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Kenny & the Dragon #1
Kenny & the Dragon
What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination? Just ask Kenny Rabbit. When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch wind that there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it's up to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known battles in history -- the legendary showdown between St. George and the dragon -- without losing a friend in the fray.
151 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2008
131 people are currently reading
5312 people want to read
About the author
Tony DiTerlizzi
128 books2,207 followers#1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Tony DiTerlizzi, has been creating children’s books for twenty years. From fanciful picture books like The Broken Ornament and The Spider & The Fly (a Caldecott Honor book), to chapter books like Kenny and The Dragon and The Search for WondLa, DiTerlizzi imbues his stories with rich imagination. With Holly Black, he created the middle-grade series, The Spiderwick Chronicles, which has sold over 20 million copies, been adapted into a feature film, and translated in over thirty countries. He teamed up with Lucasfilm to retell the original Star Wars trilogy as a picture book and his collaboration with celebrated author Mo Willems created the bestseller The Story of Diva & Flea. The Norman Rockwell museum’s retrospective, “Never Abandon Imagination”, featured artwork from the beginning of DiTerlizzi’s career as a contributing artist for Dungeons & Dragons and broke attendance records. He has been featured in Time magazine, USA Today, CNN, PBS, NPR the BBC and The Today Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 756 reviews
April 15, 2021
Kenny is a rabbit and just loves learning.
A full stomach allows the brain to be hungry for common sense.
And when there's someone new who settles nearby, he's ecstatic (at first)...but it turns out that the new person is actually a DRAGON.
Oh no.
And the local community decides that the dragon has to go.
...Only the problem is that Kenny became friends with the Dragon.
No one knows, he just wants to save his friend...but with the community rising up against the dragon, will he even have a chance?
So, this book was okay...but I wasn't wowed by it.
It was alright, and I think I would've enjoyed it quite a bit more if I was younger but as it stands, it was just okay.
I wish there was more "dragony" bits involved in the book, but I suppose the main premise is that the Dragon is not like other dragons.
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February 16, 2012
After another night of reading six picture books to my five year old sister, I decided that I should try her on a chapter book. So I set out to find her first chapter book, and on that day I found Kenny & the Dragon. I borrowed it on the spot and we began that night. I am so glad that this book found us, it was the perfect introduction for her to long books.
I knew of Tony Diterlizzi's other works, however I had never read them.
The characters are endearing to the extremes, the story sweet and the illustrations breathtaking.
My little sister was anxious about the idea of reading a book with dragons in it, she was relieved and pleasantly amused when Grahame made his entrance.
While some of the humor of the book were lost on Tia, and the language occasionally baffled her, she loved every part of the book.
It was a quick read, we read it in a week.
I would definitely recommend this book as a read aloud, the words flow wonderfully and each of the characters has a unique voice written for them which certainly helped my sister cope with the number of characters talking per page. The language does create a bit of a barrier, but so long as you stop and explain the essential words, it can only help, right?
To finish, Kenny & The Dragon was an experiment for us, and seeing as today when we went to the library Tia actively partook in the selection of her next chapter book without any pushing from me, proves the experiment a success.
I knew of Tony Diterlizzi's other works, however I had never read them.
The characters are endearing to the extremes, the story sweet and the illustrations breathtaking.
My little sister was anxious about the idea of reading a book with dragons in it, she was relieved and pleasantly amused when Grahame made his entrance.
While some of the humor of the book were lost on Tia, and the language occasionally baffled her, she loved every part of the book.
It was a quick read, we read it in a week.
I would definitely recommend this book as a read aloud, the words flow wonderfully and each of the characters has a unique voice written for them which certainly helped my sister cope with the number of characters talking per page. The language does create a bit of a barrier, but so long as you stop and explain the essential words, it can only help, right?
To finish, Kenny & The Dragon was an experiment for us, and seeing as today when we went to the library Tia actively partook in the selection of her next chapter book without any pushing from me, proves the experiment a success.
January 7, 2016
An adorable book with fun illustrations about a bookish young rabbit who befriends a very large dragon. Great for reading aloud.
