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John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien
A captivating picture book biography of a boy who imagined a world full of dragons and grew up to be beloved author J. R. R. Tolkien.
John Ronald loved dragons. He liked to imagine dragons when he was alone, and with his friends, and especially when life got hard or sad. After his mother died and he had to live with a cold-hearted aunt, he looked for dragons. He searched for them at his boarding school. And when he fought in a Great War, he felt as if terrible, destructive dragons were everywhere. But he never actually found one, until one day, when he was a grown man but still very much a boy at heart, when he decided to create one of his own. John Ronald's Dragons , a picture book biography by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, introduces the beloved creator of Middle Earth and author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to a new generation of children who see magic in the world around them.
John Ronald loved dragons. He liked to imagine dragons when he was alone, and with his friends, and especially when life got hard or sad. After his mother died and he had to live with a cold-hearted aunt, he looked for dragons. He searched for them at his boarding school. And when he fought in a Great War, he felt as if terrible, destructive dragons were everywhere. But he never actually found one, until one day, when he was a grown man but still very much a boy at heart, when he decided to create one of his own. John Ronald's Dragons , a picture book biography by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, introduces the beloved creator of Middle Earth and author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to a new generation of children who see magic in the world around them.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
February 19, 2025
Well and indeed, content and theme-wise, author Caroline Mcalister does certainly in John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien present an informative and textually rich junior level biography of J.R.R. Tolkien and especially about how he became interested in dragons and then created a famous dragon named Smaug for his The Hobbit novel. However and the above having all been said, personally, I have sadly also found the general flow of Caroline's MacAlister's narrative both awkward and frustratingly slow, and yes, especially with regard to how she commences with the various episodes of Tolkien's life (from his early childhood onwards) at times tediously repetitive, often starting her main sentences with either the linking adverb "then"or with expressions signifying the same (with the result that I for one have definitely found that John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien often if not even usually reads more like a laundry list of diverse events than a truly engaging and nuanced account of Tolkien's life and what made him become so interested in dragons).
And thus, while I have certainly found John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien a decent enough and very much educational and enlightening introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien's life and his The Hobbit (although indeed, that Caroline MacAlister ONLY writes about The Hobbit and NEVER once even mentions Tolkien's other writing and in particular his The Lord of the Rings in the main text of John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien, this really does as a total LOTR fan quite bother me) and while Eliza Wheeler's accompanying artwork is most definitely a delightful and appreciated combination of reality and imagination (with in particular how she has drawn both Bilbo Baggins and Smaug a visual treasure), I do have to admit that narrationally, that especially from a textual writing style point of departure, I have not been all that pleased with John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien and have certainly not been as enchanted as I had fondly hoped to be.
And yes, the only reasons why my rating for John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien is still three stars and not two stars is that for one, I do aesthetically consider Eliza Wheeler's illustrations marvelous and that for two, I very much appreciate the author's and illustrator's notes and that Caroline McAlister has also included academic, scholarly information on Tolkien's dragons (both traditional and the ones created by him), as well as a very decent bibliography (not extensive but definitively a good starting point for additional, supplemental J.R.R. Tolkien research).
And thus, while I have certainly found John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien a decent enough and very much educational and enlightening introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien's life and his The Hobbit (although indeed, that Caroline MacAlister ONLY writes about The Hobbit and NEVER once even mentions Tolkien's other writing and in particular his The Lord of the Rings in the main text of John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien, this really does as a total LOTR fan quite bother me) and while Eliza Wheeler's accompanying artwork is most definitely a delightful and appreciated combination of reality and imagination (with in particular how she has drawn both Bilbo Baggins and Smaug a visual treasure), I do have to admit that narrationally, that especially from a textual writing style point of departure, I have not been all that pleased with John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien and have certainly not been as enchanted as I had fondly hoped to be.
And yes, the only reasons why my rating for John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien is still three stars and not two stars is that for one, I do aesthetically consider Eliza Wheeler's illustrations marvelous and that for two, I very much appreciate the author's and illustrator's notes and that Caroline McAlister has also included academic, scholarly information on Tolkien's dragons (both traditional and the ones created by him), as well as a very decent bibliography (not extensive but definitively a good starting point for additional, supplemental J.R.R. Tolkien research).
April 2, 2018
Telling the story of Tolkien's life from the perspective of his love of dragons was, I think, a genius move. His life, especially early years, is very sad, but the dragon theme keeps it from being too depressing. I think it's a great way to introduce kids to a biography in general, but to Tolkien and his work in particular. The illustrations are beautiful with lots of great meaningful images from Tolkien's life and imagination. I think kids can relate to Tolkien a lot--he dreams of excitement and adventure that dragons represent, but also wants to stay in his own safe neighborhood. Books and imagination help with that!
