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Dragon Masters #5
Song of the Poison Dragon: A Branches Book
In the fifth book in the best-selling Dragon Masters series, a new Dragon Master is coming to the castle!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In book #5, the Dragon Masters are excited to meet the newest Dragon Master, Petra. But when she arrives at the castle, she doesn't fit in right away. She's a know-it-all, and she doesn't even try to connect with her four-headed dragon! Could the Dragon Stone have chosen her by mistake? Then something terrible happens to the king. Petra will have to work with the other Dragon Masters to save him before it's too late!
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!In book #5, the Dragon Masters are excited to meet the newest Dragon Master, Petra. But when she arrives at the castle, she doesn't fit in right away. She's a know-it-all, and she doesn't even try to connect with her four-headed dragon! Could the Dragon Stone have chosen her by mistake? Then something terrible happens to the king. Petra will have to work with the other Dragon Masters to save him before it's too late!
105 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2016
755 people are currently reading
776 people want to read
About the author
Tracey West
724 books538 followersTracey West is the New York Times bestselling author of Dragon Masters, a series in the Scholastic Branches line. She has written more than 400 books for kids, including the Pixie Tricks series and the Underdogs series with Kyla May.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
February 2, 2025
Inspired by the magical countryside of west Wales by Graham Howells
I got really confused by why the illustrations' art style looks identical, even though the first 4 books were illustrated by Graham Howells and the fifth by Damien Jones... 🤔 In the second book there's information: "Special thanks to Damien Jones for his artistic contribution to this book." But it never says so in the first book. I thought that maybe Damien Jones had drawn some scenes and the characters' images were created by Graham Howells... now I don't know who the real creator is. Judging by the artwork below created for the Dragon Masters series and for another book I would say the former.
Dragon Masters
Griff and the Griffin by Meg Harper, Graham Howells
July 31, 2020
This series really has staying power. With my two youngest children there are few chapter books that we have read more than once, let alone whole series. This is the first series I recall we have read through twice and are eagerly awaiting the next instalment. The Dragon Masters is a great series that children and those who read to them will both enjoy.
One of the nice things about this series is that it is a true series. Each story builds upon the next. Now yes that are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other. In this latest offering the Dragon stone has chosen a new dragon master, Petra and her great uncle had also been a dragon master. She seems to know a lot about dragons and their abilities, but when it comes time for her to meet her Hydra and bond with it, something just seems off.
Even though Petra seems like a know-it-all, she also seems afraid. She is far from home and knows that there are high expectations upon her. When King Roland plans on show casing the dragons especially the new Hydra and Petra to Queen Rose the day after Petra's arrival, things go bad quickly. Soon the King is poisoned and all the dragon masters are searching for a cure. Will they find something in their books, or will Petra and the Hydra make connecting in time to save the King?
My children love the illustrations by Graham Howells, the often go back to look at previous illustrations or sneak ahead to get a glimpse of what is coming next. Add to the excellent drawings wonderful stories and it makes for some great reading time.
These books are enjoyed by the whole family. The younger kids like having them read to them. My oldest enjoys listening or taking a turn reading to her siblings. And there is a great series of questions at the end of the book to help make sure children comprehend the story. Set at a grade 2 reading level in our house these are enjoyed from Kindergarten to grade 4. The kids love these books and therefore come with their seal of approval.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books in the Dragon Masters Series.
One of the nice things about this series is that it is a true series. Each story builds upon the next. Now yes that are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other. In this latest offering the Dragon stone has chosen a new dragon master, Petra and her great uncle had also been a dragon master. She seems to know a lot about dragons and their abilities, but when it comes time for her to meet her Hydra and bond with it, something just seems off.
Even though Petra seems like a know-it-all, she also seems afraid. She is far from home and knows that there are high expectations upon her. When King Roland plans on show casing the dragons especially the new Hydra and Petra to Queen Rose the day after Petra's arrival, things go bad quickly. Soon the King is poisoned and all the dragon masters are searching for a cure. Will they find something in their books, or will Petra and the Hydra make connecting in time to save the King?
My children love the illustrations by Graham Howells, the often go back to look at previous illustrations or sneak ahead to get a glimpse of what is coming next. Add to the excellent drawings wonderful stories and it makes for some great reading time.
These books are enjoyed by the whole family. The younger kids like having them read to them. My oldest enjoys listening or taking a turn reading to her siblings. And there is a great series of questions at the end of the book to help make sure children comprehend the story. Set at a grade 2 reading level in our house these are enjoyed from Kindergarten to grade 4. The kids love these books and therefore come with their seal of approval.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books in the Dragon Masters Series.
October 28, 2022
My kids like this series and we are rereading them because we fell off and want to finish up the series. These books are highly engaging, illustrated, and brief. If I read aloud to my kids we can finish these in under an hour.
I think these books are cute and they always have an interesting discussion point at the center of each one. The new Dragon Master of the poisonous dragon with 4 heads, is scared and that fear causes her to lie, and that lie hurts people, how will she make it right and how will she learn from this in the future.
Luckily everything is solved with a little magic.
But behind the scenes something has gone wrong with the Prime Dragon Stone which is the setup for the next book.
As the mom of a 9 year old, these characters read more like 7th graders than 3rd graders, but I think the age of the dragon masters makes it more relatable to a younger audience.
I think these books are cute and they always have an interesting discussion point at the center of each one. The new Dragon Master of the poisonous dragon with 4 heads, is scared and that fear causes her to lie, and that lie hurts people, how will she make it right and how will she learn from this in the future.
Luckily everything is solved with a little magic.
But behind the scenes something has gone wrong with the Prime Dragon Stone which is the setup for the next book.
As the mom of a 9 year old, these characters read more like 7th graders than 3rd graders, but I think the age of the dragon masters makes it more relatable to a younger audience.
January 11, 2020
Not the strongest in the series, but the kids still loved it!
Read
July 10, 2021My kid really likes the Dragon Masters series. It's great for 1st-3rd graders.
April 23, 2025
Gabriel: “it was amazing”
October 9, 2020
My daughter loves these. They are fast-paced and full of drama, with 8-year-olds called upon to save the day. In this one, they are joined by a brand new dragon master: a girl with green eyes and blond hair half in cornrows who is supposed to come from "the southern lands." Um. OK. Don't know why the author couldn't have just given her brown skin & hair, as would make more sense for someone from a much warmer/sunnier climate. Her family isn't new to that area, as far as I can tell, so...?
But at any rate, she's afraid of her dragon and doesn't follow instructions well, which results in her dragon poisoning the king out of panic. Not good. Eventually she and Drake figure out how to reverse the poison and save the king.
But at any rate, she's afraid of her dragon and doesn't follow instructions well, which results in her dragon poisoning the king out of panic. Not good. Eventually she and Drake figure out how to reverse the poison and save the king.
Read
February 12, 2021Such a fun series!
March 10, 2021
The new dragon master was terrified of her dragon! It was another great adventure.
March 1, 2022
My 5 and 3 year old loved it! They didn't want to stop reading!
October 21, 2022
It was awesome. New characters, old characters, and ways to bring back beloved ones.
December 21, 2022
you have to read power of the fire dragon first.
January 19, 2023
Is it ok to take pride in your correct guesses, when really that just means you're reading a formulaic and predictable book for children?
January 20, 2025
5 ⭐️ by the 6 yr old. We’ve read all 5 together so far and he’s loving the adventures!
December 11, 2020
Another great story my son and I enjoyed reading together.
April 19, 2019
{My thoughts} – There is much to be learned about the dragons while reading through this series. I really enjoy how each book picks up right where the had left off. In this book we get to meet the new Dragon Master. Her name is Petra and she gets the Hydra dragon that was used in the attack against the castle in the last book.
Petra seems to have lots of knowledge about dragons which at first makes the Dragon Masters curious about her. After awhile though she starts to come off as a know it all. At that point most of the Dragon Masters don’t want to listen to her and start to feel like she isn’t interested in being there. It isn’t long before Drake figures out that she is nervous and scared of the Hydra. Once he is able to help get past how she feels and help her to see how great the Hydra is, Petra starts to warm up to the Hydra and things start going according to plan.
When the book ends the Dragon Masters have a visitor that brings with him some bad news. This bad news is news that Griffith had already been questioning. I am interested in seeing what is to come of the story in the next book.
Petra seems to have lots of knowledge about dragons which at first makes the Dragon Masters curious about her. After awhile though she starts to come off as a know it all. At that point most of the Dragon Masters don’t want to listen to her and start to feel like she isn’t interested in being there. It isn’t long before Drake figures out that she is nervous and scared of the Hydra. Once he is able to help get past how she feels and help her to see how great the Hydra is, Petra starts to warm up to the Hydra and things start going according to plan.
When the book ends the Dragon Masters have a visitor that brings with him some bad news. This bad news is news that Griffith had already been questioning. I am interested in seeing what is to come of the story in the next book.
June 26, 2019
Please note that this review is written for my use as a librarian and may not appeal directly to readers. Please review at your own risk.
Accelerated Reader has this book listed as being for lower grades, or readers in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. They also have listed that this read is worth 1 AR point.
This book was a little hard to get into at first. You don’t want to like the newest dragon master when you meet her. However, through Drake’s charm you discover that she is just a little scared like all of us are when we meet a new challenge. I felt like the end of the story was a little rushed, but I did enjoy the interaction between Drake, Petra, and the hydra dragon. Overall, pretty good.
Caution Notes*:
None - very small children may be frightened or sad, but that’s about it.
Recommended for:
First and second graders who are into dragons, monsters, or fantasy creatures.
Summary:
-Do not read past this point if you would like to avoid spoilers-
In the last book, a hydra dragon was introduced to the group. In this book, a new dragon master was chosen to tame the hydra. She is a young girl named Petra and she comes from what is presumably Greece. She is a “know-it-all” and boasts to know a lot about dragons. However, she messes up and the king is poisoned by her hydra. Finally she admits that while she knows a lot about dragons, she does not know everything and she is actually terrified of her dragon. Drake helps her to learn to trust and appreciate her dragon. However, when Petra finds out that maybe she wasn’t the right person for the job she tries to leave. Drake ends up getting poisoned when he tries to stop her. The hyrda senses Petra’s dismay and heals Drake with her song. Having discovered the antidote to the poison, the children go and cure the King as well and all is returned to its rightful place. At the end of the book, Heru and Wati arrive from the land of pyramids with bad news about the prime dragon stone. We’ll find out more in the next book.
*Caution notes are not to say, don’t read the book. I only include these so that those individuals who have particular themes they do not like to read about or are not ready for their kids to read about are aware. I do not support censoring. :)
Accelerated Reader has this book listed as being for lower grades, or readers in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. They also have listed that this read is worth 1 AR point.
This book was a little hard to get into at first. You don’t want to like the newest dragon master when you meet her. However, through Drake’s charm you discover that she is just a little scared like all of us are when we meet a new challenge. I felt like the end of the story was a little rushed, but I did enjoy the interaction between Drake, Petra, and the hydra dragon. Overall, pretty good.
Caution Notes*:
None - very small children may be frightened or sad, but that’s about it.
Recommended for:
First and second graders who are into dragons, monsters, or fantasy creatures.
Summary:
-Do not read past this point if you would like to avoid spoilers-
In the last book, a hydra dragon was introduced to the group. In this book, a new dragon master was chosen to tame the hydra. She is a young girl named Petra and she comes from what is presumably Greece. She is a “know-it-all” and boasts to know a lot about dragons. However, she messes up and the king is poisoned by her hydra. Finally she admits that while she knows a lot about dragons, she does not know everything and she is actually terrified of her dragon. Drake helps her to learn to trust and appreciate her dragon. However, when Petra finds out that maybe she wasn’t the right person for the job she tries to leave. Drake ends up getting poisoned when he tries to stop her. The hyrda senses Petra’s dismay and heals Drake with her song. Having discovered the antidote to the poison, the children go and cure the King as well and all is returned to its rightful place. At the end of the book, Heru and Wati arrive from the land of pyramids with bad news about the prime dragon stone. We’ll find out more in the next book.
*Caution notes are not to say, don’t read the book. I only include these so that those individuals who have particular themes they do not like to read about or are not ready for their kids to read about are aware. I do not support censoring. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2019
The new Dragon Master, Petra, was a great addition to this series! My daughter was a little bit scared of the Hydra from the previous book, but also excited to learn about it. I think she related a lot to Petra, and many children would. Just like with the Harry Potter series, if you take away the dragons, wizards, and magic, you have real-life situations that kids have to work through. We all know a Petra. The growth she showed and how she learned to bond with the Hydra was wonderful to read.
This series has been so much fun for me! My daughter will read it first, usually in one sitting because she's so engrossed by it. Then she hands it over to me, I read it, and then we go through the discussion questions in the back of the book. I'm impressed by my daughter's love for this series and her reading comprehension!
I am just as captivated by this series as she is, and it's nice to read these in parallel with her so we can discuss the characters and story/plot development.
This series has been so much fun for me! My daughter will read it first, usually in one sitting because she's so engrossed by it. Then she hands it over to me, I read it, and then we go through the discussion questions in the back of the book. I'm impressed by my daughter's love for this series and her reading comprehension!
I am just as captivated by this series as she is, and it's nice to read these in parallel with her so we can discuss the characters and story/plot development.
September 13, 2017
The young Dragon Masters welcome a new Dragon Master named Petra. Petra seems to know everything, but for some reason, she isn't connecting to her dragon. When she can't control her dragon, the king is accidentally poisoned. Will they manage to find a cure? And will they be able to save all the dragons from the angry mob at the castle's door?
Another fantastic addition to this children's fantasy series. My seven-year-old has been devouring them. We liked seeing Petra with the four-headed dragon and how they try to work together, or not work!
Another fantastic addition to this children's fantasy series. My seven-year-old has been devouring them. We liked seeing Petra with the four-headed dragon and how they try to work together, or not work!
April 11, 2018
After the dragon masters save the hydra in book 4, everyone knows a new master is coming.
When Petra arrives she seems to be a know it all. The rest of the kids are a little put off by that.
They soon find out that Petra might know a lot, but she still needs help and encouragment.
When Drake tries to help her but accidentally gets poisoned, its time for Petra and her new dragon to become a team.
All through this story Griffin seems quietly concerned about the dragon stone, at the end Heru and Wati show up and his worst fears are realized.
When Petra arrives she seems to be a know it all. The rest of the kids are a little put off by that.
They soon find out that Petra might know a lot, but she still needs help and encouragment.
When Drake tries to help her but accidentally gets poisoned, its time for Petra and her new dragon to become a team.
All through this story Griffin seems quietly concerned about the dragon stone, at the end Heru and Wati show up and his worst fears are realized.
January 30, 2020
Super oversimplified plot and cheesy resolution. It’s as if everything is happening in exclamation points. Petra is annoying AF. Never touch a hydra’s tail, because it will uncontrollably spit poison in someone’s face. Like out of four heads, only the one nearest a person will spit poison. The villagers are super easy to sway and become a mob with little provocation. Apparently the king is collecting kids from around the world to just bond with these dragons he caught...shouldn’t the other kingdoms worry about this? Does no one else want the dragons?
January 6, 2022
It sat on our bedtime book pile for quite a while, but once started she wanted it to continue to see what would happen next. They now have an additional Dragon Master (who connected much quicker than the others despite the plot dramatics) and there is a cliffhanger leading onto the next book.
Miss 7 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 7 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
June 27, 2023
This book starts with a question it never answers: How does Petra know so much about dragons?
Also, I'm confused & annoyed that this book doesn't follow the rules set by hydras across every major story that includes them - each head is its own person & gets its own name! They can't all be called the 1 name Petra picks! How will the heads know who she's talking to? What about the fact that the heads already have relationships with each other & their own personalities & like Cerberus, one of them is probably the 'leader'? 😨
Also, I'm confused & annoyed that this book doesn't follow the rules set by hydras across every major story that includes them - each head is its own person & gets its own name! They can't all be called the 1 name Petra picks! How will the heads know who she's talking to? What about the fact that the heads already have relationships with each other & their own personalities & like Cerberus, one of them is probably the 'leader'? 😨
July 15, 2021
Read aloud to a grandson (age 4) who has read the series multiple times. He enjoyed it just as much with this reading. I found it to be an engaging series about dragons and their child-trainers, well enough written to keep me entertained while my young listener lived the adventure in his mind. Just enough pictures to keep him following at my side, but enough words that his second grade sister would feel accomplished having read it herself. Great discovery.
Read
November 11, 2021A fun series that is finally readable for my kiddo. Hooray!
But I will say that cynical adult me, watching the absolute political shambles of the world today, looks at stories about how *everyone in the kingdom adores the king and is personally invested in him" and I wonder why we teach children this. It's weird! (Again, not a critique of this individual book, just a strange thing in children's literature that I now find jarring.)
But I will say that cynical adult me, watching the absolute political shambles of the world today, looks at stories about how *everyone in the kingdom adores the king and is personally invested in him" and I wonder why we teach children this. It's weird! (Again, not a critique of this individual book, just a strange thing in children's literature that I now find jarring.)
December 30, 2021
Song of the Poison Dragon by Tracey West is the 5th book in the Dragon Masters series. I think this one may be my favorite so far!
This time there’s less of a focus on bad guys and fighting. Instead it’s more of a discussion on believing in yourself and working through and solving your problems.
There’s also quite a cliffhanger to the ending. So much so that my son immediately ran to the next book, which luckily we already own, and asked to start that one.
4.5/5
This time there’s less of a focus on bad guys and fighting. Instead it’s more of a discussion on believing in yourself and working through and solving your problems.
There’s also quite a cliffhanger to the ending. So much so that my son immediately ran to the next book, which luckily we already own, and asked to start that one.
4.5/5
March 16, 2022
...8yo Review...
CHARACTERS: Bo Drake Ana Rori
The main character's name is Drake.
My favorite character was still Drake. Because he is the main character and I like his stories.
And they introduce a new character named Petra. She is intelligent and knows everything about dragons.
SETTING: the Kingdom.
STORY OUTLINE
Beginning: Starts with the characters outside to introduce the newest dragon master, Petra.
Middle: They try to find a cure for King Roland. He was hit by poison by the poison dragon when Petra pet his tail instead of his head because she was afraid.
End: They find the cure when the dragon poisons Drake and then sings a song. They learn the song saved him and will save the King as well.
The story's main PROBLEM was: Petra can't connect her dragon.
It was SOLVED by: She can't connect because she is afraid and the main dragon stone is dying. She ends up connecting at the end because she's not afraid anymore. Drake helped her to not be afraid. She connected to save drake and then the King.
CHARACTERS: Bo Drake Ana Rori
The main character's name is Drake.
My favorite character was still Drake. Because he is the main character and I like his stories.
And they introduce a new character named Petra. She is intelligent and knows everything about dragons.
SETTING: the Kingdom.
STORY OUTLINE
Beginning: Starts with the characters outside to introduce the newest dragon master, Petra.
Middle: They try to find a cure for King Roland. He was hit by poison by the poison dragon when Petra pet his tail instead of his head because she was afraid.
End: They find the cure when the dragon poisons Drake and then sings a song. They learn the song saved him and will save the King as well.
The story's main PROBLEM was: Petra can't connect her dragon.
It was SOLVED by: She can't connect because she is afraid and the main dragon stone is dying. She ends up connecting at the end because she's not afraid anymore. Drake helped her to not be afraid. She connected to save drake and then the King.
October 29, 2023
New girl and new dragon upsets the dynamic. It also upsets everyone else when she can't control her dragon and the king gets poisoned. Thankfully the other Dragon Masters are there to help Petra figure things out before it's too late. The twist at the end though is what makes me really keep reading. New dangers? Time to see what the kids can do when they finally are ready to work together as a team!
February 11, 2025
My daughter has been reading this series and wanted to see how far I could get in her book while she watched an episode of one of her shows. Well I read the whole book haha. These are wonderful fantasy starters for 8 year old and may even be entertaining up to 11 or 12. It had a setup a climax and even a cliffhanger ending. If you have a child in 2nd or 3rd grade I'd recommend this series for them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews