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At Home With Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide: Raising and Loving Your Beardy From Tiny Hatchling to Big Old Dragon
At Home With Your Bearded Dragon
A Beginner’s Guide to Raising and Loving Your Beardy from Tiny Hatchling to Big Old Dragon
So, you brought home a bearded dragon… now what? Maybe you still need to choose one?
Whether you’re brand new to reptile life or just want to make sure you're doing everything right, this book is your go-to guide for raising a happy, healthy, and downright chill beardy. It even has a section to help choose the right dragon for you. Written by a dragon-loving author who’s been through the ups, downs, and sideways of beardie parenting, this guide is packed with real advice, simple steps, and a whole lot of personality.
Inside, you'll
• All about dragons & how to choose one
• How to set up the perfect habitat—without wasting money
• What to feed (and what to never feed) your beardy
• Tips for handling, bonding, and understanding your dragon’s quirky behaviors
• Signs of illness and what to do about them
• Real talk about lighting, heat, brumation, and much more
• + A Huge Bonus Chapter filled with fun facts, handy checklists, emergency procedures, and some famous (sort of) dragons
Whether your dragon is a lazy lizard or a curious explorer, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon will help you care with confidence and love them like the little dinosaur they are.
If you want to raise a happy, healthy bearded dragon without the guesswork, then scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button now!
A Beginner’s Guide to Raising and Loving Your Beardy from Tiny Hatchling to Big Old Dragon
So, you brought home a bearded dragon… now what? Maybe you still need to choose one?
Whether you’re brand new to reptile life or just want to make sure you're doing everything right, this book is your go-to guide for raising a happy, healthy, and downright chill beardy. It even has a section to help choose the right dragon for you. Written by a dragon-loving author who’s been through the ups, downs, and sideways of beardie parenting, this guide is packed with real advice, simple steps, and a whole lot of personality.
Inside, you'll
• All about dragons & how to choose one
• How to set up the perfect habitat—without wasting money
• What to feed (and what to never feed) your beardy
• Tips for handling, bonding, and understanding your dragon’s quirky behaviors
• Signs of illness and what to do about them
• Real talk about lighting, heat, brumation, and much more
• + A Huge Bonus Chapter filled with fun facts, handy checklists, emergency procedures, and some famous (sort of) dragons
Whether your dragon is a lazy lizard or a curious explorer, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon will help you care with confidence and love them like the little dinosaur they are.
If you want to raise a happy, healthy bearded dragon without the guesswork, then scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button now!
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Kim Heidler Brooks
14 books2 followersKim Heidler Brooks has been writing for as long as she can remember. From a young age, she filled notebooks with stories, ideas, and anything that sparked her imagination. Her love for writing was recognized early, earning her numerous awards throughout her school years.
Though she took a break from writing to focus on raising her three children, her passion for storytelling and learning never faded. A natural researcher at heart, Kim has always been the kind of person who dives deep into her interests—gathering information from books, experts, and personal experiences. Whether it’s health, pet care, or relationships, she believes in understanding a topic fully before sharing it with the world.
Now, she’s channeling that curiosity and love for knowledge into writing books that inform, entertain, and inspire. Her goal is simple: to share her passions and expertise with readers in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and, most importantly, helpful.
Though she took a break from writing to focus on raising her three children, her passion for storytelling and learning never faded. A natural researcher at heart, Kim has always been the kind of person who dives deep into her interests—gathering information from books, experts, and personal experiences. Whether it’s health, pet care, or relationships, she believes in understanding a topic fully before sharing it with the world.
Now, she’s channeling that curiosity and love for knowledge into writing books that inform, entertain, and inspire. Her goal is simple: to share her passions and expertise with readers in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and, most importantly, helpful.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 14, 2025
The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Bible (Even for Dreamers Like Me!)
As someone who doesn’t yet own a bearded dragon but has been daydreaming about it for years, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon was everything I hoped for and more. This isn't just a beginner’s guide—this is a warm, witty, and wonderfully informative handbook that makes you feel like you’re already part of the beardie parent club.
From the very first page, the author’s love for these quirky little reptiles shines through. The writing is approachable, fun, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and personality to make even the more technical bits (lighting, heat gradients, brumation—who knew that was a thing?) feel totally manageable.
What I especially loved was the section on choosing the right dragon. It’s honest and empowering, giving future owners (like me!) a clear understanding of what to look for, what to avoid, and how to match a dragon’s temperament to your lifestyle. The habitat setup tips are pure gold—so many books overcomplicate this, but this one breaks it down step-by-step and even helps you avoid unnecessary spending.
Even without a beardie in my life yet, I found myself completely engrossed. I was laughing at the descriptions of their silly behaviors, taking notes on proper diets, and bookmarking the emergency checklist (just in case my future dragon ever gives me the side-eye at 2 AM).
The bonus chapter alone is worth the price of the book—packed with fast facts, rescue tips, and even a shoutout to some (almost) famous dragons. It's like having a bearded dragon mentor in book form.
If you're a proud beardie parent or just a hopeful one like me, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon is a must-have on your shelf. It’s the perfect blend of education and enthusiasm—and after reading it, I feel more ready than ever to welcome my own little dinosaur home.
I highly recommend.
As someone who doesn’t yet own a bearded dragon but has been daydreaming about it for years, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon was everything I hoped for and more. This isn't just a beginner’s guide—this is a warm, witty, and wonderfully informative handbook that makes you feel like you’re already part of the beardie parent club.
From the very first page, the author’s love for these quirky little reptiles shines through. The writing is approachable, fun, and sprinkled with just the right amount of humor and personality to make even the more technical bits (lighting, heat gradients, brumation—who knew that was a thing?) feel totally manageable.
What I especially loved was the section on choosing the right dragon. It’s honest and empowering, giving future owners (like me!) a clear understanding of what to look for, what to avoid, and how to match a dragon’s temperament to your lifestyle. The habitat setup tips are pure gold—so many books overcomplicate this, but this one breaks it down step-by-step and even helps you avoid unnecessary spending.
Even without a beardie in my life yet, I found myself completely engrossed. I was laughing at the descriptions of their silly behaviors, taking notes on proper diets, and bookmarking the emergency checklist (just in case my future dragon ever gives me the side-eye at 2 AM).
The bonus chapter alone is worth the price of the book—packed with fast facts, rescue tips, and even a shoutout to some (almost) famous dragons. It's like having a bearded dragon mentor in book form.
If you're a proud beardie parent or just a hopeful one like me, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon is a must-have on your shelf. It’s the perfect blend of education and enthusiasm—and after reading it, I feel more ready than ever to welcome my own little dinosaur home.
I highly recommend.
May 8, 2025
Kim Brooks' At Home With Your Bearded Dragon is a heartfelt, highly practical guide that feels like sitting down with a patient, wise friend who genuinely wants you—and your bearded dragon—to succeed. Designed specifically for beginners, Brooks carefully walks readers through every essential aspect of bearded dragon care, from selecting the right hatchling to ensuring a long, healthy life for an aging dragon.
What stands out most is Brooks’ warm, conversational tone. She manages to balance detailed, expert advice with personal anecdotes that make the book approachable rather than intimidating. Topics like habitat setup, feeding schedules, safe handling, common health issues, and behavioral understanding are broken down into manageable steps. Her focus on building a trusting, loving bond with your dragon is especially refreshing in a genre often dominated by dry technical manuals.
Brooks also anticipates common first-time owner mistakes—such as improper lighting setups or nutritional gaps—and provides clear solutions. The inclusion of checklists, simple diagrams, and real-world examples makes this guide not just informative, but immediately useful.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the emotional connection between owner and pet. Brooks encourages readers to view their bearded dragon as a companion with individual quirks and needs, rather than just a low-maintenance reptile.
Whether you're considering adopting your first beardy or looking for a refresher on best practices, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon offers both education and encouragement. It's an ideal starting point and a resource readers will find themselves returning to as their dragons grow. Highly recommended for anyone ready to embark on a bearded dragon journey.