Reread 2016: Got a new copy for Christmas, as ours had inexplicably disappeared! Love this book. The illustrations are so beautiful, and the story is a great take on The Reluctant Dragon. The kids loved it, too.
Reread 2016: Got a new copy for Christmas, as ours had inexplicably disappeared! Love this book. The illustrations are so beautiful, and the story is a great take on The Reluctant Dragon. The kids loved it, too.
August 21, 2017
This book was so WHOLESOME and honestly the perfect pick-me-up after a tough few days. My heart is literally so happy you have no idea.
July 11, 2018
I picked up this book mainly because of the sweet cover! I love dragons!
And it only doubled my excitement to see that it was written by Tony DiTerilizzi a co-author of my favorite children series, Spiderwick Chronicles.
Besides being about dragons, I loved that Kenny was a 'stand-up' kinda of rabbit! He had friends of all types including adult friends. He stood up for what was right and saw value in solving his own problems with his own brain power! And his solutions are thought out, fair and had favorable outcomes.
In this new age of electronic devices, it was refreshing to see characters that still read and have old fashioned values of family and friends. Hurray Kenny! Hurray Grahame!
Last but not least --- The drawings in the book are just fabulous!
And it only doubled my excitement to see that it was written by Tony DiTerilizzi a co-author of my favorite children series, Spiderwick Chronicles.
Besides being about dragons, I loved that Kenny was a 'stand-up' kinda of rabbit! He had friends of all types including adult friends. He stood up for what was right and saw value in solving his own problems with his own brain power! And his solutions are thought out, fair and had favorable outcomes.
In this new age of electronic devices, it was refreshing to see characters that still read and have old fashioned values of family and friends. Hurray Kenny! Hurray Grahame!
Last but not least --- The drawings in the book are just fabulous!
September 14, 2020
13 SEP 2020 - Complete cover love! The dragon, Grahame (like the cracker, except with an "e" at the end) is ever-so-handsome. Kenny and his penny-farthing are to die for.
Upon first meeting Grahame, Kenny believes Grahame will kill him. Grahame replies, " ... I am more what you'd call a 'Renaissance fellow.' I like to see the world and savor it, not destroy it." There is a lesson to be learned here.
14 SEP 2020 - Grahame shares his thoughts on Beowulf - "Hmpf! This Beowulf fellow had a severe anger management problem."
And you know what they say: "Come not between a dragon and his wrath."
Upon first meeting Grahame, Kenny believes Grahame will kill him. Grahame replies, " ... I am more what you'd call a 'Renaissance fellow.' I like to see the world and savor it, not destroy it." There is a lesson to be learned here.
14 SEP 2020 - Grahame shares his thoughts on Beowulf - "Hmpf! This Beowulf fellow had a severe anger management problem."
And you know what they say: "Come not between a dragon and his wrath."
January 31, 2018
I read this to my 11 and 5 year old boys. We loved the story and pictures. Cute!
July 27, 2020
Como salto desde las lecturas adaptadas a lecturas sin adaptar, está bien por ser una historia entretenida y corta, aunque para un nivel B1-B2 requiere demasiado el uso del diccionario (casi en cada frase hay alguna palabra que buscar). Ahora bien, sin ese uso del diccionario, la historia también se puede seguir perfectamente, por lo que no es un gran problema si, a ratos, quieres dejarte llevar más por la historia que por la práctica del inglés.
La narración es excelente. El lector, Alan Cumming, interpreta distintas voces para los personajes. En las escenas más dinámicas abusa un poco de la velocidad, para mi gusto como lector extranjero. El natural acento inglés a ritmo natural no ha sido tan fácil para mí como con otros lectores, pero bueno, ahí está el entrenamiento del "listening".
La narración es excelente. El lector, Alan Cumming, interpreta distintas voces para los personajes. En las escenas más dinámicas abusa un poco de la velocidad, para mi gusto como lector extranjero. El natural acento inglés a ritmo natural no ha sido tan fácil para mí como con otros lectores, pero bueno, ahí está el entrenamiento del "listening".
December 4, 2012
There are dozens of books about kids making new friends and looking past outward appearances, but this one takes the cake. A bookish rabbit named Kenny meets a dragon named Grahame and the two become fast friends. Things get complicated when Kenny’s only other friend, George the local bookseller, is hired by the king to slay the dragon.
The short book is packed with great life lessons: finding nonviolent solutions to your problems, respecting your parents, talking out your problems with others, not judging people before you get to know them, etc.
The lovely illustrations and sweet story made this one an absolute delight. I particularly loved Kenny’s parents and their development. It’s been added to my permanent collection of kids’ books.
The short book is packed with great life lessons: finding nonviolent solutions to your problems, respecting your parents, talking out your problems with others, not judging people before you get to know them, etc.
The lovely illustrations and sweet story made this one an absolute delight. I particularly loved Kenny’s parents and their development. It’s been added to my permanent collection of kids’ books.
February 4, 2021
If you are looking for a fun chapter book series to read with your young readers, then look no further! DiTerlizzi's Kenny & the Dragon was a delight for our entire family. We read a chapter a day (sometimes two or three when we were really into it) and my dragon-princess-knight-loving child was obsessed from beginning to end.
The thing I love most about this book is the detailed way DiTerlizzi depicts tough emotions--something kids can struggle with. From the reader's perspective, you could really feel how the characters felt throughout the entire book. You had a front row seat to all of Kenny's experiences, and I feel like that is so important for young readers. We cannot wait to dive into book 2 and see what new adventures await Kenny!
The thing I love most about this book is the detailed way DiTerlizzi depicts tough emotions--something kids can struggle with. From the reader's perspective, you could really feel how the characters felt throughout the entire book. You had a front row seat to all of Kenny's experiences, and I feel like that is so important for young readers. We cannot wait to dive into book 2 and see what new adventures await Kenny!
January 28, 2025
I read this for Bookwyrms Book Club, my newly-minted fantasy book club for kids at the library. It’s based on “The Reluctant Dragon”, a short story by Kenneth Grahame (which, admittedly, I’ve never read). It was super sweet — basically “Ferdinand” made mythical, about a cultured & sensitive dragon who would rather read, paint watercolors, play the piano, eat creme brûlée, and put on plays than fight.
The kids all loved it! I asked them to put up one hand if they liked it, two if they loved it, and none if they wished they’d never read it. They all put up two hands…except for one girl who put up both hands and one of her feet. 😅 I’d say that’s a success!
The kids all loved it! I asked them to put up one hand if they liked it, two if they loved it, and none if they wished they’d never read it. They all put up two hands…except for one girl who put up both hands and one of her feet. 😅 I’d say that’s a success!
July 7, 2017
Um livro que conseguiu despertar o interesse pela leitura no meu irmão. Muito bom para crianças que se encontrem no 1.º ciclo :)
November 3, 2021
Such a cute book.
I read this with my 9yo and we appreciated the illustrations.
Good storyline with a good lesson behind it.
I read this with my 9yo and we appreciated the illustrations.
Good storyline with a good lesson behind it.
May 20, 2025
I want all the artwork on my walls please! How can anything be better than bunnies and dragons?! So happy to see there is another book ❤️
December 27, 2021
"I think he's a better illustrator than author, but the story was still entertaining and the drawings were, of course, excellent."
April 9, 2024
I read this because a student asked me to and I couldn’t say no. This was a rough one to read but since it was their favorite, I had to give it a try!
March 22, 2018
yet another inspiring book from the kid's school!
kid's takeaway :
1. Read books
2. discuss books with friends
3. Question the facts
4. Apply knowledge from book
5. if nothing works use your own brain
kid's takeaway :
1. Read books
2. discuss books with friends
3. Question the facts
4. Apply knowledge from book
5. if nothing works use your own brain
March 19, 2024
Easy to read, simple plot that speaks to friendship and the joy found in books
February 26, 2018
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Each school year, our school district picks one book and gifts a copy to each district family for a community read-along. It's my favorite program! Sometimes the books are duds, but they generally do a pretty good job with their selection. This year's read was Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi of Spiderwick Chronicles fame.
It's a winner!
Kenny would rather read and hang out with his friend George, the librarian. The other kids don't really get Kenny, Kenny doesn't really get them, and so it goes...until a dragon moves into the pasture where Kenny's dad keeps the family sheep.
When Kenny investigates, he finds this dragon is more interested in Creme Brulee than roasted sheep, and he'd rather read a book and put on a play than horde gold and terrorize maidens fair. His name is Grahame (like the cracker, but with an 'e'), and suddenly Kenny discovers he's found a kindred spirit and another best friend!
Unfortunately, the town's people aren't nearly as accepting of a dragon living near by. Even worse, Kenny's friend, George the librarian--who was a dragon-killing knight in his younger years--is called upon by the king to rid their town of the vile beast!
Can Kenny keep his two best friends from meeting in a battle to the death? Can he find a way to show everyone that kindness and acceptance is better than assumptions and misunderstandings?
Of course he can!
The kids loved it, it was easy to read aloud, and even I was looking forward to the big showdown at the end.
This is a great read aloud, but is also accessible to the grade-school set who are comfortable with chapter books.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
Each school year, our school district picks one book and gifts a copy to each district family for a community read-along. It's my favorite program! Sometimes the books are duds, but they generally do a pretty good job with their selection. This year's read was Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi of Spiderwick Chronicles fame.
It's a winner!
Kenny would rather read and hang out with his friend George, the librarian. The other kids don't really get Kenny, Kenny doesn't really get them, and so it goes...until a dragon moves into the pasture where Kenny's dad keeps the family sheep.
When Kenny investigates, he finds this dragon is more interested in Creme Brulee than roasted sheep, and he'd rather read a book and put on a play than horde gold and terrorize maidens fair. His name is Grahame (like the cracker, but with an 'e'), and suddenly Kenny discovers he's found a kindred spirit and another best friend!
Unfortunately, the town's people aren't nearly as accepting of a dragon living near by. Even worse, Kenny's friend, George the librarian--who was a dragon-killing knight in his younger years--is called upon by the king to rid their town of the vile beast!
Can Kenny keep his two best friends from meeting in a battle to the death? Can he find a way to show everyone that kindness and acceptance is better than assumptions and misunderstandings?
Of course he can!
The kids loved it, it was easy to read aloud, and even I was looking forward to the big showdown at the end.
This is a great read aloud, but is also accessible to the grade-school set who are comfortable with chapter books.
Happy Reading!
February 1, 2013
I saw "Kenny & thee Dragon" at my local library and picked it up solely based on the fact that it was by Tony DiTerlizzi. I have been a fan of his artwork since my days of Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. His illustrations have an unmistakably recognizable style, and even things that are supposed to be disturbing have a warmth and familiarity to them when he puts them on paper. So of course I had to see what kind of story he could attach to that.
As the title states, it's a boy meets mythical creature story, and has all the trappings that go with it. Ignorant adults, averted tragedy with the cunning use of the imagination, learning things from each other, correcting wrong impressions. Morality and do-good-edness from cover to cover.
He met my expectations. It is a children's story, yes. It comes complete with all that entails, such as an overly optimistic plot, but it's okay. It's a children's book. It is light, and fun, and easy to read. The artwork is gorgeous and sets off the writing nicely. The illustrations do not distract or overpower, complementing the narrative instead.
I really thought the dialogue was clever, and really defined the characters. You could imagine the dragon having a cultured received pronunciation, and the parents a heavy cockney. The kid could have any accent, he's the kid after all. Reading this book was like playing a Pixar or Dreamworks film in my head.
If you have kids, or are just a kid at heart grab this quick read. It's everything a family-friendly story should be in an incredibly attractive package. Go ahead and judge this one by the cover.
As the title states, it's a boy meets mythical creature story, and has all the trappings that go with it. Ignorant adults, averted tragedy with the cunning use of the imagination, learning things from each other, correcting wrong impressions. Morality and do-good-edness from cover to cover.
He met my expectations. It is a children's story, yes. It comes complete with all that entails, such as an overly optimistic plot, but it's okay. It's a children's book. It is light, and fun, and easy to read. The artwork is gorgeous and sets off the writing nicely. The illustrations do not distract or overpower, complementing the narrative instead.
I really thought the dialogue was clever, and really defined the characters. You could imagine the dragon having a cultured received pronunciation, and the parents a heavy cockney. The kid could have any accent, he's the kid after all. Reading this book was like playing a Pixar or Dreamworks film in my head.
If you have kids, or are just a kid at heart grab this quick read. It's everything a family-friendly story should be in an incredibly attractive package. Go ahead and judge this one by the cover.
February 14, 2020
You know those books that you really want to love, and you do like some little parts of them, but overall you just can't say you liked it? This was one of those books for me.
I liked the dragon, Grahame. He has amusing potential, and ought to have his own book.
The illustrations are lovely, charming and whimsical. It would have been great if the book included more drawings, because really, I enjoyed them more than the story.
What is the target reader age group? Young children (I'm thinking six/seven years old) would probably be thrilled with this. Friendship problems, a world of talking animals, a misunderstanding with potentially grave consequences, a kid having to save the day. And young kids would probably accept the solution to the problem with excitement and amusement. However, the language would likely be a big stumbling block for most kids of that age. I can just imagine one of my young siblings trying to read this to themselves and having to stop in every paragraph to ask what something means, or if we tried it as a read-aloud, they would interrupt and ask or just get confused and quickly turn their attention to other things. Yet I feel like if the reader was much older, they may be turned off by the inconsistencies in the way the townspeople talk about the dragon and their actions (or lack thereof), Kenny's family relationships, and the "children's book logic" solutions.
I liked the dragon, Grahame. He has amusing potential, and ought to have his own book.
The illustrations are lovely, charming and whimsical. It would have been great if the book included more drawings, because really, I enjoyed them more than the story.
What is the target reader age group? Young children (I'm thinking six/seven years old) would probably be thrilled with this. Friendship problems, a world of talking animals, a misunderstanding with potentially grave consequences, a kid having to save the day. And young kids would probably accept the solution to the problem with excitement and amusement. However, the language would likely be a big stumbling block for most kids of that age. I can just imagine one of my young siblings trying to read this to themselves and having to stop in every paragraph to ask what something means, or if we tried it as a read-aloud, they would interrupt and ask or just get confused and quickly turn their attention to other things. Yet I feel like if the reader was much older, they may be turned off by the inconsistencies in the way the townspeople talk about the dragon and their actions (or lack thereof), Kenny's family relationships, and the "children's book logic" solutions.
January 2, 2022
Humorous and charming, Kenny and the Dragon has joined my list of favorite lower middle grade reads. It is bright and sweet. It has a beautiful feel to it that I miss in most middle grade books that I read.
There is a tiny bit of suspense, but nothing over the top or inappropriate for young children. I read this to my five year old and she absolutely adored it. Tony’s illustrations are fantastic, as always, and really add to the atmosphere and charm of the book.
I am really impressed with Tony’s work. He makes up half of the brains that brought us The Spiderwick Chronicles, and now he has delighted us yet again with another book entirely written and illustrated by himself. I’m a big fan.
There is a tiny bit of suspense, but nothing over the top or inappropriate for young children. I read this to my five year old and she absolutely adored it. Tony’s illustrations are fantastic, as always, and really add to the atmosphere and charm of the book.
I am really impressed with Tony’s work. He makes up half of the brains that brought us The Spiderwick Chronicles, and now he has delighted us yet again with another book entirely written and illustrated by himself. I’m a big fan.
August 22, 2008
When young Kenny Rabbit finds a dragon hanging out on the hill behind his house, he's afraid at first. But once he gets to know Grahame, he realizes that he's found a kindred spirit and a best friend. When townspeople discover the dragon and insist on destroying it, Kenny has to figure out a way to save his new friend without hurting any of the townspeople. Gorgeous illustrations improve an uneven story. I liked the writing for the most part, but Kenny's voice and the tone of the book seemed to be a strange mixture of old-fashioned classic (a la The Wind in the Willows) and more modern lingo.
June 17, 2020
Every once in a while you stumble upon a book that is yours. Yours in the sense that it occupies a teeny tiny piece of your soul and you have absolutely no chance of dislodging it.
It may be a children's book, it may be one of the shortest pieces on your bookshelf, it may just be a little bit silly, a little bit giggly, and yet you have to reread it every few months because this book is yours and it makes you happy in a way that dissecting Shakespeare doesn't quite reach.
Grahame and Kenny have stolen my heart over and over, and somehow I'm quite content to leave it in their possession.
It may be a children's book, it may be one of the shortest pieces on your bookshelf, it may just be a little bit silly, a little bit giggly, and yet you have to reread it every few months because this book is yours and it makes you happy in a way that dissecting Shakespeare doesn't quite reach.
Grahame and Kenny have stolen my heart over and over, and somehow I'm quite content to leave it in their possession.
November 19, 2013
I adore this book because of the characters, Kenny a quiet young rabbit meets Grahme a peaceful dragon looking for peace.When people start learning about Grahme a chaotic twist starts. The author leads you on a journey that you realize Kenny has a plan! The story shows much more than just a cover and words, it shows an unknown adventure!
wish-list
March 23, 2014Look at that penny-farthing on the cover.
November 21, 2018
Drak, který rád čte, jeho oblíbeným pokrmem je soufflé a který se kamarádí s králíkem? Jo, všechno je možné. A je to moc krásné.
October 23, 2023
I bought this book for one of my grandchildren and decided to read it before giving it to her. The underlying theme is: not to judge by appearances or hearsay.
When Kenny's Dad rushes home to say the family has to flee because a dragon has come onto their land Kenny, after using some household items as makeshift armor, goes to find out just what the dragon is like. When he meets Grahame, the dragon, he is surprised that Grahame is far from fearsome and, in fact, enjoys books as much as Kenny.
In no time the town finds out there is a dragon in their midst and want him dispatched immediately.
Kenny is now wondering how to change their minds, especially since one of his friends is asked by the king to exterminate the dragon.
Not only is this a great story but it also contains some superb vocabulary. As I was reading, I came across the words libation, kerfuffle, and debunking (to name a few). I am always pleased to find an author who lets the tale flow smoothly even while using more challenging words.
When Kenny's Dad rushes home to say the family has to flee because a dragon has come onto their land Kenny, after using some household items as makeshift armor, goes to find out just what the dragon is like. When he meets Grahame, the dragon, he is surprised that Grahame is far from fearsome and, in fact, enjoys books as much as Kenny.
In no time the town finds out there is a dragon in their midst and want him dispatched immediately.
Kenny is now wondering how to change their minds, especially since one of his friends is asked by the king to exterminate the dragon.
Not only is this a great story but it also contains some superb vocabulary. As I was reading, I came across the words libation, kerfuffle, and debunking (to name a few). I am always pleased to find an author who lets the tale flow smoothly even while using more challenging words.
January 29, 2021
Kenny loves reading and exploring. One day, he finds a dragon on his family's property. The people of Roundbook thing the dragon is a threat but he really just enjoys books, music, and creme brulee. Kenny must work to help the villagers see that Grahame isn't a threat.
This was really cute. As an adult I could see the small twist coming, but for kids it would be a little unexpected.
This was really cute. As an adult I could see the small twist coming, but for kids it would be a little unexpected.
June 26, 2018
This was another short book with lots of pictures that we tried for Ozzy at bedtime. I think this one was very successful as Ozzy was very engaged and had lots of questions. Questions about both the plot elements and characters but also about the lessons the author was trying to teach.
It was a delightful read, that could have had a touch more female representation.
It was a delightful read, that could have had a touch more female representation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 756 reviews