September 11, 2020
John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien I loved this! It is everything a picture book biography should be, IMO. So immersive. Brings not only its subject to life but the time period, as well. Deftly weaves together key life events with personality with professional pursuits, and the dragon theme threads throughout beautifully. The illustrations are equally marvelous, full of important detail, and also evocative of Tolkien's own illustations at the appropriate moments. Really touched me. Excellent author's and illustrator's notes and other worthy back matter.
Highly recommended!
Note that some readers were disappointed that the story doesn't mention LOTR. The story here is about Tolkien's journey to become a writer (it ends when he finally creates and write about his own dragon in The Hobbit, or There and Back Again) so I didn't mind that is where it ended, though if you are looking for a comprehensive biography you will need to look elsewhere.
Highly recommended!
Note that some readers were disappointed that the story doesn't mention LOTR. The story here is about Tolkien's journey to become a writer (it ends when he finally creates and write about his own dragon in The Hobbit, or There and Back Again) so I didn't mind that is where it ended, though if you are looking for a comprehensive biography you will need to look elsewhere.
May 4, 2018
"There, at last, John Ronald found his dragon...a dragon named Smaug."
*bursts into tears*
*bursts into tears*
April 8, 2017
A beautiful children's book, and although aimed at children I feel that any Tolkien fan, like me, would love this story and its illustrations
November 15, 2020
Well-done. Tribute to the power of the imagination to get us through tough times and to inspire our legacy. Almost makes me want to re-read The Hobbit (which is the book alluded to here; LotR not so much). Extensive illustrator's notes as well as other good back matter. I particularly love the endpapers... can't decide if I prefer first or last, though.
November 22, 2017
I actually knew nothing about Tolkien's life until I read this book. The author doesn't end the biography with Tolkien's death, however, but leaves it as if he became one with his stories and still lives on. Nice. The author's note at the end does include more information about his life, as well as some quotes from Tolkien and a "catalog of Tolkien's dragons." What really makes this book for me are Eliza Wheeler's gorgeous illustrations. I'd love to have the endpapers as wallpaper in my bedroom! The two-page spread of a bright red and gold Smaug near the end is absolutely gorgeous. Wheeler includes an illustrator's note at the end that points out some of the special real-life objects that she included in her pictures. She also tried to include dragons or dragon-like creatures and shapes in every picture. This is really a beautiful book worthy of the life of an author who brought so much fantasy into the lives of thousands of readers young and old. Highly recommended!!
July 31, 2024
The story is wonderful, the illustrations are beautiful and the detailed notes at the end were a perfect addition.
March 4, 2019
J. R. R. Tolkien is my favourite author and to read this lovely book about his life with beautiful illustrations was a good part of my day. I recommend reading this book to every child. Dragons and imagination. What else would a child need?!
August 24, 2019
The illustrations had my heart at every page.
The Hobbit is one of my all time favorite books and this book was a easy to get the early history of how the book came to be.
Awesome biography for all ages.
The Hobbit is one of my all time favorite books and this book was a easy to get the early history of how the book came to be.
Awesome biography for all ages.
May 2, 2022
Lovely illustrations.
June 16, 2017
Wow! So, I usually try to write a post on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but something went totally crazy yesterday. It felt like a Friday. Seriously! I kept thinking that I had to work and that my sister was coming home for the weekend. Nope! It was only Thursday. Plus, I had a brother and sister-in-law visiting for the day. So that made it even weirder!
This is a super cool children’s book! I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about J.R.R. Tolkien! Well, of course I would! But that is because I absolutely love Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. To be honest, I have only read The Hobbit, but I have watched all of the movies.
I don’t know how much of the story is actually non-fiction, but it is definitely a good children’s biography.
Can you tell what type of genre I am reading a lot of right now? Yup! Kids’ biographies seem like something I have been reviewing a lot of. Why? I have absolutely no idea. My sister just keeps checking them out so I keep reading them!
But, for those of you who are reading this blog who know kids, you should definitely check this book out! The minute you do, you and the child will be J.R.R. Tolkien fans forever. Well, then again, maybe not.
The cover is very, very creative! I am definitely giving it 5 stars. Eliza Wheeler is a wonderful illustrator!
And, I am giving the story itself 5 stars as well. Caroline McAlister is one children’s author that I will be looking into to find more books by her.
Title: John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien
Author: Caroline McAlister
Author’s Website: http://www.carolinemcalisterauthor.com/
Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler
Illustrator’s Website: http://wheelerstudio.com/
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
This is a super cool children’s book! I mean, who wouldn’t want to read about J.R.R. Tolkien! Well, of course I would! But that is because I absolutely love Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. To be honest, I have only read The Hobbit, but I have watched all of the movies.
I don’t know how much of the story is actually non-fiction, but it is definitely a good children’s biography.
Can you tell what type of genre I am reading a lot of right now? Yup! Kids’ biographies seem like something I have been reviewing a lot of. Why? I have absolutely no idea. My sister just keeps checking them out so I keep reading them!
But, for those of you who are reading this blog who know kids, you should definitely check this book out! The minute you do, you and the child will be J.R.R. Tolkien fans forever. Well, then again, maybe not.
The cover is very, very creative! I am definitely giving it 5 stars. Eliza Wheeler is a wonderful illustrator!
And, I am giving the story itself 5 stars as well. Caroline McAlister is one children’s author that I will be looking into to find more books by her.
Title: John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien
Author: Caroline McAlister
Author’s Website: http://www.carolinemcalisterauthor.com/
Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler
Illustrator’s Website: http://wheelerstudio.com/
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
March 21, 2017
Purchased from a local kids bookstore on their recommendation.
Backstory - I'm British and have read a Tolkien autobiography before and love his books.
Summary - this book is a delightful picture book mini-biography of JRR Tolkien for children to explore the basics of his life and works.
Pros
- some of the most gorgeous illustrations ever in a kid's book which reveal the inner workings of Tolkein's mind and parts of his stories whilst being friendly and clear for younger kids.
- the story does cover some of the reasons for his awesome books - I liked that it acknowledged some of his hardships in life and that it explored one part of why he was interested in languages.
- extra information available at the end for the interested adult or child who wants more than the picture book gives.
Cons
- misses out entirely on explaining that Tolkien used dwarves/elves/hobbits/humans as different species representing the different people he saw around him from the different classes in society and their mistreatment of each other.
- limits his religious beliefs and their expression in his works.
- brushes only very lightly over his very dark and depressing life!
Overall a fun and inspiring children's picture book as a starter biography.
Backstory - I'm British and have read a Tolkien autobiography before and love his books.
Summary - this book is a delightful picture book mini-biography of JRR Tolkien for children to explore the basics of his life and works.
Pros
- some of the most gorgeous illustrations ever in a kid's book which reveal the inner workings of Tolkein's mind and parts of his stories whilst being friendly and clear for younger kids.
- the story does cover some of the reasons for his awesome books - I liked that it acknowledged some of his hardships in life and that it explored one part of why he was interested in languages.
- extra information available at the end for the interested adult or child who wants more than the picture book gives.
Cons
- misses out entirely on explaining that Tolkien used dwarves/elves/hobbits/humans as different species representing the different people he saw around him from the different classes in society and their mistreatment of each other.
- limits his religious beliefs and their expression in his works.
- brushes only very lightly over his very dark and depressing life!
Overall a fun and inspiring children's picture book as a starter biography.
September 17, 2016
I read an early copy of this book via work, with no obligation to leave a personal review.
This is a quietly told story about J. R. R. Tolkien, with pitch-perfect, soft illustrations to accompany it. The words and the illustrations both take an understated tone, but are absolutely gorgeous. It's lovely, and includes some interesting backmatter at the end that I'd like to read again. My only quibble with this is that Tolkien's Christianity is so underplayed (just one scene of a church and the peace he found there), when that was such a fundamental part of who he was and what he wrote
This is a quietly told story about J. R. R. Tolkien, with pitch-perfect, soft illustrations to accompany it. The words and the illustrations both take an understated tone, but are absolutely gorgeous. It's lovely, and includes some interesting backmatter at the end that I'd like to read again. My only quibble with this is that Tolkien's Christianity is so underplayed (just one scene of a church and the peace he found there), when that was such a fundamental part of who he was and what he wrote
October 30, 2022
This book is magnificent. It presents the biographical particulars of Tolkien's life in a fresh and engaging way, the prose and art working together seamlessly to communicate facts and to show how imagination enlivens the ordinary, provides comfort in darkness, and makes life even more meaningful. I loved this as a Tolkien fan, history lover, and writer. It almost made me cry. Through my library job, I have read literally hundreds of picture book biographies, and this is one of the finest.
January 15, 2018
A beautifully illustrated picture biography of JRR Tolkien, following him from childhood to the creation of The Hobbit. The highest praise, I think, is that both I and my daughter--a far more critical reviewer--enjoy this book. I've posted a longer review at my blog.
August 23, 2017
A really excellent picture book biography. I've been on the fence for years about reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series , but this books made me want to give them a go!
January 31, 2018
This is a fun book about imagination. It's easy to get heavy and metaphysical about Tolkien, so it's good to be reminded that his work originally sprang from a love of story. I'm not sure this book will appeal to non-LotR fans, but I liked it a lot.
February 13, 2018
On my first read through I thought the different stages of Tolkien’s life that were presented were a bit disjointed. However, on the second read through I changed my mind and decided it flowed pretty well. I also took more time to notice the parallel structure and repetition of words, which made for some enjoyable “Aha, I see what you did there Caroline McAlister!” moments.
I enjoyed the illustrations both times I read it, but I appreciated them even more after reading the author and illustrator’s notes at the end after my second read. There was clearly a lot of thought and research that went into presenting Tolkien to young readers, and I love how you don’t have to be familiar with Tolkien to enjoy the story. But, if you are familiar with Tolkien it is easy to make a lot of connections from his life to elements of his books, which provided for more Aha! moments.
I gave 4 stars because I don’t get why it ended the way it did.
I enjoyed the illustrations both times I read it, but I appreciated them even more after reading the author and illustrator’s notes at the end after my second read. There was clearly a lot of thought and research that went into presenting Tolkien to young readers, and I love how you don’t have to be familiar with Tolkien to enjoy the story. But, if you are familiar with Tolkien it is easy to make a lot of connections from his life to elements of his books, which provided for more Aha! moments.
I gave 4 stars because I don’t get why it ended the way it did.
November 20, 2017
This was beautiful.
I know for sure that this isn't something only children will enjoy. The art style is simply stunning and the story line is original and I loved it.
By being a huge Tolkien fan this adorable book warmed my heart. I don't have any children to read this to, but I'm sure my dog will like it just as much.
July 12, 2023
Eliza Wheeler's illustrations are stunning! Well done and also enjoyed reading her Illustrator Note at the back chockablock full of historical notes. Her palette is a more kid-friendly, lighter palette than Tolkien's own.
August 1, 2017
An excellent biography (even though it is short), beautifully illustrated.
February 7, 2018
"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."
March 8, 2018
A beautifully illustrated book to pique the interest of any young, or old, reader to pursue the writing of Tolkien!
June 2, 2018
A nice homage to the life of JRR Tolkien
June 20, 2017
First sentence: John Ronald was a boy who loved horses. And trees. And strange sounding words. But most of all, John Ronald loved dragons.
Premise/plot: John Ronald's Dragons is a picture book biography of J.R.R. Tolkien the author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The time covered in this picture book is from the time he was a boy to the publication of The Hobbit in 1937. The book shows how ordinary people and places and events came to inspire him as a writer later on.
This one has great back matter. It includes an author's note, an illustrator's note, a catalog of Tolkien's dragons, dragon-themed quotes by Tolkien, and a bibliography.
My thoughts: As an adult, I really enjoyed this one. Is it a picture book for young children? Maybe, maybe not. Is it a picture book more for adults? Probably. But is it beautifully illustrated? YES, YES, YES. It is beautifully written and illustrated. I do think that the more familiar one is with Tolkien and his Middle Earth the better one is able to appreciate this picture book biography.
Text: 4.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
Premise/plot: John Ronald's Dragons is a picture book biography of J.R.R. Tolkien the author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The time covered in this picture book is from the time he was a boy to the publication of The Hobbit in 1937. The book shows how ordinary people and places and events came to inspire him as a writer later on.
All of a sudden the whole world went to war. John Ronald had to go too. He trudged through mud. He slept in a trench. He heard loud guns. For as far as he could see in any direction, the war had destroyed all the green trees. He tried to shut out the noises of war by making up another imaginary language. It didn't work. It was then that he most needed dragons. But, of course, there were no dragons on the battlefield--only ugly machines belching flames.
This one has great back matter. It includes an author's note, an illustrator's note, a catalog of Tolkien's dragons, dragon-themed quotes by Tolkien, and a bibliography.
My thoughts: As an adult, I really enjoyed this one. Is it a picture book for young children? Maybe, maybe not. Is it a picture book more for adults? Probably. But is it beautifully illustrated? YES, YES, YES. It is beautifully written and illustrated. I do think that the more familiar one is with Tolkien and his Middle Earth the better one is able to appreciate this picture book biography.
Text: 4.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10
December 30, 2017
Finally! I've been waiting for this book to come along -- I just didn't realize it. John Ronald's Dragons does a wonderful job of interspersing a biography of J.R.R. Tolkien with one of the fantastical elements he's known for: dragons. Whether he's enjoying himself or experiencing great difficulties such as the loss of his mother as a boy, and World War I as a soldier, Tolkien's imagination helps him to cope.
It isn't until he takes a teaching position at Oxford that his imagination leads him to a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who in turn finally leads him on a long quest to his dragon. The story actually doesn't cover any details of Tolkien publishing his writing, nor does it mention The Lord of the Rings. It simply leaves him to "follow" his dragon through some familiar Middle Earth landscapes until he finds Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. The ending would probably seem abrupt if it wasn't so fantastical.
I'm sure this story will appeal to any fan of Tolkien. For children, it's a great introduction to the author of Middle Earth. While children who are unfamiliar with the series will not experience the "Yay, Bilbo!" moment that us adults do when Tolkien finally writes the first line of The Hobbit on a blank piece of paper, the dragons alone should be enough to pique the interest of a child. This story also manages to give good details without being too wordy. The end notes include a bibliography and some other detailed notes by the author and the illustrator.
It isn't until he takes a teaching position at Oxford that his imagination leads him to a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins, who in turn finally leads him on a long quest to his dragon. The story actually doesn't cover any details of Tolkien publishing his writing, nor does it mention The Lord of the Rings. It simply leaves him to "follow" his dragon through some familiar Middle Earth landscapes until he finds Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. The ending would probably seem abrupt if it wasn't so fantastical.
I'm sure this story will appeal to any fan of Tolkien. For children, it's a great introduction to the author of Middle Earth. While children who are unfamiliar with the series will not experience the "Yay, Bilbo!" moment that us adults do when Tolkien finally writes the first line of The Hobbit on a blank piece of paper, the dragons alone should be enough to pique the interest of a child. This story also manages to give good details without being too wordy. The end notes include a bibliography and some other detailed notes by the author and the illustrator.
December 9, 2019
When I realized that the author of the more recent "Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother Warnie" had also written a children's book about J.R.R. Tolkien . . . obviously I had to grab a copy of that one too.
While John Ronald's Dragons uses a different illustrator, the artwork is no less charming. Both books are based on careful research into their respective subjects. Some of the details are so subtle that you either have to know them off the top of your head, or at least read the notes at the back!
My favorite example just might be on p.17, where a young Tolkien is hovering over Edith as she plays the piano. The piano is labeled "Henry Tolkien" as a nod to the fact that Tolkien's grandfather was a piano maker in Birmingham. There is also a fountain pen hanging out of Tolkien's pocket and a watch around Edith's wrist as a reference to the parting gifts they exchanged before their forced separation (Tolkien's guardian, Fr. Francis, had forbidden them to see each other until Tolkien came of age -- he was afraid seeing Edith would distract him from his attempt to gain a scholarship).
So is this just for kids? Psssh. No way. Longtime Tolkien fans will smile just as much as any wee little hobbits that read this.
While John Ronald's Dragons uses a different illustrator, the artwork is no less charming. Both books are based on careful research into their respective subjects. Some of the details are so subtle that you either have to know them off the top of your head, or at least read the notes at the back!
My favorite example just might be on p.17, where a young Tolkien is hovering over Edith as she plays the piano. The piano is labeled "Henry Tolkien" as a nod to the fact that Tolkien's grandfather was a piano maker in Birmingham. There is also a fountain pen hanging out of Tolkien's pocket and a watch around Edith's wrist as a reference to the parting gifts they exchanged before their forced separation (Tolkien's guardian, Fr. Francis, had forbidden them to see each other until Tolkien came of age -- he was afraid seeing Edith would distract him from his attempt to gain a scholarship).
So is this just for kids? Psssh. No way. Longtime Tolkien fans will smile just as much as any wee little hobbits that read this.
December 28, 2022
A quick biography of J.R.R. Tolkien that shows some of the people/things that guided his future writing.
Lovely pictures, that are often homages to actual places in Tolkien's life (read the illustrator's note at the end) and build into his story of The Hobbit at the end. As a super Tolkien enthusiast (I read the books pre Jackson's movie trilogies and will always say the books are better), I found this delightful! A great introduction to an amazing author, and I loved the detailed author/illustrator notes at the end.
No content issues.
September 7, 2017
Wonderful, wonderful illustrations accompany the story of the early to middle life of J.R.R. Tolkien. I loved learning of Tolkien's obsession with dragons all the way through his invention of Smaug. He led a very interesting life (full of loss!) and the additional notes at the end only added to his character. I very much enjoyed this picture book biography!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews