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Jane and the Dragon
Jane and the Dragon
A feisty heroine who’d rather joust than sew seeks out her own adventures in these magical fairy tales for today’s young readers.
Jane longs to be a knight, but everyone laughs at her. Everyone, that is, except the court jester, who lends her a small suit of armor to help make her dream come true. And when an enormous dragon swoops in and steals the prince, Jane quickly gets the chance to prove herself!
Jane longs to be a knight, but everyone laughs at her. Everyone, that is, except the court jester, who lends her a small suit of armor to help make her dream come true. And when an enormous dragon swoops in and steals the prince, Jane quickly gets the chance to prove herself!
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
2 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Martin Baynton
42 books23 followersMartin Baynton is a British Author, Illustrator and TV producer. His latest novel, Truth and Transformation (Taking Wonderland #2), is book two in a fantasy trilogy, Taking Wonderland. Best known for his children’s books, his Jane And The Dragon series was adapted and produced for television by Weta Workshop. His books have been widely published in the UK, US, New Zealand and Australia, and he has illustrated books written by authors such as Russell Hoban and Kenneth Grahame.
Martin has also written for the stage and television and has created award winning TV shows including The WotWots, the Kiddets and The Book Hungry Bears.
Born in London, Martin was educated at Hereford Cathedral Prep, Ledbury Grammar School and Hereford Art College. He studied electrophysiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London University and the Institute Of Child Health. In the mid 1970s, he joined St Bartholomew Hospital's medical electronics department to develop biofeedback technology with biofeedback pioneer Dr Ann Wooley-Hart.
Martin moved to New Zealand in 1987 with his young family and became a New Zealand citizen.
Martin has also written for the stage and television and has created award winning TV shows including The WotWots, the Kiddets and The Book Hungry Bears.
Born in London, Martin was educated at Hereford Cathedral Prep, Ledbury Grammar School and Hereford Art College. He studied electrophysiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London University and the Institute Of Child Health. In the mid 1970s, he joined St Bartholomew Hospital's medical electronics department to develop biofeedback technology with biofeedback pioneer Dr Ann Wooley-Hart.
Martin moved to New Zealand in 1987 with his young family and became a New Zealand citizen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 4, 2016
Darling, but I think reviewers here are a bit biased - it's getting rave reviews cuz a strong young girl saves a prince and gets to follow her dream to be a knight. It's far from the best fairy tale with a gentle dragon or a strong princess. Please, folks, read the richer, juicier, The Reluctant Dragon, and 'most anything by Jay Williams including The Practical Princess and Other Liberating Fairy Tales, and even The Paperbag Princess.
Otoh, I do feel that there's a good chance that Jane's further adventures are better developed, as Baynton got more practice and support, and so I will look for them.
Btw, a shout-out to Candlewick Press, probably my favorite children's publisher!
(edited to add - apparently this is a tv show... episodes avl on youtube... I just watched one and it was cute enough...)
Otoh, I do feel that there's a good chance that Jane's further adventures are better developed, as Baynton got more practice and support, and so I will look for them.
Btw, a shout-out to Candlewick Press, probably my favorite children's publisher!
(edited to add - apparently this is a tv show... episodes avl on youtube... I just watched one and it was cute enough...)
September 25, 2012
This is another terrific library find. This is a strong female protagonist story, the kind of which we can not get enough of in our house.
Jane is in training to be a lady-in-waiting, like her mother, but she really wants to be a knight. Since this isn't expected, nearly everyone finds the idea hilarious. The primary theme is finding the courage to pursue your heart's desire, even if it isn't what's expected. It also carries a more subtle message about the inadvisability in looking askance at those who choose (or have been chosen by) a different path.
The language is not overly simplified, but flows nicely and reads aloud well. The illustrations are fun, though I'm unsure how she manages all that hair.
Cautionary note for parents with new readers - this book uses British spellings (practise and armour), so it may confuse some children.