What stands out most is Brooks’ warm, conversational tone. She manages to balance detailed, expert advice with personal anecdotes that make the book approachable rather than intimidating. Topics like habitat setup, feeding schedules, safe handling, common health issues, and behavioral understanding are broken down into manageable steps. Her focus on building a trusting, loving bond with your dragon is especially refreshing in a genre often dominated by dry technical manuals.
Brooks also anticipates common first-time owner mistakes—such as improper lighting setups or nutritional gaps—and provides clear solutions. The inclusion of checklists, simple diagrams, and real-world examples makes this guide not just informative, but immediately useful.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on the emotional connection between owner and pet. Brooks encourages readers to view their bearded dragon as a companion with individual quirks and needs, rather than just a low-maintenance reptile.
Whether you're considering adopting your first beardy or looking for a refresher on best practices, At Home With Your Bearded Dragon offers both education and encouragement. It's an ideal starting point and a resource readers will find themselves returning to as their dragons grow. Highly recommended for anyone ready to embark on a bearded dragon journey.
September 11, 2025
If you’re looking for a different kind of pet and are willing to put in the time, this beginners guide on bearded dragons could be the read for you.
Author Kim Heidler Brooks is so knowledgeable about bearded dragons, and her heartfelt sentiments about her own dragon, Ragnar, give the book a truly personal feel. This is someone who has been through the ringer while raising Ragnar, so she knows what she’s talking about.
Though bearded dragons may not wag their tails or sloppily lick their owners, they show affection in other low-key, sometimes unexpected ways, according to Heidler Brooks. Ragnar will cuddle with his owner while watching TV, but it took him a while to warm up enough to reach that point. Food, digestion, personality, sickness, entertainment, temperature, lighting – there is really no aspect of a bearded dragon’s life that the author doesn’t cover.
I didn’t know anything about these lizards until reading this book, and I have to say that I probably won’t be purchasing one any time soon. However, I do want to emphasize that bearded dragons are not the scary creatures people might think they are. Rather, they are pretty laid-back lizards that don’t cause much of a fuss, though each one is different, of course.
Heidler Brooks writes clearly and concisely and with plenty of humor, doing her best to both educate and convince people to get these pets, especially through adoption if you see the right opportunity. She may not have her own stubborn dragon fully trained at times, but she loves him immensely and does a great job helping readers understand these lovable lizards.
Author Kim Heidler Brooks is so knowledgeable about bearded dragons, and her heartfelt sentiments about her own dragon, Ragnar, give the book a truly personal feel. This is someone who has been through the ringer while raising Ragnar, so she knows what she’s talking about.
Though bearded dragons may not wag their tails or sloppily lick their owners, they show affection in other low-key, sometimes unexpected ways, according to Heidler Brooks. Ragnar will cuddle with his owner while watching TV, but it took him a while to warm up enough to reach that point. Food, digestion, personality, sickness, entertainment, temperature, lighting – there is really no aspect of a bearded dragon’s life that the author doesn’t cover.
I didn’t know anything about these lizards until reading this book, and I have to say that I probably won’t be purchasing one any time soon. However, I do want to emphasize that bearded dragons are not the scary creatures people might think they are. Rather, they are pretty laid-back lizards that don’t cause much of a fuss, though each one is different, of course.
Heidler Brooks writes clearly and concisely and with plenty of humor, doing her best to both educate and convince people to get these pets, especially through adoption if you see the right opportunity. She may not have her own stubborn dragon fully trained at times, but she loves him immensely and does a great job helping readers understand these lovable lizards.
August 3, 2025
If you're considering a bearded dragon as a pet—or have recently welcomed one into your home—At Home With Your Bearded Dragon is an essential read. This beginner’s guide strikes a perfect balance between practical advice and heartfelt enthusiasm, making it an accessible and enjoyable resource for new reptile keepers.
From the start, the author’s love for “beardies” is clear. The book walks readers through every stage of a bearded dragon’s life, from choosing a healthy hatchling to understanding the quirks and habits of a fully grown adult. It covers everything: setting up a proper enclosure, temperature and lighting needs, feeding schedules, common health concerns, and even how to interpret your dragon’s behavior and body language.
What sets this guide apart is its conversational tone and digestible format. The content never feels overwhelming, and the inclusion of personal anecdotes adds warmth and relatability. It's easy to flip to specific sections when you need quick answers, and the care checklists at the end of chapters are especially helpful.
Whether you’re a complete novice or someone who’s still figuring things out, this book empowers you to provide your bearded dragon with a happy, healthy life. It’s a reassuring companion that demystifies reptile care while encouraging a deeper bond between owner and pet. A must-have for anyone entering the world of beardy ownership.
From the start, the author’s love for “beardies” is clear. The book walks readers through every stage of a bearded dragon’s life, from choosing a healthy hatchling to understanding the quirks and habits of a fully grown adult. It covers everything: setting up a proper enclosure, temperature and lighting needs, feeding schedules, common health concerns, and even how to interpret your dragon’s behavior and body language.
What sets this guide apart is its conversational tone and digestible format. The content never feels overwhelming, and the inclusion of personal anecdotes adds warmth and relatability. It's easy to flip to specific sections when you need quick answers, and the care checklists at the end of chapters are especially helpful.
Whether you’re a complete novice or someone who’s still figuring things out, this book empowers you to provide your bearded dragon with a happy, healthy life. It’s a reassuring companion that demystifies reptile care while encouraging a deeper bond between owner and pet. A must-have for anyone entering the world of beardy ownership.
June 13, 2025
At Home With Your Bearded Dragon by Kim Heidler Brooks is a thorough and accessible how-to guide for the novice reptile keeper. Growing up, my siblings had all sorts of lizards and insects and while I never owned one, I remember being fascinated with them and how they were looked after. It is an art and a skill to be a good owner to a bearded dragon and this book breaks it down into a number of sections.
The author, rightly so, places the animal’s welfare at the heart of the book. All the advice is aimed at keeping it happy and healthy, and safe and secure in its homes. She focuses on building a good surrounding, nutrition and feeding schedules, and how to hold a bearded dragon for the inexperienced keeper. I liked how easy it was to understand her guidance and the little bits of knowledge and experience she shares along the way.
This companion book is the perfect start for those interested in having a bearded dragon as a pet, and as an introduction to the animal, it is a book all should read.
The author, rightly so, places the animal’s welfare at the heart of the book. All the advice is aimed at keeping it happy and healthy, and safe and secure in its homes. She focuses on building a good surrounding, nutrition and feeding schedules, and how to hold a bearded dragon for the inexperienced keeper. I liked how easy it was to understand her guidance and the little bits of knowledge and experience she shares along the way.
This companion book is the perfect start for those interested in having a bearded dragon as a pet, and as an introduction to the animal, it is a book all should read.
June 27, 2025
The author does a good job introducing the bearded dragon and why you might want one for a pet. I found the descriptions of the various species of bearded Dragons to be very helpful. There is even a nice table that summarizes the different species. The author provides a brief description of her experiences with her own bearded dragon named Ragnar. There are also pictures which I found helpful and fun to look at. I really liked the descriptions of bearded Dragons at various ages. This will help the reader decide on what age of bearded Dragon they are likely to be able to take care of and we'll enjoy the most. She also outlines the various places you can get a bearded dragon and the benefits and drawbacks of each. You will learn what to look for in a healthy bearded dragon. These are just some of the things this book will help you with. Overall, this is a very well written guide to adopting a bearded dragon and caring for it. I highly recommend it for anyone thinking of adopting a bearded dragon or for new owners of this wonderful animal.
May 19, 2025
So I’ve just finished reading ‘At home with your bearded dragon’ by Kim Heidler Brooks. It was a delightful little read and was great at putting the foundation information into a light-hearted context. Kim successfully weaves tips and knowledge into a down to earth and humorous guide using her own bearded dragon, Ragnar as a case example. Ragnar was given a personality with many related anecdotes and stories. The book covers most areas of bearded dragon husbandry, including tank design, equipment, feeding, handling and health checking. I did like the short snippets entitled ‘Ragnar’s rule’ and thought it was quite a good way of offering different perspectives. One negative, I do wish there were more pictures to show housing setups and equipment. The pictures you do have of Ragnar are quite cool though. I think this book is a good overall guide to keeping bearded dragons and will probably be a useful reference for many budding reptile keepers. Recommended.
May 19, 2025
“At Home With Your Bearded Dragon A Beginner’s Guide to Raising and Loving Your Beardy from Tiny Hatchling to Big Old Dragon” by Kim Brooks is a fun read. I’ve never had a dragon, but this got me thinking about buying one.
It gives the potential owner the A to Z of dragon ownership. From buying them healthy to keeping them healthy. From enclosure essentials to having them occasionally roam a dragon-proofed room.
It not only provides the complete basics, but also gives particular info as it varies between baby, teen, and adult. After providing general info, it regularly reveals how the author’s own dragon is similar and/or different from the norm.
They seem to be good pets (with wide-ranging personalities), which is something I didn’t know before; so thanks to this book for showing me the way. And shame on my former employer pet store for not having me upsell each customer so they wouldn’t leave the store without a dragon.
It gives the potential owner the A to Z of dragon ownership. From buying them healthy to keeping them healthy. From enclosure essentials to having them occasionally roam a dragon-proofed room.
It not only provides the complete basics, but also gives particular info as it varies between baby, teen, and adult. After providing general info, it regularly reveals how the author’s own dragon is similar and/or different from the norm.
They seem to be good pets (with wide-ranging personalities), which is something I didn’t know before; so thanks to this book for showing me the way. And shame on my former employer pet store for not having me upsell each customer so they wouldn’t leave the store without a dragon.
September 9, 2025
At Home with Your Bearded Dragon is a delightful and informative read for anyone curious about these fascinating reptiles. Before picking up the book, I admittedly knew very little about bearded dragons, but as an animal lover, I found myself quickly absorbed in its pages. What stood out immediately was how approachable and well-structured the guide is. From the very beginning, it introduces readers to the world of bearded dragons with warmth and clarity.
I especially appreciated the recurring references to Ragnar the Dragon, which gave the text personality and made the information feel more relatable. The book covers all the essentials - choosing your bearded dragon (including the pros and cons of picking babies, juveniles, or adults), understanding their habitat needs, feeding requirements, bonding techniques, and even surprising details like giving them baths! The inclusion of plenty of references at the back adds credibility and makes it easy to dive deeper.
Overall, this book not only provides practical advice but also conveys the joy of keeping one of these gentle, personality-filled creatures. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering bringing a bearded dragon into their home.
I especially appreciated the recurring references to Ragnar the Dragon, which gave the text personality and made the information feel more relatable. The book covers all the essentials - choosing your bearded dragon (including the pros and cons of picking babies, juveniles, or adults), understanding their habitat needs, feeding requirements, bonding techniques, and even surprising details like giving them baths! The inclusion of plenty of references at the back adds credibility and makes it easy to dive deeper.
Overall, this book not only provides practical advice but also conveys the joy of keeping one of these gentle, personality-filled creatures. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering bringing a bearded dragon into their home.
October 4, 2025
At Home with Your Bearded Dragon is a must-read for any reptile enthusiast or new pet owner. This beautifully written guide blends expert care instructions with touching personal anecdotes, making it both highly informative and deeply heartwarming. The author’s love for bearded dragons shines through every page, offering readers not just facts, but a genuine connection to these fascinating creatures.
The book is incredibly easy to follow, with clear explanations and step-by-step guidance on everything from habitat setup to nutrition and health. Its thoroughness is impressive—you’ll find answers to questions you didn’t even know to ask. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your care routine, this book equips you with the tools to ensure your bearded dragon thrives.
What sets it apart is the warmth woven into the narrative. The personal stories add soul to the science, reminding us that caring for a pet is as much about love as it is about knowledge.
The book is incredibly easy to follow, with clear explanations and step-by-step guidance on everything from habitat setup to nutrition and health. Its thoroughness is impressive—you’ll find answers to questions you didn’t even know to ask. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your care routine, this book equips you with the tools to ensure your bearded dragon thrives.
What sets it apart is the warmth woven into the narrative. The personal stories add soul to the science, reminding us that caring for a pet is as much about love as it is about knowledge.
May 27, 2025
If you are considering a bearded dragon as a pet, then this guide, ‘At Home With Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner's Guide’, will be perfect. The pictures add to the overall guide, and it is nice to have something written from the perspective of the owner of a beloved pet, Ragnar. There is a lot to think about from selection right through to feeding, housing, and maintenance. Still, everything is carefully documented so that even the most cautious reader can find out about whatever they are concerned about without much trouble. There is a list of what you need to attend to, which is particularly useful. I think one of the most important things that comes across in the book is that, like any pet, looking after a bearded dragon requires effort. You need to take reptile care very seriously, and if you do, then you will be rewarded with hours of joy.
July 14, 2025
At Home with Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide by Kim Brooks is a comprehensive guide to all things Bearded Dragons. Brooks is a talented writer that provides amazing details on choosing, caring for and enjoying your reptile pet, but she also provides an engaging and enjoyable read. Her wit and love for her pet bearded dragon Ragnor shine through on every page.
One great feature (in the final chapter) is a Daily/weekly care list to insure that proper care and attention is given to the new pet.
Someone who is curious about welcoming a bearded dragon into their house will find this book immensely valuable. Brooks provides great insights and solutions that reveal her experience and knowledge, but she seems quick to also (wisely) suggest, “This is the time to visit a vet.” This adds credibility to her convincing argument that almost pet lover will enjoy a bearded dragon.
One great feature (in the final chapter) is a Daily/weekly care list to insure that proper care and attention is given to the new pet.
Someone who is curious about welcoming a bearded dragon into their house will find this book immensely valuable. Brooks provides great insights and solutions that reveal her experience and knowledge, but she seems quick to also (wisely) suggest, “This is the time to visit a vet.” This adds credibility to her convincing argument that almost pet lover will enjoy a bearded dragon.
July 22, 2025
At Home With Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide: Raising and Loving Your Beardy From Tiny Hatchling to Big Old Dragon by Kim Heidler Brooks is a delightful read where you learn everything about how to take care of a bearded dragon. You can read everything the author has included, ensuring that the reader follows helpful advice if they decide to have a bearded lizard. I thought it was pretty informative, and you can tell that the author put a lot of passion into crafting the written work.
For example, I never knew how much effort and care it takes for a person to care for a bearded lizard. You have to check the temperature levels, the sizes of insects to feed the little scaly one, and how to assess the moods of these reptiles. I appreciate how the author provides guidance on various health conditions affecting these fantastic creatures.
For example, I never knew how much effort and care it takes for a person to care for a bearded lizard. You have to check the temperature levels, the sizes of insects to feed the little scaly one, and how to assess the moods of these reptiles. I appreciate how the author provides guidance on various health conditions affecting these fantastic creatures.
August 20, 2025
“At Home With Your Bearded Dragon: A Beginner’s Guide to Raising and Loving Your Beardy from Tiny Hatchling to Big Old Dragon,” by Kim Brooks, is a comprehensive resource, providing everything you ought to know before you consider having a Bearded Dragon as a pet. The cover depicts a photo of a bearded dragon wearing a cute pair of wings, and the book contains additional dragon photos. According to Brooks, Bearded dragons are popular for good reason; they are easy to care for compared to other reptiles and are social creatures. She provides everything a responsible dragon owner needs to know: how to set up a habitat, feed your dragon, bond with your pet and understand their behaviors, common health concerns, and known quirks of dragons. One important fact to consider is that the Central Bearded Dragon, the most common pet species, grows to 18-24 inches long, so they do not stay small!
August 11, 2025
Awesome information
Really helped me understand and get introduced to owning a bearded dragon. Can't wait for this journey that my kids forced me
Really helped me understand and get introduced to owning a bearded dragon. Can't wait for this journey that my kids forced me
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