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Dusky Hollows #1
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons
Ivy and Carrie love their new classroom even if the new teacher is a little strange. When Mrs. Huffity asks for volunteers to care for an egg, Ivy doesn’t budge. She’s had a few scary dreams about that egg and wants nothing to do with it.
But when trouble comes, Ivy defends the egg. In her desire to save the baby that hatches, Ivy is tossed into the middle of an adventure. She discovers more than she ever wanted to know about fierce winds and fiery dragons.
But when trouble comes, Ivy defends the egg. In her desire to save the baby that hatches, Ivy is tossed into the middle of an adventure. She discovers more than she ever wanted to know about fierce winds and fiery dragons.
Unknown Binding
First published April 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 20, 2019
It is super full of fantasy creatures, which was fun, but I was saddened with how much Cassie wanted to run away from her family.
June 18, 2014
Dusky Hollows
What an adventure! Two best friends help hatch a dragon egg thinking it the adventure of a lifetime. NOT! Carrie and Ivy go to an alternate world where dragons live along with Overworlders and Underworlders, talking birds (Mind Speak). Children and tweeners will love this tale.
What an adventure! Two best friends help hatch a dragon egg thinking it the adventure of a lifetime. NOT! Carrie and Ivy go to an alternate world where dragons live along with Overworlders and Underworlders, talking birds (Mind Speak). Children and tweeners will love this tale.
July 8, 2015
This book is amazing
I'd really recommend reading this amazing, fantastic book. In case you do not like this book read the second one and see if it is any better than this book Fierce Winds And Fiery Dragons
I'd really recommend reading this amazing, fantastic book. In case you do not like this book read the second one and see if it is any better than this book Fierce Winds And Fiery Dragons
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February 8, 2016The whole time I was reading this I felt something nagging my memory like I had read this story before at some point in life. Regardless, it was fabulous. I especially loved the skeleton princess.
January 14, 2020
A wonderful children’s book that teaches valuable life lessons...
More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons is a delightful and charming book for the younger reader. I read it with my grandkids and they loved. Nan Sweet writes in a wonderful, simple and imaginative style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a lovely story to share with them.
It seems to me that this book was created with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that the author really enjoys creating such wonderful stories. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. A well-deserved five stars from us!
More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons is a delightful and charming book for the younger reader. I read it with my grandkids and they loved. Nan Sweet writes in a wonderful, simple and imaginative style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a lovely story to share with them.
It seems to me that this book was created with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that the author really enjoys creating such wonderful stories. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. A well-deserved five stars from us!
December 4, 2019
Perhaps I went into this book with higher expectations than I should have. Yes, it's aimed at children, but children are still capable of enjoying quality literature in my opinion, and just because you're writing for children is no excuse to get lazy with your writing. So while "Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons" may have a cute concept and a surprisingly serious and heartfelt subplot involving one of the two main characters, it ultimately feels rather weak, slapdash, and badly written, even for kids.
Ivy and Carrie are best friends who feel their teacher's new project -- to take care of and babysit an egg said teacher swears is a dragon's egg -- is silly but harmless. Said project turns out to be neither when the egg hatches into an adorable baby dragon while in their care, whom they name Sparky. But there are sinister creatures out there who want the little dragon for themselves, and when both girls find themselves sucked into another world full of killer birds and a skeleton kingdom, they have to find the courage to rescue themselves, save Sparky, and find their way home.
As much as I enjoy fantasy as a genre, I feel this book worked best when it dealt with the personal lives of the two main characters -- Ivy's overprotective hippie parents and Carrie's parents' constant fighting and threatened divorce. Both these plots could have been interesting to explore and even added depth to the fantastic parts of the book. Sadly, they feel under-utilized, and mostly used as a way to make the girls seem like more complex characters than they actually are.
The book itself has rather blind writing -- I get that authors think prose for children needs to be simple, but there's "simple" and there's "so bland and simple that it's boring." Children are perfectly capable of enjoying great writing and worldbuilding, and you can't just do a bad job at it just because you're writing for kids. This applies to the worldbuilding and characters as well -- the characters are all flat stereotypes (even the main characters!), the worldbuilding is lousy and full of holes, and little is done to actually tie the events of the plot together.
And some things in this story are never fully explained -- what do the gollivants have to do with anything? How does a school teacher get away with trying to teach kids that mythical creatures are real? What happened to the creatures who kidnapped one of the girls early on (I no longer remember which girl, they're both pretty much identical save their backstory)? Is the book implying that dragons have past lives, or does that never get explained? I get that this is the first in a series, but you can't leave EVERYTHING hanging for the next book...
Maybe I'm coming down too hard on this book... but I firmly believe that you can write a good kids' book without getting lazy with your writing and worldbuilding. Literature for kids doesn't have to be "dumbed down," and sadly this book feels like a case of "dumbing down" the material so the kids will "get it." Have a little more faith in young readers, authors...
Ivy and Carrie are best friends who feel their teacher's new project -- to take care of and babysit an egg said teacher swears is a dragon's egg -- is silly but harmless. Said project turns out to be neither when the egg hatches into an adorable baby dragon while in their care, whom they name Sparky. But there are sinister creatures out there who want the little dragon for themselves, and when both girls find themselves sucked into another world full of killer birds and a skeleton kingdom, they have to find the courage to rescue themselves, save Sparky, and find their way home.
As much as I enjoy fantasy as a genre, I feel this book worked best when it dealt with the personal lives of the two main characters -- Ivy's overprotective hippie parents and Carrie's parents' constant fighting and threatened divorce. Both these plots could have been interesting to explore and even added depth to the fantastic parts of the book. Sadly, they feel under-utilized, and mostly used as a way to make the girls seem like more complex characters than they actually are.
The book itself has rather blind writing -- I get that authors think prose for children needs to be simple, but there's "simple" and there's "so bland and simple that it's boring." Children are perfectly capable of enjoying great writing and worldbuilding, and you can't just do a bad job at it just because you're writing for kids. This applies to the worldbuilding and characters as well -- the characters are all flat stereotypes (even the main characters!), the worldbuilding is lousy and full of holes, and little is done to actually tie the events of the plot together.
And some things in this story are never fully explained -- what do the gollivants have to do with anything? How does a school teacher get away with trying to teach kids that mythical creatures are real? What happened to the creatures who kidnapped one of the girls early on (I no longer remember which girl, they're both pretty much identical save their backstory)? Is the book implying that dragons have past lives, or does that never get explained? I get that this is the first in a series, but you can't leave EVERYTHING hanging for the next book...
Maybe I'm coming down too hard on this book... but I firmly believe that you can write a good kids' book without getting lazy with your writing and worldbuilding. Literature for kids doesn't have to be "dumbed down," and sadly this book feels like a case of "dumbing down" the material so the kids will "get it." Have a little more faith in young readers, authors...
September 15, 2014
Carrie and Ivy are best friends. They are in the same class as one another.
One day their teacher has a box. She announces to the class each person can take the egg home every night. They must keep it warm and gave them a list of things to do if for the egg and care for it if it hatches. Talking to a dragon egg is great if you ant a chatty dragon.In the list their is a list of creatures that will do harm to the egg if they can get their paws on it.
The day the Ms. Huffy gives out who takes the egg and when Carrie is home. Her parents have decided to get a divorce and carrie is really upset by this. Ivy trys telling her everything will be ok and not to worry.
The day that the bully of the school has the egg he shoves the egg in his locker and leaves it there. Ivy and Carrie break into the locker and take the egg home. They wrap the egg in warm clothing and make a nest for it.
This is where things start getting spooky for the girls. They get thrown into another world. They meet see through people, birds that can talk to them through their minds, Huge birds that want to feed them to their babies. They meet a real life princess.
All in all this is a great book for kids with great imaginations. I enjoyed reading it and hope my kids will like it too.
One day their teacher has a box. She announces to the class each person can take the egg home every night. They must keep it warm and gave them a list of things to do if for the egg and care for it if it hatches. Talking to a dragon egg is great if you ant a chatty dragon.In the list their is a list of creatures that will do harm to the egg if they can get their paws on it.
The day the Ms. Huffy gives out who takes the egg and when Carrie is home. Her parents have decided to get a divorce and carrie is really upset by this. Ivy trys telling her everything will be ok and not to worry.
The day that the bully of the school has the egg he shoves the egg in his locker and leaves it there. Ivy and Carrie break into the locker and take the egg home. They wrap the egg in warm clothing and make a nest for it.
This is where things start getting spooky for the girls. They get thrown into another world. They meet see through people, birds that can talk to them through their minds, Huge birds that want to feed them to their babies. They meet a real life princess.
All in all this is a great book for kids with great imaginations. I enjoyed reading it and hope my kids will like it too.
March 31, 2015
This book is about 2 girls named Ivy and Carrie who love there new class even though the teacher Mrs. Huffity is a bit odd. But one day Mrs. Huffity brings in a box and says they will be taking turns taking care of the egg. She lets them look at the egg and says there is a dragon inside. She asks who will take care of the egg first. Every hand goes up except Ivy's. Soon Ivy is taking the egg out of David's locker because he left it at school on purpose. She didn't believe in the gollivant that would be after the egg. Then she soon realizes with the egg in her hands that the gollivant is after her and the egg. She starts to see them. When the egg hatches she calls Carrie over to help with the dragon. Then they find themselves in the magical world.
I found the book kind of long and drawn out. I felt there was long periods of Ivy just protecting the egg. I liked when the egg hatched and Ivy had to really start fighting the gallivant.
I would recommend this book to anyone ages 7- 11 who likes dragons and magical stuff.
I found the book kind of long and drawn out. I felt there was long periods of Ivy just protecting the egg. I liked when the egg hatched and Ivy had to really start fighting the gallivant.
I would recommend this book to anyone ages 7- 11 who likes dragons and magical stuff.
September 16, 2016
Cute, creative, fun adventure. Entertaining and full of imagination.
Ivy and Carrie end up getting a little more than they bargained for when they take their turn caring for a dragon egg. They are transported to a magical world where they meet a cast of unusual characters and have an amazing adventure.
Phillip J Mather does a good job with the narration overall. Good character voices. Especially the dragon. Little to fast pace in the narration. While he does a good job, for me I don't think he is the right narrator for a children's book. He has a very deep and masculine adult voice. It didn't fit the story for me, but that's just my personal opinion.
This audiobook was provided by the narrator, author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Ivy and Carrie end up getting a little more than they bargained for when they take their turn caring for a dragon egg. They are transported to a magical world where they meet a cast of unusual characters and have an amazing adventure.
Phillip J Mather does a good job with the narration overall. Good character voices. Especially the dragon. Little to fast pace in the narration. While he does a good job, for me I don't think he is the right narrator for a children's book. He has a very deep and masculine adult voice. It didn't fit the story for me, but that's just my personal opinion.
This audiobook was provided by the narrator, author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
December 14, 2015
Wow! What a fast-paced adventure and mystery book!
Wow! qWhat a set of adventures that these girls go on, it's like an adventure/ roller coaster type of read and yet a very clean read great for I 'd say grade school and up! These are the ages I would recommend without having the. info in age and grade levels. And for those who like a fast paced mystery and adventure book! For these reasons I felt it needed a five star rating. I received this ebook for free and in return,here is my honest review. Very good work Nan! By Angela
Wow! qWhat a set of adventures that these girls go on, it's like an adventure/ roller coaster type of read and yet a very clean read great for I 'd say grade school and up! These are the ages I would recommend without having the. info in age and grade levels. And for those who like a fast paced mystery and adventure book! For these reasons I felt it needed a five star rating. I received this ebook for free and in return,here is my honest review. Very good work Nan! By Angela
March 19, 2018
this was a great story. I loved how Nan incorporated dragons and other creatures from another world into the story. Two friends care for an egg they all thought was not real and it hatches. Both girls end up in another world looking for each other and find adventure as well as their teacher who is a real dragon. I recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone who loves a little adventure along with things out of the ordinary
January 4, 2016
I am reading this to my son at the moment and he loves it. I have to say I'm loving it to, t's a real page turner and I love the blend of reality slowly blending in the magical that is yet to come. My son was hooked from the beginning. We haven't finished it yet but I just had to recommend it. Good children's stories can be hard to find and is turning out to be excellent.
February 19, 2022
A great little book which really brings things into focus in a completely different way. Dragons, monsters, and other worlds sweeping through your brain to try and comprehend. It all starts with dreams and an egg. A wonderfully adventurous book that keeps the pace going throughout and a strong development of the characters so you can truely see them grow as time goes on.
November 20, 2014
I read this to my 5 year old and he found it to be very exciting. He loved all of the dragons and action in the story. He did have a hard time understanding a few concepts in the story and I think it is probably better suited for kids a little older.
September 18, 2015
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons is a cute book for kids. The two girls have an adventure to remember with dragons, underworld creatures, and dangerous experiences.
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons is a cute book for kids. The two girls have an adventure to remember with dragons, underworld creatures, and dangerous experiences.
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December 24, 2016Added by my Granddaughter
December 30, 2016
Funny kids book. I read it in one day! It's very interesting (and not only for children!)
May 19, 2017
Fierce winds and Fiery Dragons (Dusky Hollows Book 1)
Its a good book. I enjoyed Carrie and Ivy's adventure underground. Kept me wanting more. Great Book. One for adults and kids
Its a good book. I enjoyed Carrie and Ivy's adventure underground. Kept me wanting more. Great Book. One for adults and kids
March 20, 2019
Mrs. Huffity (new teacher) introduced herself to the students: Ivy “Bucktooth”, Carrie (Ivy’s BFF), David, Joe Barry (Barfy), Alison,
Carrie’s evening meal since her dad would not be home, was with mom (Turner's Steakhouse waitress), frozen pizza & in front of the TV.
They had got into another argument.
Ivy (daughter/sister) had a great evening, her/bratty sister, & their wife/mother heard about dad/husband’s promotion.
That night Ivy had a dream about David & an egg.
Carrie found out her parents were getting a divorce & she would be staying with her mom.
Halloween/Birthday party. Barry's father told the kids there was going to be a scavenger hunt.
Barry was showing Ivy around the house & the family aquarium.
He was babysitting the unhatched egg.
Days later Ivy could hear tapping inside the egg.
Suddenly a little dragon started to appear.
Carrie came over & her/Ivy were picking out names for the baby girl.
Maribel Gingledaisy, Hortensia Minnie Scale, Gertrude Firebreath, or Smokey Nostrellia.
How about Sparky.
Mrs. Huffity had Carrie, Ivy, & Sparky transported to Princess Minerva’s (King Glome’s daughter) outer-world castle.
What did King Theo, King Glome (underground) agree on?
Carrie (10) was brought before King Glome.
Ivy, & Sparky had been journeyed to a different place.
Carrie said goodbye to Princess Minerva & headed back home to the overworld.
Ivy had met Twif (bird).
Mama Merilee Jenns (all underworld children’s mother) was singing to Ivy.
Sparky was watching high atop a mountain.
Where would Carrie, Ivy, & Sparky’s adventures take them to next?
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 font & writing style. A very well written children’s fantasy 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. To be continued. It wasn’t as exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; SmashWords; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Carrie’s evening meal since her dad would not be home, was with mom (Turner's Steakhouse waitress), frozen pizza & in front of the TV.
They had got into another argument.
Ivy (daughter/sister) had a great evening, her/bratty sister, & their wife/mother heard about dad/husband’s promotion.
That night Ivy had a dream about David & an egg.
Carrie found out her parents were getting a divorce & she would be staying with her mom.
Halloween/Birthday party. Barry's father told the kids there was going to be a scavenger hunt.
Barry was showing Ivy around the house & the family aquarium.
He was babysitting the unhatched egg.
Days later Ivy could hear tapping inside the egg.
Suddenly a little dragon started to appear.
Carrie came over & her/Ivy were picking out names for the baby girl.
Maribel Gingledaisy, Hortensia Minnie Scale, Gertrude Firebreath, or Smokey Nostrellia.
How about Sparky.
Mrs. Huffity had Carrie, Ivy, & Sparky transported to Princess Minerva’s (King Glome’s daughter) outer-world castle.
What did King Theo, King Glome (underground) agree on?
Carrie (10) was brought before King Glome.
Ivy, & Sparky had been journeyed to a different place.
Carrie said goodbye to Princess Minerva & headed back home to the overworld.
Ivy had met Twif (bird).
Mama Merilee Jenns (all underworld children’s mother) was singing to Ivy.
Sparky was watching high atop a mountain.
Where would Carrie, Ivy, & Sparky’s adventures take them to next?
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 font & writing style. A very well written children’s fantasy 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. To be continued. It wasn’t as exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; SmashWords; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 14, 2020
Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons by Nan Sweet
“Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons” is quite an elaborate fantasy tale. Ivy and Carrie are best friends starting fifth grade with a teacher who is new to the school. Mrs. Huffity is strange. Her voice changes to a low gravely sound at times and she says what sounds like a prophecy to the girls. Mrs. Huffity seems to be hiding this colorful egg by assigning kids to take the egg home with them and then bring it back to class the following day. All the kids think the egg is a fake, except Ivy, who has been having bad dreams about the egg. However, when Ivy and Carrie see David, who was assigned to babysit the egg, stuff the egg in his locker for the night, they break into his locker and take the egg for safe keeping.
Both girls are thrown into a fantasy world full of strange creatures. Carrie is captured and thrown into a cage in an underground world whose inhabitants live in darkness. Ivy ends above ground, abandoned after a heroic rescue mission. Then she navigates this strange world trying to find Mrs. Huffity or Carrie, while trying not to get eaten.
This is a unique story that will capture a middle grade student’s interest with an adventure that is exciting, a bit tense, and a bit frightening at times. “Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons” also explores familial dynamics and friendships. The journey of these two friends were different, and fun to watch as they grew more confident in their ability to face whatever life throws at them.
FYI: “Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons” is book 1 in Sweet’s, Dusky Hollows Series. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** August 27, 2020.
Format/Typo Issues: The only significant proofing issue I found was the author spelled Barry’s name, Barrie -- one time. Barry is a secondary character so it was a minor detail to me.
“Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons” is quite an elaborate fantasy tale. Ivy and Carrie are best friends starting fifth grade with a teacher who is new to the school. Mrs. Huffity is strange. Her voice changes to a low gravely sound at times and she says what sounds like a prophecy to the girls. Mrs. Huffity seems to be hiding this colorful egg by assigning kids to take the egg home with them and then bring it back to class the following day. All the kids think the egg is a fake, except Ivy, who has been having bad dreams about the egg. However, when Ivy and Carrie see David, who was assigned to babysit the egg, stuff the egg in his locker for the night, they break into his locker and take the egg for safe keeping.
Both girls are thrown into a fantasy world full of strange creatures. Carrie is captured and thrown into a cage in an underground world whose inhabitants live in darkness. Ivy ends above ground, abandoned after a heroic rescue mission. Then she navigates this strange world trying to find Mrs. Huffity or Carrie, while trying not to get eaten.
This is a unique story that will capture a middle grade student’s interest with an adventure that is exciting, a bit tense, and a bit frightening at times. “Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons” also explores familial dynamics and friendships. The journey of these two friends were different, and fun to watch as they grew more confident in their ability to face whatever life throws at them.
FYI: “Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons” is book 1 in Sweet’s, Dusky Hollows Series. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** August 27, 2020.
Format/Typo Issues: The only significant proofing issue I found was the author spelled Barry’s name, Barrie -- one time. Barry is a secondary character so it was a minor detail to me.
November 18, 2019
With easy to relate to characters, this is a cute dive into fantasy and touches upon a creature many young readers would probably like to hatch themselves.
Ivy and Carrie are great friends, but their lives are, in many ways, so different. While one has a life which runs smoothly, the other's parents are facing divorce. Ivy is then plagued with nightmares...ones that could relate to the new class project. So when Ivy has the chance to take a day to care for a dragon egg, she turns it down. Still, life has other plans.
I enjoyed the balance between a familiar setting and character lives with the toss in of something as fantastical as a dragon. Ivy and Carrie start out as very usual girls in a very usual classroom setting with very usual problems. Both girls have good hearts, and both struggle with their own problems. Add in the normal classroom drama, and it's something young readers will connect to right away.
The dragon egg settles in with so much finesse...as if it's a natural part of any classroom activity. But, of course, that's when the real adventure starts. The pacing holds smoothly until the last page and keeps readers in the pages. It's a fun tale in so many ways, and one kids are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and found the adventure fun enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
Ivy and Carrie are great friends, but their lives are, in many ways, so different. While one has a life which runs smoothly, the other's parents are facing divorce. Ivy is then plagued with nightmares...ones that could relate to the new class project. So when Ivy has the chance to take a day to care for a dragon egg, she turns it down. Still, life has other plans.
I enjoyed the balance between a familiar setting and character lives with the toss in of something as fantastical as a dragon. Ivy and Carrie start out as very usual girls in a very usual classroom setting with very usual problems. Both girls have good hearts, and both struggle with their own problems. Add in the normal classroom drama, and it's something young readers will connect to right away.
The dragon egg settles in with so much finesse...as if it's a natural part of any classroom activity. But, of course, that's when the real adventure starts. The pacing holds smoothly until the last page and keeps readers in the pages. It's a fun tale in so many ways, and one kids are sure to enjoy.
I received a complimentary copy and found the adventure fun enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
December 14, 2019
With easy to relate to characters, this is a cute dive into fantasy and touches upon a creature many young readers would probably like to hatch themselves.
Ivy and Carrie are great friends, but their lives are, in many ways, so different. While one has a life which runs smoothly, the other's parents are facing divorce. Ivy is then plagued with nightmares...ones that could relate to the new class project. So when Ivy has the chance to take a day to care for a dragon egg, she turns it down. Still, life has other plans.
I enjoyed the balance between a familiar setting and character lives with the toss in of something as fantastical as a dragon. Ivy and Carrie start out as very usual girls in a very usual classroom setting with very usual problems. Both girls have good hearts, and both struggle with their own problems. Add in the normal classroom drama, and it's something young readers will connect to right away.
The dragon egg settles in with so much finesse...as if it's a natural part of any classroom activity. But, of course, that's when the real adventure starts. The pacing holds smoothly until the last page and keeps readers in the pages. It's a fun tale in so many ways, and one kids are sure to enjoy.
Ivy and Carrie are great friends, but their lives are, in many ways, so different. While one has a life which runs smoothly, the other's parents are facing divorce. Ivy is then plagued with nightmares...ones that could relate to the new class project. So when Ivy has the chance to take a day to care for a dragon egg, she turns it down. Still, life has other plans.
I enjoyed the balance between a familiar setting and character lives with the toss in of something as fantastical as a dragon. Ivy and Carrie start out as very usual girls in a very usual classroom setting with very usual problems. Both girls have good hearts, and both struggle with their own problems. Add in the normal classroom drama, and it's something young readers will connect to right away.
The dragon egg settles in with so much finesse...as if it's a natural part of any classroom activity. But, of course, that's when the real adventure starts. The pacing holds smoothly until the last page and keeps readers in the pages. It's a fun tale in so many ways, and one kids are sure to enjoy.
May 17, 2018
Carrie’s father is angry about how much her mother spent on clothes for her for school, and now he’s staying out all night instead of coming home. Carrie’s sure it’s her fault--if only she hadn’t asked for the blue nail polish… Meanwhile Carrie’s best friend Ivy is called Bucktooth at school and can’t seem to see she’s really beautiful--because parents always say that to their daughters, don't they? Then their teacher invites the ten-year-olds to take part in a project where they care for a dragon egg and everything changes.
Nobody believes in dragons of course. Not even Ivy and Carrie. They’re almost as hard to accept as fairytale monsters and broken families… almost as hard to understand as the life and death of love.
But soon the two girls are experiencing exciting adventures, getting lost and found, learning the meaning of friendship, and finding the strength they need within themselves. A fire-breathing dragon helps and it’s all exciting fun.
Disclosure: I can’t remember how I got this one, but I’m glad I did.
Nobody believes in dragons of course. Not even Ivy and Carrie. They’re almost as hard to accept as fairytale monsters and broken families… almost as hard to understand as the life and death of love.
But soon the two girls are experiencing exciting adventures, getting lost and found, learning the meaning of friendship, and finding the strength they need within themselves. A fire-breathing dragon helps and it’s all exciting fun.
Disclosure: I can’t remember how I got this one, but I’m glad I did.
May 26, 2019
Was a good filler book, since it was really easy to read.
Two girls find themselves in charge of an egg, which hatches a dragon. Their teacher is also a dragon?? Due to association with the baby dragon, they are pulled into an adventure on another planet. It seems to be a good read for teenagers or for people who just want something light to read.
While the book dabs in fantasy, we can see there are many underlying hints of family drama, and a girl who just really wants to piece her family back together. While the book was written a bit choppily, it showcases a very realistic background in a small town.
Two girls find themselves in charge of an egg, which hatches a dragon. Their teacher is also a dragon?? Due to association with the baby dragon, they are pulled into an adventure on another planet. It seems to be a good read for teenagers or for people who just want something light to read.
While the book dabs in fantasy, we can see there are many underlying hints of family drama, and a girl who just really wants to piece her family back together. While the book was written a bit choppily, it showcases a very realistic background in a small town.
August 26, 2020
Carrie's parents are splitting up, and her home is always in turmoil. Ivy has low self-esteem and is bullied in class. The girls are probably fifth-graders and are in the same class with a very odd teacher, Miss Huffity. As the story progresses, the friends hatch a dragon egg and are propelled into an alternate world, where they have painful experiences before being sent back home. The premise is good, but the writing was careless, sloppy and feels rushed. Nan Sweet could have done much better. There are several books in this series, to my dismay. I hope the subsequent ones are better written.
August 10, 2021
this is a great read for young readers I think an 8 and up will delight in Ivy and Carrie's adventure. I look forward to introducing my great-grand-daughters to them soon.
* a note to parents *
over the years I have always read what what the young of my family and their friends are reading, as well as what is out6 there for them to read or be read to them. I have found it fun and challenging at times but the outcome is a family that loves to read. Reading is often the road to a "sucessful" way of life.
* a note to parents *
over the years I have always read what what the young of my family and their friends are reading, as well as what is out6 there for them to read or be read to them. I have found it fun and challenging at times but the outcome is a family that loves to read. Reading is often the road to a "sucessful" way of life.
March 18, 2019
Wait, what? Dragons are real?
And our teacher is one?
Carrie and Ivy are best friends. Carrie's home isn't as happy as Ivy's, her parents are getting divorced and it seems to her that neither of them even care about her any more.
It's parents are new age hippies, and she's doesn't even get an occasional doughnut.
When their new teacher assigns the class to take care of a mysterious egg the adventures begin!
And our teacher is one?
Carrie and Ivy are best friends. Carrie's home isn't as happy as Ivy's, her parents are getting divorced and it seems to her that neither of them even care about her any more.
It's parents are new age hippies, and she's doesn't even get an occasional doughnut.
When their new teacher assigns the class to take care of a mysterious egg the adventures begin!
July 2, 2019
It's been a long time since I read a children't book and this wasn't what I was expecting.
There are a lot of loose ends that I only hope get tied up in other books in the series since there are a lot of other books.
The story was choppy and ended abruptly. Story takes place on earth and in another world with dragons, birds, tunnels and caves, a Princess and skeleton people. The cover fit the story.
There are a lot of loose ends that I only hope get tied up in other books in the series since there are a lot of other books.
The story was choppy and ended abruptly. Story takes place on earth and in another world with dragons, birds, tunnels and caves, a Princess and skeleton people. The cover fit the story.
May 18, 2020
This is a very good book for children- teaches about people and relationships suitable for above 8? but truthfully the story itself as a fantasy is good for all ages- I read it to my grandchild - in only 2 sittings at her request- when we finished she wanted me to read it again! I will get the second in the series because she enjoys it now for the story and I think she will get more out of it when she is older.
February 20, 2022
For the age group (young, elementary school), this story would be attractive. The characters were fun to read about but also had relatable challenges. The inclusion of the dragon and egg were fun! The plot got a little too complex and the dragon didn’t feature as prominently as I would’ve liked in the latter half. It’s not the best book I’ve ever read for this age group, but I still think kids will enjoy reading it anyway as the writing style is good.
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