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The House with a Dragon in It
From the creators of Lily and the Night Creatures comes another illustrated middle grade adventure of magic and granted wishes perfect for fans of The Beast and the Bethany and Kelly Barnhill.Summer has moved around a lot and knows better than to trust her current foster family. She knows she can only count on herself, which makes adjusting to a new school in a new town very lonely. One day, while Summer and her foster family are having lunch, a hole appears in the middle of the living room. The hole leads down to a dragon, who promises Summer three wishes, to be granted by a witch. Finally, things are looking up as Summer can have the security and company she’s always wanted—guaranteed by magic with no complicated feelings involved. But every granted wish makes the hole in the floor grow bigger and the witch more sinister. With the magic taking a dark turn, can Summer risk asking for her dearest wish—a true home—or will she have to find one on her own?
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2024
19 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Nick Lake
22 books455 followersMy name is Nick and I write and edit books for young adults. My first YA novel IN DARKNESS, was published by Bloomsbury in 2012 and won the Michael L Printz Award for Excellence in YA Literature. I also wrote a book called HOSTAGE THREE about a girl kidnapped by Somali pirates.
THERE WILL BE LIES is coming in January 15 and is about a girl who learns that everything she knows is a lie. To say it's a book with a twist in the story would be a massive understatement. There is also a talking coyote in it.
I live with my wife, daughter and son in a 16th century house in England with almost 19th century amenities. Sometimes the heating even works.
I like: reading, art, music, food containing sugar, cities at night, the countryside in the daytime, vintage furniture, modern standards of heating (see above), travelling.
I dislike: being sick, failing, being underdressed in the cold, being overdressed in the heat, the unnecessary suffering of children, being punched in the face.
THERE WILL BE LIES is coming in January 15 and is about a girl who learns that everything she knows is a lie. To say it's a book with a twist in the story would be a massive understatement. There is also a talking coyote in it.
I live with my wife, daughter and son in a 16th century house in England with almost 19th century amenities. Sometimes the heating even works.
I like: reading, art, music, food containing sugar, cities at night, the countryside in the daytime, vintage furniture, modern standards of heating (see above), travelling.
I dislike: being sick, failing, being underdressed in the cold, being overdressed in the heat, the unnecessary suffering of children, being punched in the face.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 1, 2023
Metaphor and magic - unnerving wish-fulfilment story that skirts darkness.
Love both Nick Lake's YA books and Gravett's picture book illustrations. She brings stunning black and white pencil to this book, with Lake moving to a younger readership and changing tone nicely to give a dark but compelling real-world fantasy that tugs on the heartstrings and educates us on the foster child experience.
Summer is constantly waiting to be moved on again, to the next foster home. Even though the current lot treat her pretty well, there hardly seems any point in being friendly when she could have to uproot at any time. But one day a hole appears in their living room floor. A big hole. A deep hole.
And as Summer finds out... there's a dragon in it. And the possibility of wishes granted.
The plot swiftly moves from a dragon to another is-it-or-isn't-it-creepy, with a witch. And subtle little hints at what is to come, what Summer is facing, and what effect her wishes are having on those around her.
There's lots here to read into the story - about friendship, family, home, revenge and anger, love and acceptance. It's wonderfully brought to life by Gravett's pictures, and Lake assuredly gives a primary audience a thoughtful and suspenseful tale.
For ages 9-13.
Love both Nick Lake's YA books and Gravett's picture book illustrations. She brings stunning black and white pencil to this book, with Lake moving to a younger readership and changing tone nicely to give a dark but compelling real-world fantasy that tugs on the heartstrings and educates us on the foster child experience.
Summer is constantly waiting to be moved on again, to the next foster home. Even though the current lot treat her pretty well, there hardly seems any point in being friendly when she could have to uproot at any time. But one day a hole appears in their living room floor. A big hole. A deep hole.
And as Summer finds out... there's a dragon in it. And the possibility of wishes granted.
The plot swiftly moves from a dragon to another is-it-or-isn't-it-creepy, with a witch. And subtle little hints at what is to come, what Summer is facing, and what effect her wishes are having on those around her.
There's lots here to read into the story - about friendship, family, home, revenge and anger, love and acceptance. It's wonderfully brought to life by Gravett's pictures, and Lake assuredly gives a primary audience a thoughtful and suspenseful tale.
For ages 9-13.
December 12, 2024
A heartfelt, lovely, deep, and fun book! I love finding a fantasy book that is easy to jump into; no complicated world building, just pure magic and love. The character growth was realistic and felt true to childhood. I now want to read everything by this author.
September 28, 2024
3.5
Review Coming Soon
Review Coming Soon
March 25, 2025
My partner’s friend gave me this book, and I quickly realised it wasn’t the final published version—judging by the cover, proofreading notes, and a few unedited sentences. Still, the story itself is quite good and genuinely engaging.
The plot follows Summer, a girl who has spent her entire life in foster care. After a heated argument with her foster parents, a massive sinkhole suddenly opens up in their living room. Naturally, Summer ventures into it and ends up facing a dragon, which she defeats, earning a mysterious bottle as a reward. Then, unexpectedly, a witch enters the story and becomes the central figure, taking over what I initially thought would be a dragon-focused narrative. That shift confused me at first—especially since the title led me to believe the dragon would be the main character—but it turned out to be an interesting twist.
The tale of three wishes is simple and easy for children to follow, and Summer’s wishes are deeply relatable for young readers—touching on themes of friendship, family, bullying, and the universal desire to be loved. I also appreciated the internal conflict Summer experiences. She’s a good kid, but her difficult past often leaves her feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
Every character in the story has depth and their own backstory, even the witch, which adds richness to the narrative. I really enjoyed how the author wove historical references into the plot—it was a clever and meaningful touch. And the illustrations are beautifully done. The scenes with the witch and the dragon towards the end were especially stunning—they truly took my breath away.
The plot follows Summer, a girl who has spent her entire life in foster care. After a heated argument with her foster parents, a massive sinkhole suddenly opens up in their living room. Naturally, Summer ventures into it and ends up facing a dragon, which she defeats, earning a mysterious bottle as a reward. Then, unexpectedly, a witch enters the story and becomes the central figure, taking over what I initially thought would be a dragon-focused narrative. That shift confused me at first—especially since the title led me to believe the dragon would be the main character—but it turned out to be an interesting twist.
The tale of three wishes is simple and easy for children to follow, and Summer’s wishes are deeply relatable for young readers—touching on themes of friendship, family, bullying, and the universal desire to be loved. I also appreciated the internal conflict Summer experiences. She’s a good kid, but her difficult past often leaves her feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
Every character in the story has depth and their own backstory, even the witch, which adds richness to the narrative. I really enjoyed how the author wove historical references into the plot—it was a clever and meaningful touch. And the illustrations are beautifully done. The scenes with the witch and the dragon towards the end were especially stunning—they truly took my breath away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
Another lovely book about a small girl who's a foster child and how she deals with her feelings of loss, isolation, and rebellion. Unlike Tig, this book is a straight fantasy--or is it?
When a huge sinkhole opens up in the living room of the house where Summer lives with her foster family, she investigates--and finds a dragon in a cave guarding a treasure. That treasure is an apparently empty bottle that contains a vengeful witch. In her battle with the witch, Summer must face her own feelings.
A well-thought-out story, lovely prose, and evocative black and white illustrations make this book a cut above your standard quest fantasy. Mr. Lake shows considerable respect for the complex emotions and the capabilities of children.
When a huge sinkhole opens up in the living room of the house where Summer lives with her foster family, she investigates--and finds a dragon in a cave guarding a treasure. That treasure is an apparently empty bottle that contains a vengeful witch. In her battle with the witch, Summer must face her own feelings.
A well-thought-out story, lovely prose, and evocative black and white illustrations make this book a cut above your standard quest fantasy. Mr. Lake shows considerable respect for the complex emotions and the capabilities of children.
October 14, 2025
Could be SLQB, unless witches are now politically off bounds.
A girl helps a dragon that is living in a crater-like hole that develops in the floor of her foster home. Dragon gives her a bottle with a witch in it who offers, then insists, on giving girl (named Summer in the foster system, not her name given to her by her mom). Witch draws power from the neighbors with whom Summer is friends, putting their lives at risk. Summer finds the thing she most wants (love) with her current foster family. Witch is vanquished--turns into starlings (lovely writing and illustration show this). Good thematic content about seeing the love we have. Witch is a good foe, resolutely "there," not super dramatic, just insistently hurting people, as loneliness and lovelessness will do.
A girl helps a dragon that is living in a crater-like hole that develops in the floor of her foster home. Dragon gives her a bottle with a witch in it who offers, then insists, on giving girl (named Summer in the foster system, not her name given to her by her mom). Witch draws power from the neighbors with whom Summer is friends, putting their lives at risk. Summer finds the thing she most wants (love) with her current foster family. Witch is vanquished--turns into starlings (lovely writing and illustration show this). Good thematic content about seeing the love we have. Witch is a good foe, resolutely "there," not super dramatic, just insistently hurting people, as loneliness and lovelessness will do.
March 25, 2025
My 7yo daughter chose this book when we went to our local indie bookstore and I said she could pick any book she liked! - and to our surprise it was signed by the author! - making it even more special ❤️
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We read it together over a matter of nights (switching to mornings when it got a little "scary" in parts) and have just finished the final chapter!
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It is a thrilling story - we were both gripped from the very start, and throughout.
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We will absolutely be getting more stories from this author in the future! - *instant add to TBR*
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Five stars!!! - and definitely my (our) favourite read of the year so far! ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
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We read it together over a matter of nights (switching to mornings when it got a little "scary" in parts) and have just finished the final chapter!
.
It is a thrilling story - we were both gripped from the very start, and throughout.
.
We will absolutely be getting more stories from this author in the future! - *instant add to TBR*
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Five stars!!! - and definitely my (our) favourite read of the year so far! ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
April 2, 2025
I can see where some of the subtle beauty of the writing itself might be overlooked by some readers- especially given that it's a children's book. The brilliance of Lane's wiring is that it's understated.
Uncommonly well-written, and a very lovely story that speaks to the common troubles of children around the protagonist's age- finding your own voice, your place in the world, and developing the ability to give and receive love in a way that makes you whole.
My 5 and 6 year old discovered this book in the library, and admittedly most of it went over their heads.
I will, however, be keeping all of Nick Lane's children's books in my back pocket as a must-read when they are older.
Uncommonly well-written, and a very lovely story that speaks to the common troubles of children around the protagonist's age- finding your own voice, your place in the world, and developing the ability to give and receive love in a way that makes you whole.
My 5 and 6 year old discovered this book in the library, and admittedly most of it went over their heads.
I will, however, be keeping all of Nick Lane's children's books in my back pocket as a must-read when they are older.
March 22, 2025
3.75
I don't rightly know how to write a review for this book. I'm living for the vibe of it. I liked that Summer slowly learned to trust and find her own self worth. The key scene with the Pattinsons was especially poignant, since I had forgotten that Summer hadn't gotten that final wish granted yet, and the pages detailing the witch's fate were beautiful. Just don't let kids go into this book thinking they're going to get lots of dragon action because of the title and cover, as the dragon barely shows up.
I don't rightly know how to write a review for this book. I'm living for the vibe of it. I liked that Summer slowly learned to trust and find her own self worth. The key scene with the Pattinsons was especially poignant, since I had forgotten that Summer hadn't gotten that final wish granted yet, and the pages detailing the witch's fate were beautiful. Just don't let kids go into this book thinking they're going to get lots of dragon action because of the title and cover, as the dragon barely shows up.
November 25, 2024
A fabulous little fairy tale for middle-grade readers about a foster child who discovers a dragon, a witch, and a talking cat! She is given the opportunity to have three wishes granted, but discovers along the way that maybe she already has everything she needs. The sweetest story with wonderful illustrations throughout! A must buy for elementary libraries!
February 14, 2025
RECOMMEND WITH CAUTION
What a lovely story about love, family and belonging. Summer’s character and the way she grows in this book was so wonderfully written.(If I said more about it, I would give away a crucial part of the story..), but I really loved this book!
That being said, the reason I am recommending this with caution is the witch aspect. She is portrayed as a woman from the 1700’s who was drowned for being a witch. Summer learns the witch somehow takes away from her friends so that they are hurt, but there are never spells being said. By the end, Summer learns to have compassion on the witch who, in order to be free of the bottle, must forgive the town that put her in it. Along the way, Summer learns of forgiveness and love as well. *Some of the illustrations are a bit intense as well so maybe skim it to see if it’s right for your kiddo.*
Found in L4M (YT) Booklist Bundle (Bonus read aloud).
What a lovely story about love, family and belonging. Summer’s character and the way she grows in this book was so wonderfully written.(If I said more about it, I would give away a crucial part of the story..), but I really loved this book!
That being said, the reason I am recommending this with caution is the witch aspect. She is portrayed as a woman from the 1700’s who was drowned for being a witch. Summer learns the witch somehow takes away from her friends so that they are hurt, but there are never spells being said. By the end, Summer learns to have compassion on the witch who, in order to be free of the bottle, must forgive the town that put her in it. Along the way, Summer learns of forgiveness and love as well. *Some of the illustrations are a bit intense as well so maybe skim it to see if it’s right for your kiddo.*
Found in L4M (YT) Booklist Bundle (Bonus read aloud).
June 17, 2025
Read as a bed time story to my 5 and 7 year old. it was probably a bit mature for both of them but my daughter (the 7 year old) loved it and followed Summers progress very keenly. I welled up a bit at the story's conclusion myself. would have minded a bit of tightening at the end as the lir are around 6 more chapters after the big finale who h could have been 2 or 3.
November 16, 2023
I loved the dragon and the cat! I just wanted Summer (not her true name and I'm glad we didn't find out) to give the Pattinson's a chance. It's really well told and is an engaging story. The illustrations as amazing too.
July 18, 2024
Exciting and mysterious middle grade novel with a great lead heroine and some very cool world building. While the dragon is in the title, it’s a witch that is the biggest threat to our heroine Summer. I really enjoyed how all the characters, heroic or villainous, have more depth than you would expect. A terrific and fun book for middle graders.
Arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
Arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
September 12, 2024
The author tries to be Gaiman-esque (not towards the nanny!), but fails. A bit. The story mixes a kid's everyday life with the magical, and it's mysterious and fun, it's just a bit more literal in parts.
Got the book because it's double-signed by the author and the illustrator.
Got the book because it's double-signed by the author and the illustrator.
November 4, 2024
People are way too hard on this. It's the perfect little fairy tale about a foster girl, a dragon in a hole, a magical cat, and a very vindictive witch. Perfect for the younger middle-grade reader crowd.
December 27, 2024
This book was very well written and the story was full of some great life lessons. I feel like it had the right amount of magic, without things getting too scary for young readers. I was very pleased with the ending.
January 13, 2025
An interesting middle school real-life/fantasy/fairy tale with great illustrations by Emily Gravett. It has themes of belonging, love, friendship, revenge, forgiveness, and all kinds of magical elements. A dragon, witch, talking cat...it's a fun book!
March 3, 2025
Read this with my 7 yo. She liked it. I felt it was a cute story. Had a nice message. Just fell flat at the end. Was expecting a bit more action to win over evil. A bit more outward struggle from the witch. Not so much the internal struggle.
April 13, 2024
This was an okay-ish read because the story was not very good.
June 25, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Charming, well illustrated dragon fantasy. Seemed very British, but quite good for elementary fantasy fans who dream of having their own dragon.
Charming, well illustrated dragon fantasy. Seemed very British, but quite good for elementary fantasy fans who dream of having their own dragon.
August 3, 2024
Arc...it was a fun heartful read.
January 6, 2025
Excellent, quick read. Engaging even for an adult:) Pre read it for my kids. Might be a bit too mature for my boys. Soon.
January 25, 2025
I liked it more than my kids did. It went on a little long but it was also sweet.
March 5, 2025
I love this book because it has a girl that has an adventure with a dragon and a witch.
March 18, 2025
1.8
Stupid
Stupid
Read
September 1, 2025Read this for the love of the illustrator but the book did not disappoint
September 17, 2023
Actual rating: 2.75
September 8, 2023
The title of this book describes a scenario that I wish could be true of my own home – I do love dragons! This particular dragon lives at the bottom of a hole that inexplicably opens up in the living room of Summer’s foster home overnight. Summer is given the gift of being granted three wishes but as we read on we understand that her first wishes are flawed and will not make her happy. There are strong themes of belonging, family and friendship running through the story and Summer is shown to be a caring girl who does not yet know her own strength of character. The book is wonderfully illustrated by Emily Gravett and both the full illustrations and the chapter headings perfectly complement the text. The author also credits David McDougall for the stunning design of the book and this is definitely well deserved, I loved the way that elements of the illustrations carried over across pages which really made the story flow. All in all an absorbing middle grade fantasy read which due to the great production values would make a much appreciated gift for any youngster.
January 4, 2025
I decided to read this book because one of my children was reading it in school and I really enjoy discussing books with my kids. I was so pleasantly surprised by the story. I genuinely didn’t think that a book with a dragon and a witch, written for children, was going to be so enjoyable for me to read.
When our main character Summer finds a dragon in her house, it leads to a bottle the dragon has been guarding, eventually bringing a witch into Summer's life. This book talks about Summer living in foster care, briefly mentions witch-hunts, and paints a vivid picture of a child longing to feel loved, and not realizing that she is loved by the family and friends around her.
This was an easy five out of five stars. I look forward to reading more from this author.
When our main character Summer finds a dragon in her house, it leads to a bottle the dragon has been guarding, eventually bringing a witch into Summer's life. This book talks about Summer living in foster care, briefly mentions witch-hunts, and paints a vivid picture of a child longing to feel loved, and not realizing that she is loved by the family and friends around her.
This was an easy five out of five stars. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews