along the way by finding objects hidden in the illustrations. Gorgeous illustrations and interestingly weird plotline.
Warning: These puzzles are insanely difficult. I was unable to find any of the objects as a child, and I seriously doubt I could do so now, even though I remember vaguely what they're supposed to be. Luckily, they have some answers to the puzzles in the back of the book.
My verdict: Good for anyone who enjoys a challenge.
August 31, 2020
It’s like a look and find adventure great book.
May 21, 2023
This is a weirdly adult, fantasy version of ‘Where’s Wally?’ that I probably shouldn’t be including on my Goodreads but I’m so nostalgic about it and have poured so many hours into it that I will anyway.
I’ve had this since I was a kid, pilfered from my dad’s collection of books, and me and my sister would sit pouring over it. The puzzles are hard and the scenes so detailed that I’ll admit to cheating a lot back then (and now, to be honest). If you’re interested in fantasy art it’s well worth a pick up if you can find it, even if you never do the puzzles.
What I find a bit strange about it is the audience. As a kid the illustrations scared me, yet the villain is called Winston the Wig-Wearing Wizard (he wears a spiral hat though, not a wig) who is terrorising Shortsville by making the inhabitants go bald. It’s a very childish premise with very adult illustrations. I’ve never understood it, but loved it all the same.
I’ve had this since I was a kid, pilfered from my dad’s collection of books, and me and my sister would sit pouring over it. The puzzles are hard and the scenes so detailed that I’ll admit to cheating a lot back then (and now, to be honest). If you’re interested in fantasy art it’s well worth a pick up if you can find it, even if you never do the puzzles.
What I find a bit strange about it is the audience. As a kid the illustrations scared me, yet the villain is called Winston the Wig-Wearing Wizard (he wears a spiral hat though, not a wig) who is terrorising Shortsville by making the inhabitants go bald. It’s a very childish premise with very adult illustrations. I’ve never understood it, but loved it all the same.
July 19, 2010
I just recently purchased this book and must say that the graphics are amazingly done. I admit that it is a bit hard to find some of the items in the pictures but that just makes it more challenging. The artwork alone is enough to purchase this book.
July 17, 2022
I’m cleaning out my bookcase and I wanted to give a proper burial to a few books that have been with me for over 20 years across several countries.
Sword Quest and Dragon Quest were two books set in medieval fantasy universes with many “Where’s Waldo” type activities which I duly ignored as I sank into the chaotic illustrations.
Dragon Quest would likely get cancelled today because of its premise: a bald warlock casts a spell on a whole town of short and extremely hairy people so that all hair is removed from their body. Whine about body shaming all you want, I’m bald(ing) and I don’t feel offended by this book. Anyway, three of these pseudo-hobbits become the unlikely heroes who traverse the realm on a quest to remove the spell. Preposterous, but just as with the other books in this same vein, I would discard all of that and spend my time dreaming up backstories for all the sailors in the pirate tavern the heroes visit, or wondering about the daily habits of the fish people who rode giant frogs in the swamp, when they weren’t busy attacking three lv.2 noobs with starter gear.
Since most of the illustrations put you right into the action instead of giving you a bird’s eye view of the setting, this book didn’t keep me entertained as much as others, but it did quench the childish thirst that would only be fully satiated decades later after I came into contact with The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Baldur’s Gate.
Sword Quest and Dragon Quest were two books set in medieval fantasy universes with many “Where’s Waldo” type activities which I duly ignored as I sank into the chaotic illustrations.
Dragon Quest would likely get cancelled today because of its premise: a bald warlock casts a spell on a whole town of short and extremely hairy people so that all hair is removed from their body. Whine about body shaming all you want, I’m bald(ing) and I don’t feel offended by this book. Anyway, three of these pseudo-hobbits become the unlikely heroes who traverse the realm on a quest to remove the spell. Preposterous, but just as with the other books in this same vein, I would discard all of that and spend my time dreaming up backstories for all the sailors in the pirate tavern the heroes visit, or wondering about the daily habits of the fish people who rode giant frogs in the swamp, when they weren’t busy attacking three lv.2 noobs with starter gear.
Since most of the illustrations put you right into the action instead of giving you a bird’s eye view of the setting, this book didn’t keep me entertained as much as others, but it did quench the childish thirst that would only be fully satiated decades later after I came into contact with The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Baldur’s Gate.
December 1, 2024
Dwarves, Deduction & a Dragon: Delightful
I recall reading this book for the first time when I was 12. I read it again this year with my 3 year old son - over two decades later. I'm glad to say that the magic has not faded in this little gem of literature. Were Dungeons & Dragons to have a lovechild with Where's Wally, this little beauty would be the result.
From the clever concept, and the smart story, to the utterly stunning execution, this book is a marvel and truly fun for all ages. The enthralling artwork tells 101 little stories on every double page spread, that augment and substantiate the quest of the protagonists and the reader.
It does not douse the reader in heavy prose but keeps the tale light, unpredictable and fun, while it also gives lots of optional extra challenges for those who wish for a more difficult experience. Well-worth a gander, even if only to admire the painstaking and masterful art.
I recall reading this book for the first time when I was 12. I read it again this year with my 3 year old son - over two decades later. I'm glad to say that the magic has not faded in this little gem of literature. Were Dungeons & Dragons to have a lovechild with Where's Wally, this little beauty would be the result.
From the clever concept, and the smart story, to the utterly stunning execution, this book is a marvel and truly fun for all ages. The enthralling artwork tells 101 little stories on every double page spread, that augment and substantiate the quest of the protagonists and the reader.
It does not douse the reader in heavy prose but keeps the tale light, unpredictable and fun, while it also gives lots of optional extra challenges for those who wish for a more difficult experience. Well-worth a gander, even if only to admire the painstaking and masterful art.
July 30, 2020
An amazing and exciting book. When I was a kid I remember I had to prepare myself before diving into such an amazing adventure. I also remember experiencing a little bit of fear. The plot and scenes were so dark, yet hopeful enough to carry on and complete the dangerous mission. Very enjoyable. 10/10 would recommend.
June 28, 2022
Cookbook I'll ok
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews