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Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon

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Thaddeus F. Whiskers is a pampered palace pet, a kitten enchanted to never become a cat. Princess Clarice loves him, for in the entire kingdom, there is no other kitten as cute or as clever. He leads a life of cushions and cream until a wizard's "gift" results in his banishment. Determined to make it back to the princess he loves, he escapes into the wilderness where he discovers the lair of a dragon.

Grandious, the dragon, doesn't care about anything besides himself. He wants to be left alone with his treasure. However, there is something about Thaddeus that has him entranced. He finds himself opening his home and his heart to the little cat.

Thaddeus is a small creature in a big world. Between him and his beloved Princess stand conniving wizards, would-be-step-mothers, and rampaging rats. However, when danger threatens both Clarice and Grandious, Thaddeus won't allow his size to get in the way of saving his friends.

112 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2015

22 people are currently reading
889 people want to read

About the author

H.L. Burke

94 books566 followers
Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled "The Dragon and the Scholar," the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Burke/e/B...

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5 stars
75 (55%)
4 stars
46 (34%)
3 stars
8 (5%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Kooistra.
Author 1 book99 followers
July 28, 2016
I've heard a lot about Thaddeus, the eternal kitten, and I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about.

I forget how quickly children's books fly by, and this is the first one I've read in quite some time. I'll start by saying I'm WAY older than the target audience. So my review will reflect an adult's take on it.

Thaddeus is a cute little kitten that has no control over his life that quickly spirals down into craziness. He's taken from his beloved owner and sent far away to be trapped in a cage.

Burke does an amazing job of capturing the mannerisms of a cat, or rather kitten, and showing just how big Thaddeus' world is in comparison to himself. I smiled several times at Thaddeus' antics and thoughts, as they definitely were very cat-like(I say as the owner of two devilish cats).

Though there are a few "darker" moments, they don't last long enough to scare a child(I don't think), which is perfect.

I loved how everything wrapped up and the unique characters, especially the characters of Snickersnout and the wizard(Hermes?).

I read a chapter to my oldest, and her take on it was, "Where'd the bad guy go?" She has a fascination with bad guys and apparently thought Ambrosia needed more scenes. She liked the dragon and the kitty.

I'm sure when she's old enough to read it herself, she'll tell me what she thinks.

For me, it was a little young(duh) and at times I was frustrated with the selfishness of Thaddeus and Clarice(Thaddeus not talking to Grandious, but he'd talk to the rats. And Clarice not caring that half of her court is sneezing their brains out.), but I do realize those are entirely in line with kitten and child behavior. Darn being an adult and expecting everyone to act mature. :D

So I'd rate this 3.5 stars for my personal take on it, but I think a child would enjoy it more and fall absolutely in love with the fluffy kitty and his dragon friend.
6,726 reviews5 followers
March 24, 2023
Wonderful cute listening 🎶🔰

Another will written paranormal fantasy world 🌎 haunting horror witch magic kingdom adventure thriller novel by H. L. Burke. Thaddeus is a kitten 🐱 to the princes but everyone in the castle are allergic to cats. The magic user takes the kitten 🐱 away. He is left in the hills . A dragon 🐉 has moved into a cave near by. Thaddeus moves in with the dragon 🐉 and they become friends. A witch wants to be queen and uses her magic to her advantage. I would recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of paranormal fantasy adventure novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 🐱🐉👒👑

Profile Image for Elise Edmonds.
Author 3 books81 followers
March 6, 2017
A cute action-packed tale, involving an eternal kitten, an elderly dragon, a princess and plenty of magic spells. Thaddeus the kitten is separated from his beloved princess and tries to make his way home. He befriends Grandiose the dragon, and has many adventures in his quest to return.

The characterisation of the kitten in this book is great. Very realistic. A nice mixture of arrogance and sweetness. The way the dragon basically adopts the kitten is heart-warming. The second half of the book is packed full of action, with inventive magic tricks, multiple rescues, and evil witches and wizards to thwart.

The world-building was a little thin, and some of the plot points were brushed over and maybe a tad rushed, but given that the book is clearly aimed at younger readers, it's not really a problem and certainly won't stop you enjoying the book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Arntson.
Author 7 books50 followers
September 2, 2018
My family absolutely LOVED this story...

Every parent tries to act excited when complying to the school's requirement to read to your kids every night and there are no harder nights to push through it, than in the final days of summer. I mean, no one is watching, right? And my kids are only 5 and 7...they would tell you we ate breakfast last week, not twelve hours ago. Their bad account of time is occasionally the only saving grace I get and believe me, I'm going to use it for as long as I can. At least until they are 12.

I'll admit, at the beginning of summer, I set a goal of five chapter books done by the first day of school. I bought them from Amazon and we marched through them one by one. Our last book, Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon, propelled my children into a world I never expected.

The world of unquenchable thirst for another chapter...and reading in general.

I'm not going to tell you about Thaddeus or the dragon. Why? Because I don't want to ruin it for you.

But I will give you this report:
The characters are fun to put voices to.
The lesson is one of great importance and value.
My kids begged to read more, and when I said it was too late, they insisted on going to bed earlier the next night and did so ON THEIR OWN.
Each night, they clearly remembered what happened the day before, sometimes quoting scenes as if they'd studied it that very afternoon.
They made assumptions about what would happen, what they would do if in that situation, and what they feared might happen if they were wrong.
They discussed the story with my husband...recounting the details so accurately, he became invested in the tale second-hand.
They picked another animal fantasy book to read the very night we finished it, because they didn't want to stop.

My kids are young. And this book brought out a love and passion for reading unlike anything I have ever seen. If that's not worth 10-stars, I don't know what is.
Profile Image for Daniell.
271 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2015
I often read children's books because A) they are often enjoyable B) I love to recommend them to young readers. This book is very well written and very entertaining. It has a great full story, interesting characters and a satisfying ending. Adults and children will both enjoy this book!
24 reviews
March 19, 2015
Thaddeus Whiskers

Thaddeus is a cat that has been magically kept a kitten. He lives in the palace with his best friend, the princess, going with her everywhere.
When a wizard's spell goes wrong Thaddeus is sent away for what is supposed to be a short time. He has other ideas.
When he tries to find his way home, he discovers Grandious the Dragon living in a cave.
They become great friends, but Thaddeus knows he needs to get home to his princess.
With the help of unexpected allies, Thaddeus finally makes it home, battles an enemy & saves his friends.
The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five, is because I wish it was longer.
Profile Image for Nick Angelis.
Author 15 books7 followers
March 1, 2015
Not since Lloyd Alexander's Llyan and Tolkein's Glaurung have I met such splendid cats and dragons. Or maybe Nermal and Eustace? The Cheshire Cat and Saphira? Hmm, I should stop. This is a wonderful tale with enough complexity to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. There are plenty of characters to root for or against and all sorts of mischief and befuddlement. I don't even like cats, kittens, or any other animal I can't eat at some point of its existence, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially when Thaddeus tried to find a bacon tree.
Profile Image for Katy.
Author 31 books141 followers
March 17, 2015
This is a delightful read, for cat lovers, dragon lovers, and fairy tale enthusiasts of all ages. It would make a great read-aloud story for families to share together! Thaddeus is a purrfectly rendered "eternal kitten," and Grandious is one of my new favorite dragons. The twists and turns in this fun plot will keep you guessing until the conclusion, with just enough danger to be concerned for the main characters but not so much as to frighten children. The prose sparkles like the diamonds in the dragon's hoard.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,354 reviews707 followers
February 5, 2016
Thaddeus is the companion of the Princess and lives a lovely life that makes him happy. When the court Magician decides to make him fluffier as a 'gift', it has the unintended consequence of triggering violent sneezing in most of the court including the king. So he is taken away until a new spell can be found to fix it. Only he is being kept away and missing the Princess, he tries to find his own way back, making friends with a dragon and rat. If he doesn't find his way back, a sorceress will make sure she weds the king and he will never be back. A light, fun tale.
Profile Image for Meg Dendler.
Author 14 books174 followers
July 15, 2015
Thoroughly delightful. Highly recommend for middle grade readers.
Profile Image for C.O. Bonham.
Author 15 books37 followers
March 23, 2022
Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon is a cute chapter book about a kitten and a dragon.

Okay, it is a little more complicated than that. There is snark, magic, and some really sweet feels.

It also has a really neat twist at the end that you will not see coming.

If you are a fan of H.L. Burke, then you will want to make sure you check out Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon. It has everything you expect from her writing style.
Profile Image for A. Powers.
Author 12 books26 followers
July 13, 2017
Such an adorable children's book for dragon lovers. And cat lovers. This author continues to show her skills with writing for this age range -- giving a fantastic story with an easy-to-follow plot while also presenting new and challenging vocabulary and content. Great book!
Profile Image for Marcha Fox.
Author 20 books210 followers
July 2, 2015
I won a print copy of this wonderful book in a Facebook event and I'm so glad I did. I'm convinced that we never outgrow a good fairytale and this charming book has the potential to be a classic. It has all the elements one expects in such a tale of make-believe including a sweet young princess, an evil wannabe queen, a somewhat ditzy king, an incompetent wizard, magic gone wrong, an adorable eternal kitten and, of course, a dragon.

However, don't think that this is "just another fairytale." This delightful story with its fantastic cover is even better than several classics in that the engaging characters draw you in and come alive. The dragon is delightfully complex, having his fire-breathing side coupled with a love for gold and jewels yet a tender place in his heart for a tiny, misplaced kitten. You love some, you wish really bad karma on others, and more than anything else you keep turning the pages as you navigate through a variety of surprises and plot twists in pursuit of the "happily ever after" part. The chapters are short and perfect for bedtime reading but don't contain blatant cliffhangers. The suspense level is perfect, right in the "Goldilocks zone" of not too strong, not too weak, but just enough to prod your child into bed the following night to find out what happens next.

Of course any good fairytale includes a variety of archetypes which operate at the subconscious level and deliver a message cleverly disguised within the framework of the characters and plot. This one addresses several, such as the importance of not stereotyping who might be a potential friend when you're down and out. There's the usual concept that outward beauty does not assure goodness within as well as a few others such as innovative solutions at the hands of the most unlikely person can often unravel a problem. Inadvertent mistakes can hurt others as much as a deliberate blow, the smallest and most innocent deserve protection, dealing with homesickness and sadness when you miss a loved one, and the love that binds us to others are likewise incorporated skillfully into the story without being didactic.

Whether you're a young reader, a child at heart, a parent or grandparent, pick up a copy of this book for a refreshing break you probably didn't even realize you needed. And don't forget to share it with a child you love.
Profile Image for Nina.
301 reviews27 followers
October 17, 2015
I thought I’d have a quick read and see what all this fuss was about. And of course, wait for the dragon to make its entrance. Little did I know it wouldn’t be long before I’d get wowed by the magic of this tale.

Tension, humour, … nothing Burke can’t handle! Brought in a well balanced way!
A lovely tale for all ages, which often gave me similar feelings as when I (re)read Alice in Wonderland or Tolkien. But I’m sure Clarice and Grandious have something to do with that ;)
Profile Image for Bill Tillman.
1,672 reviews82 followers
March 11, 2015
Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon

What a glorious children's fantasy. Thaddeus is a permanent kitten, cast by a court wizard. Thad ends up as a companion to a dragon who comes to love him as much as his princess does. Making a deal with the art king Snickersnout they free the enscorcelled members of the palace. Enjoyable to the very last page, a tale bound to become a family favorite.
Profile Image for Lenita Sheridan.
Author 4 books58 followers
Read
July 2, 2015
An Exciting Fantasy and Adventure of Love and Courage

This book more than lived up to my expectations. The author has a sense of humor and has spun a tale full of cliffhangers and gripping moments. She switches points of view to keep the reader's interest. The book is cute, charming, and very professional.

This book would be suitable for third grade through fifth. There are some very nice pictures in it.

What a neat idea for a fantasy book!
Profile Image for Erica.
Author 9 books69 followers
February 28, 2015
Must read! This book was a total delight. I was sucked in immediately, and had to keep reading.

Thaddeus ends up sent away after a wizard's spell has unexpected consequences. On his journey home he befriends a dragon, makes an unlikely ally, and saves the day with his friends.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lorraine.
487 reviews44 followers
August 20, 2015
A delightful story for youngsters, although I believe we are never to old for a good fairy tale.
It has all the elements of a great fantasy story... a sweet natured princess, an eternally young kitten, a ferocious/friendly dragon, an evil queen, an incompetent wizard and much more.
A wonderful read for the young and the young at heart.
Profile Image for Lita.
2,538 reviews7 followers
February 16, 2016
Charming little story about a kitten, his princess, a wizard who casts an irreversible spell to make the kitten very fluffy which in turn gives half the kingdom, including the king, hayfever. The kitten is subsequently banished until a solution can be found, He runs away and becomes friends with a dragon, until he's stolen by someone who wants to become a queen.
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 105 books366 followers
February 5, 2017
Princess Clarice has a special pet, Thaddeus F. Whiskers, a cute kitten who is quite intelligent. He is put into banishment by a wizard, but escapes into the wilderness and a great journey. Fun story, great for young adults.
2 reviews
February 23, 2016
Entertaining

This would be a good book for young adults, or tweens. While it is colorfully told, the plot is a bit too simple and predictable for older readers. I read it because I was out of other books, and my husband saved it for me, knowing that I love dragons.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,319 reviews
April 28, 2015
Cute children's fantasy that really has no age limit.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
July 11, 2019
King Victor III (father) gave Thaddeus F. Whiskers (pampered palace kitten) to Princess Clarice (daughter) for her 8th birthday.
Now it was her 10th birthday & Thaddeus was dressed in his best. His nickname was Fluffy.
Hermes (Great palace wizard) gave her a gift as did other royalty.

King Victor III was constantly sneezing.
Grandious (green dragon) passed over the villagers to see how PPL reacted to him.
What were the Mayor Pendleton & Grandious discussing?
What was Josiah (Hermes apprentice) up to?
The rain came in great sheets of water drenching/flooding everyone/everything
Dr. Canby came to see Princess Clarice. He informed King Victor III she was sad.
What did she request?
Mrs. Redmond (royal matchmaker) was also sent for.

Will Princess Clarice, & King Victor III get what they are longing for?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great hand drawn black/white pictures & proper font & writing style. A very well written children’s fantasy story (book). It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s fantasy movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Denae Christine.
Author 4 books171 followers
December 31, 2018
Reader thoughts: A cat befriending a dragon? A plot to overthrow the king? A princess attached to a pet that makes everyone in the castle sneeze uncontrollably? An incompetent wizard? A scheming wizardess? This kitten has a lot to do, and it includes overcoming his fear of rats.

This story warmed my heart. I'm a huge fan of both kittens and dragons, and the plot proved to be more complicated than a simple allergy spell gone wrong. I loved that Thaddeus Whiskers had to be so brave and also did reasonable kitten-like things (eavesdropping and knocking magical glass balls off shelves) to save the day rather than unreasonable heroics (like some book characters are wont to do, no matter how small their size).

Writer thoughts: Burke handed the plot well by not making the dragon the hero. It can be tempting, as an author, to have the dragon (or wizard or other powerful character) do all the work FOR the hero rather than letting the MC have meaningful accomplishments.

In this book, Whiskers still played a vital role, despite just being a kitten and having a dragon on his side.
Profile Image for Emmy.
909 reviews11 followers
May 4, 2018
•audiobook•

In the world of Thaddeus, forever a kitten and companion to the Princess, a magician’s spell goes wrong and turns him into a FLUFFY kitty. It also makes his presence highly allergic to almost everyone in the kingdom.
Thaddeus grows into a stronger feline as he becomes determined to return to his princess owner and return to the comforts of his palace life.
Very enjoyable as Thaddeus meets and forms amicable relationships with highly unlikely friends.
I have listened to Sheri Sheridan in the past, but I found this was not one of her more stellar performances. I had especially noticed her mostly monitone narration and how her voice drops at the end of each sentence. Her dialogues were stronger and easier on the ears.
A more complex tale but easy to follow for youngsters. Ms Burke is capable of writing a epic famtasy for an older generation and I’m looking forward to watching/reading/listening as she flourishes.
396 reviews13 followers
June 9, 2017
The little guys win the day!

What a wonderful story showing that it isn't one's physical size but the size of one's love that matters.

I absolutely love the interaction between so many of the different characters and how they help each other in this story and happening to know a little bit about the author, I am not surprised at all that a cat and a dragon are so prominently and wonderfully featured.

Delightful story for both young and old.
201 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2020
A Princess, A Cat and A Dragon

This is a story about a princess, her beloved cat companion and his adventures when an improvement spell gone wrong separates him from his beloved princess. In his quest to return to her, he meets and befriends a dragon, forming a friendship almost as strong as the one he shares with the princess. What happens to all of them is the story. It's great for kids and those of us who love princesses, cats and dragons?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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