Jane is in training to be a lady-in-waiting, like her mother, but she really wants to be a knight. Since this isn't expected, nearly everyone finds the idea hilarious. The primary theme is finding the courage to pursue your heart's desire, even if it isn't what's expected. It also carries a more subtle message about the inadvisability in looking askance at those who choose (or have been chosen by) a different path.
The language is not overly simplified, but flows nicely and reads aloud well. The illustrations are fun, though I'm unsure how she manages all that hair.
Cautionary note for parents with new readers - this book uses British spellings (practise and armour), so it may confuse some children.
December 2, 2008
Don't be afraid to follow your dreams....even if it leads you to a life that is different from what some folks may expect of you!
This story is about a young girl named Jane who does not want to be a lady in waiting....she wants to be a knight. Although most everyone she tells laughs at her, she never gives up hope. In the end, Jane is a hero...she surprises the entire kingdom with her bravery and fulfils her dream of becoming a knight.
This is a sweet story -- I have a hard time finding age appropirate dragon/knight stories for my young boys, but this one is A-OK.
This story is about a young girl named Jane who does not want to be a lady in waiting....she wants to be a knight. Although most everyone she tells laughs at her, she never gives up hope. In the end, Jane is a hero...she surprises the entire kingdom with her bravery and fulfils her dream of becoming a knight.
This is a sweet story -- I have a hard time finding age appropirate dragon/knight stories for my young boys, but this one is A-OK.
September 1, 2016
A positive message: girl power; being who you want to be regardless of gender (or whether or not you're a dragon!); appreciating the people who support you in your dreams and helping others achieve theirs; etcetera.
I'm not sure how common such books were in the late 80s, when my edition was published - although this is the era of the (girl) power ballad we're talking about - but there are mountains of them now. This is a good thing, BUT it does mean there is a lot of competition and that sets the bar high.
In my opinion, Jane and the Dragon is a perfectly nice book but it does not stand out. The story was sweet, but no more so than hundreds of other such books. I'm not overwhelmed by the illustration either; I found it insipid and lacking in flair (I'm more of an Augustus and His Smile kind of girl) although to be fair it looks as though the author may have redone the pictures for later books.
There's no reason to avoid Jane and the Dragon, but don't put yourself out trying to get a copy.
I'm not sure how common such books were in the late 80s, when my edition was published - although this is the era of the (girl) power ballad we're talking about - but there are mountains of them now. This is a good thing, BUT it does mean there is a lot of competition and that sets the bar high.
In my opinion, Jane and the Dragon is a perfectly nice book but it does not stand out. The story was sweet, but no more so than hundreds of other such books. I'm not overwhelmed by the illustration either; I found it insipid and lacking in flair (I'm more of an Augustus and His Smile kind of girl) although to be fair it looks as though the author may have redone the pictures for later books.
There's no reason to avoid Jane and the Dragon, but don't put yourself out trying to get a copy.
May 23, 2012
I got this book after a friend recommended the TV series that was based on it. The author (a man, I am pleased to say) wrote this for his daughter because "Fairy tales are tough on girls." It was a great story to share with my niece (almost 4 yrs), and I look forward to getting the next two books and sharing them with her, too.
November 13, 2007
So, I just had the desire to pick this book up from the library. I remember reading it long ago, but thought it was time for a refresher. The book is just so cute and sweet and I hope to own a copy someday to read to the kids I may have in the future.
May 17, 2009
Jane wants be a knight but she is told that girls can't be knights. She practices night and day until she decides to take on the local dragon.
July 21, 2017
An excellent children's book about societal expectations, following your dreams, and feminism, wisely portrayed without being preachy. I also personally really liked that the jester's lost dreams were wonderfully portrayed without him being laughed at or vilified. I interpreted it as such that it was okay to abandon old dreams, to be okay with past choices and forgive yourself. And the fact that he moved on and didn't drag down someone else who was young and new to following their own dreams was also incredibly inspiring. He helped Jane instead of becoming a bitter person. Wonderful story.
April 27, 2020
It's a cute tale of a princess who wants to be a knight, and apparently the first in a series about Jane's adventures too. I'm all for girl-power fairy tales, and anything with a good dragon character in it, but at the same time, it's not the most stand-out of the picture books in this niche (maybe it's the illustrations that just didn't bring it home for me?). Still, it's worth the read if you get your hands on a copy. I'd pull it out for fairytale storytimes or programs - anything with knights, dragons, princesses, etc.
October 20, 2025
I loved this book!! The theme of supverting expectations, determination and being true to yourself was really well done. Jane is a very likeable character who is confident and determined to accomplish her dream to become a knight and inspires girls they can do whatever they set their mind to. The dragon was also great because he wasn't just some monster but had a reason for why he took the prince. And the illustrations were beautiful! The prose was great and concise but not too simple. I really recommend this book!
August 3, 2019
I love books where girls don't fit into the roles excepted of them. This is a wonderful book I read to my daughter
October 7, 2019
A short story about defying society's expectations based on what you are. It's a good message for kids.
July 30, 2014
Jane and the Dragon is a story about a young girl who longed to be a knight but wasn't allowed because of her gender. Every morning she sits with her mother learning to sew and looks down at the knights practising their swordplay in the courtyard below.
She tries to tell her mother and father, the king, the prince and even the knights themselves about her dream but they all they can do is laugh and tell her how foolish she is. When she tells the knights about what she wants,they ridicule her and dress her in fine armour that is too big for her and sit her on a straw horse.
This brings Jane great sadness until she finally tells the court jester who believes in her dream. The jester tells her that he had also dreamt of becoming a knight but that he was never brave enough and gives her his small suit of armour.
From that day on, Jane practised swordplay, horseplay and victory speeches until she shows everyone her bravery by saving the prince from a dragon. In the end, the king repays Jane by making her a real knight.
This book is aimed at children aged 4-8. I really enjoyed the story as it sends the message to follow your heart no matter what everyone else tells you. Jane also happens to be kind in her interaction with the dragon, which teaches children about turning a bad situation around and making it good. The book is filled with colourful and animated pictures which younger children would love. It is a great story to read aloud and also to have on a bookshelf in a classroom for independent reading.
She tries to tell her mother and father, the king, the prince and even the knights themselves about her dream but they all they can do is laugh and tell her how foolish she is. When she tells the knights about what she wants,they ridicule her and dress her in fine armour that is too big for her and sit her on a straw horse.
This brings Jane great sadness until she finally tells the court jester who believes in her dream. The jester tells her that he had also dreamt of becoming a knight but that he was never brave enough and gives her his small suit of armour.
From that day on, Jane practised swordplay, horseplay and victory speeches until she shows everyone her bravery by saving the prince from a dragon. In the end, the king repays Jane by making her a real knight.
This book is aimed at children aged 4-8. I really enjoyed the story as it sends the message to follow your heart no matter what everyone else tells you. Jane also happens to be kind in her interaction with the dragon, which teaches children about turning a bad situation around and making it good. The book is filled with colourful and animated pictures which younger children would love. It is a great story to read aloud and also to have on a bookshelf in a classroom for independent reading.
December 7, 2015
In this short story a small girl named Jane longs to be a knight at the castle. However, he fate is to be a lady in waiting like her mother and every other young lady at the castle who isn't royalty. Refusing to accept her fate Jane tells everyone about her wish to be a knight. Only one person takes her seriously and that is the jester. After he gives Jane some armor that he got when his wish was to be a knight she begins practicing whenever the real knights are away from their quarters. One day a giant dragon steals the prince and Jane is the only one who can save him, after "defeating" the dragon and saving the prince the King makes Jane a knight for real.
This book is an amazing example that girls can do anything boys can do and gives a good sense of female empowerment. The story of Jane can help inspire little girls to follow their dreams no matter how far fetched they may seem. This book can have the same effect on boys, urging them to follow their dreams as well. It also shows boys they don't always have to go around feeling pressure to rescue girls, sometimes it's okay to be the damsel in distress and let a "lad in waiting" take a turn saving you. This book would be a great way to start talking about gender stereotypes in the classroom with a little mid-evil example and cute pictures to go along with it.
This book is an amazing example that girls can do anything boys can do and gives a good sense of female empowerment. The story of Jane can help inspire little girls to follow their dreams no matter how far fetched they may seem. This book can have the same effect on boys, urging them to follow their dreams as well. It also shows boys they don't always have to go around feeling pressure to rescue girls, sometimes it's okay to be the damsel in distress and let a "lad in waiting" take a turn saving you. This book would be a great way to start talking about gender stereotypes in the classroom with a little mid-evil example and cute pictures to go along with it.
November 27, 2011
I really enjoyed this sweet little story about a girl who wants to be a knight but is told she can't simply because of her gender. I'm happy that the girl gets to save the boy this time. I'm also glad that she doesn't kill the dragon, but loves it, which is all the dragon wants anyway. I love the message that good things can happen when people (and dragons) quit acting the way they are expected to act but follow their hearts instead.
November 22, 2014
There are plenty of stories about princes and princesses. This one is a keeper - Jane wants to be a knight but is told she can't. Then one day the prince is taken by a dragon and all of the knights are away. This is Jane's chance to follow her dream. I love how she handles the dragon fight and who she chooses to dance with at the end.
An extra star for my two daughters. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams.
An extra star for my two daughters. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams.
December 6, 2010
This is a great book about following your dreams no matter what everyone else tells you. Jane was told that she couldn't be a Knight because she was a girl. People laughed at her, only one person believed in Jane. There was trouble in the land and it was up to Jane to rescue the princess. She faught long and hard and became an inpiration to an unlikely character.
April 24, 2012
A girl power book in the style of "The Paper Bag Princess" - Jane is a princess who dreams of doing more than practicing needlework. She shares her dreams with the court jester, who confides that he too had other goals. He gives her a suit of armor, and she sets off for adventure. She's tested by a fierce dragon, but ends up disarming him in the most disarming way. Great message for grades 1+
October 11, 2008
Just a really great book to share with kids of all ages. Jane is a girl who wants to be a knight. The dragon just wants to be loved. We don't have to be what people expect us to be. Nice message wrapped in charming illustrations and a fun story.
February 3, 2012
We have an older edition of this book, and is wonderful. My kids love the part where Jane and the dragon battle and finally become friends. Done with an English accent is very funny. Longtime favorite!
January 17, 2010
This book was totally not published in 2007 because mine is inscribed with "1990." In case there was any uncertainty as to why I became a feminist, look no further than this book. :)
June 30, 2010
One of my favorite childhood books. I always wanted to be Jane, with her red frizzy hair and positive attitude. A real girl-power story, the perfect fairy tale for all children, girls AND boys.
September 10, 2016
testing an issuesdfsdf
November 16, 2012
Being somewhat of a die hard fan girl of the show, this book made me squee. It was very cute
November 16, 2012
We fell in love with the Weta series, and decided to pick up the book for Andrew. It is such a sweet book, and is frequently requested.
December 3, 2012
Another girl power saves the helpless prince book. In the same spirit of so many other modern fairy tales.
December 5, 2012
The TV series is fantastic so I checked out this book from the library to read as a bedtime story. Sweetly told tale about following dreams and girls doing the unexpected. :)
April 26, 2013
We have read this book over and over. My daughter really identifies with Jane. Nicely written. Cute story. Inspirational reading for young kids.
(My daughter hasn't seen the show.)
(My daughter hasn't seen the show.)
February 26, 2016
I was in love with this book when I was little. I will always be a bit sad that my mom gave it away with a bunch of my other kids' books when I got "too old".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews