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When Lucy suspects there's a 'monster' in her bedroom, her mum knows exactly what to do. Liz makes a guard dragon, Gruffen, to look after her....
102 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 24, 2017
First in The Dragons of Wayward Crescent series for seven-to-nine-year-old middle-grade readers (and up!) and revolving around the mother and daughter Pennykettles who live in Scrubbley, England.
My Take
I am OCD about reading things in order, and you don’t have to start with The Dragons of Wayward Crescent series before reading The Last Dragon Chronicles, but I’d recommend it.
That said, this is so sweet, and so perfect for the kids. D’Lacey has fun with the fantasy of the dragons AND with exploring how bats fly using their echoes and how very useful they are. It could be a good opportunity to nail up a bat house and educate the kid-niks. And keep the skeeters down!
My favorite part was Gruffen learning about the family, flying, and when he shouldn’t do something, lol. There was something so realistic (yes, even with dragons *she said, laughing*) about learning new things, getting along with others, following the rules, AND in Lucy's frustrations with her mother's seeming to not care.
I’ve got Gauge coming up next and can’t wait to find out how he saves the day.
The Story
When Lucy Pennykettle is convinced a monster is lurking in her room at night, there is only one solution. Lucy's mother, Liz, mixes a bit of magic and a little clay to create Gruffen, a miniature dragon who comes to life.
While guarding Lucy's room, Gruffen discovers the truth about the monster as well as her plight. In becoming friends, Gruffen and Hattie work together to out-smart Henry Bacon and find Hattie a new home for her batlings.
The Characters
The imaginative Lucy Pennykettle is nine years old. Elizabeth Pennykettle is a potter who specializes in clay dragons, whom she creates in the Dragons’ Den.
The dragons
There are two types: the ones Elizabeth sells and the special ones she keeps. The special ones include snuffler dragons which clean when no one is looking (I need a couple of these), a listening dragon, and Gawain and Guinevere who have their own special roles.
Gruffen is the special guard dragon who learns about protecting Lucy.
Hattie is a pregnant bat who desperately needs a safe home. Mr. Greening is the expert who knows all about bats.
The grouchy Henry Bacon is their next-door neighbor.
The Cover and Title
The cover is cute with its deep royal background textured with purple sponging. The series information (at the top) and the author’s name (at the bottom) are in an orange metallic gothic font while the title is in a banner outlined like the oval frame for the centered graphic in the same metallic orange. The title itself is the deep purple of the background against a cream background. What really catches the eye is the irregular oranges background of that oval with a self-satisfied green dragon, his scales sparkling with iridescent glitter, sitting atop a brown hardcover book, smoke curling out of one nostril.
The title is who it’s all about, for Gruffen comes to live at Wayward Crescent.
My Take
I am OCD about reading things in order, and you don’t have to start with The Dragons of Wayward Crescent series before reading The Last Dragon Chronicles, but I’d recommend it.
That said, this is so sweet, and so perfect for the kids. D’Lacey has fun with the fantasy of the dragons AND with exploring how bats fly using their echoes and how very useful they are. It could be a good opportunity to nail up a bat house and educate the kid-niks. And keep the skeeters down!
My favorite part was Gruffen learning about the family, flying, and when he shouldn’t do something, lol. There was something so realistic (yes, even with dragons *she said, laughing*) about learning new things, getting along with others, following the rules, AND in Lucy's frustrations with her mother's seeming to not care.
I’ve got Gauge coming up next and can’t wait to find out how he saves the day.
The Story
When Lucy Pennykettle is convinced a monster is lurking in her room at night, there is only one solution. Lucy's mother, Liz, mixes a bit of magic and a little clay to create Gruffen, a miniature dragon who comes to life.
While guarding Lucy's room, Gruffen discovers the truth about the monster as well as her plight. In becoming friends, Gruffen and Hattie work together to out-smart Henry Bacon and find Hattie a new home for her batlings.
The Characters
The imaginative Lucy Pennykettle is nine years old. Elizabeth Pennykettle is a potter who specializes in clay dragons, whom she creates in the Dragons’ Den.
The dragons
There are two types: the ones Elizabeth sells and the special ones she keeps. The special ones include snuffler dragons which clean when no one is looking (I need a couple of these), a listening dragon, and Gawain and Guinevere who have their own special roles.
Gruffen is the special guard dragon who learns about protecting Lucy.
Hattie is a pregnant bat who desperately needs a safe home. Mr. Greening is the expert who knows all about bats.
The grouchy Henry Bacon is their next-door neighbor.
The Cover and Title
The cover is cute with its deep royal background textured with purple sponging. The series information (at the top) and the author’s name (at the bottom) are in an orange metallic gothic font while the title is in a banner outlined like the oval frame for the centered graphic in the same metallic orange. The title itself is the deep purple of the background against a cream background. What really catches the eye is the irregular oranges background of that oval with a self-satisfied green dragon, his scales sparkling with iridescent glitter, sitting atop a brown hardcover book, smoke curling out of one nostril.
The title is who it’s all about, for Gruffen comes to live at Wayward Crescent.
December 27, 2018
Good God! I want a special dragon too!
Lovely story, with some magic!
Lovely story, with some magic!
April 15, 2020
Just finished this with my son. He is loving the series, and always asking for one more chapter.
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Full review to follow
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I have had a number of Chris D'Lacey's books on my shelf for a while now. It really is my loss that I have not read them sooner. On a positive note there are numerous books by him for me yet to read. The greatest thing about the books in the Dragons of Wayward Crescent series is how much my children love them and how much I enjoy them. They are great reads for the whole family. I usually read with each of my children at bed time, often just a chapter or two, but with these books we keep reading 'just 1 more chapter' we have also pulled them out after a meal and just sat at the table reading. My youngest two love these books and I love reading them with them so all around it is a win.
We have read these books out of order. But that has not impacted the reading. We read this one book 1 second. They do tell a single continuous story but are written well enough that you can read them out of order without impact. But based on how popular they are in our house I have a feeling we will be rereading them soon and this time we will read them in order.
This is the first book in this series, and this series is a prequel to The Last Dragon Chronicles series. There are currently 4 books in this series but I have heard that 12 were planned. We can only hope the others come to bear as Chris has time. In this book we meet Gruffen, or we witness to some extent the magic of a special dragon coming into being. We meet Lucy and Liz Pennykettle, a mother and daughter that know that Dragons are real, and somehow Lucy can create dragons on her potter's wheel and they can be brought to life. We meet some of the other dragons in the house including the listening dragon who sits upon the fridge. And also, Guinevere who helps to bring them to life.
This story is about a new dragon and also overcoming fears. Liz is afraid of a monster, a monster that keeps appearing outside her window. So Lucy decided to make a guard dragon for her. This we are introduced to Gruffen. Gruffen has a great adventure for a very young dragon. It is a wonderful little book and a great introduction to the world of dragons as created by Chris.
These books are well enough written to keep both adults and children engaged. They are really fun reads. Great books that I highly recommend!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and other reviews of books by Chris d'Lacey.
...
Full review to follow
...
I have had a number of Chris D'Lacey's books on my shelf for a while now. It really is my loss that I have not read them sooner. On a positive note there are numerous books by him for me yet to read. The greatest thing about the books in the Dragons of Wayward Crescent series is how much my children love them and how much I enjoy them. They are great reads for the whole family. I usually read with each of my children at bed time, often just a chapter or two, but with these books we keep reading 'just 1 more chapter' we have also pulled them out after a meal and just sat at the table reading. My youngest two love these books and I love reading them with them so all around it is a win.
We have read these books out of order. But that has not impacted the reading. We read this one book 1 second. They do tell a single continuous story but are written well enough that you can read them out of order without impact. But based on how popular they are in our house I have a feeling we will be rereading them soon and this time we will read them in order.
This is the first book in this series, and this series is a prequel to The Last Dragon Chronicles series. There are currently 4 books in this series but I have heard that 12 were planned. We can only hope the others come to bear as Chris has time. In this book we meet Gruffen, or we witness to some extent the magic of a special dragon coming into being. We meet Lucy and Liz Pennykettle, a mother and daughter that know that Dragons are real, and somehow Lucy can create dragons on her potter's wheel and they can be brought to life. We meet some of the other dragons in the house including the listening dragon who sits upon the fridge. And also, Guinevere who helps to bring them to life.
This story is about a new dragon and also overcoming fears. Liz is afraid of a monster, a monster that keeps appearing outside her window. So Lucy decided to make a guard dragon for her. This we are introduced to Gruffen. Gruffen has a great adventure for a very young dragon. It is a wonderful little book and a great introduction to the world of dragons as created by Chris.
These books are well enough written to keep both adults and children engaged. They are really fun reads. Great books that I highly recommend!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and other reviews of books by Chris d'Lacey.
April 26, 2025
This is what I wanted. Cute fun little story.
April 26, 2025
Young Lucy can't sleep because of a monster she keeps catching glimpses of in her bedroom. Her mother knows just what to do and sculpts a special dragon to protect. It turns out that the monster might need protection too.
So, let's say you've read the Fire Within. You're thinking "Wow, what a sweet story with a little girl and some cute magical clay dragons and the adventures of some local wildlife. I want more like this!" So you pick up the second of the Last Dragon Chronicles. You'll mostly likely be disappointed. Instead, I highly recommend the Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. It is a prequel series, as Lucy is younger than in Fire Within, and the tone is suited to emerging readers. But it's truly everything I was hoping for after reading the Fire Within.
So, let's say you've read the Fire Within. You're thinking "Wow, what a sweet story with a little girl and some cute magical clay dragons and the adventures of some local wildlife. I want more like this!" So you pick up the second of the Last Dragon Chronicles. You'll mostly likely be disappointed. Instead, I highly recommend the Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. It is a prequel series, as Lucy is younger than in Fire Within, and the tone is suited to emerging readers. But it's truly everything I was hoping for after reading the Fire Within.
May 5, 2025
This was a cute and fun dragon book and I will read the rest of the series for sure! I grabbed the older chapter book version of the series to try also 😉
June 4, 2010
For those of you acquainted with Chris D'Lacey's Last Dragon Chronicles (The Fire Within, Icefire, Fire Star, The Fire Eternal, Dark Fire), Gruffen will be an absolute delight. Herein, we have Gruffen's story. You remember him--the guard dragon? Prior to David's introduction to the Pennykettle household, we discover why Liz created Gruffen and why he has his quirks.
What I thought: A quick read that will introduce younger readers to the Pennykettles and their dragons. The illustrations add charm to the story. A treat for fans of D'Lacey's other series as well.
What I thought: A quick read that will introduce younger readers to the Pennykettles and their dragons. The illustrations add charm to the story. A treat for fans of D'Lacey's other series as well.
October 4, 2011
A wonderful tale as a short story, a real gem. Don't miss Chris d'Lacey's other fine dragon books and the sequel to this one 'Gauge'.
February 12, 2020
The Dragons of Wayward Crescent Series by Chris d'Lacey is a set of books for the juvenile market. The main protaganists are Elizabeth Pennykettle, who sculpts dragons out of clay, and her daughter Lucy. Some of the dragons that Liz sculpts, she calls her "special" dragons...dragons that she brings to life with a magic snowball, each of which has a specific trait.
The stories are well written, and I wish I could recommend these books, however they have a major drawback. The character of Lucy is obnoxious, annoying, demanding and undisciplined, constantly doing just as she pleases without regard to manners, or respect for personal boundaries of others. No matter the situation, Lucy always barges head on, demanding everyone accede to her demands and she usually gets her own way. Not a good example to show to kids of an impressionable age.
The stories are well written, and I wish I could recommend these books, however they have a major drawback. The character of Lucy is obnoxious, annoying, demanding and undisciplined, constantly doing just as she pleases without regard to manners, or respect for personal boundaries of others. No matter the situation, Lucy always barges head on, demanding everyone accede to her demands and she usually gets her own way. Not a good example to show to kids of an impressionable age.
June 30, 2020
This is for younger children, about a hundred pages, very large font, wide spacing. It was an adorable story. I highly recommend for small children. When you have interesting characters, whether its dragons, Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, or Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon--my favorite aspect is watching these interesting characters live their day to day lives. It makes you feel like you know them more personally, understand them more intimately, and the contrast of odd creatures doing normal things is cute. If you agree, you'll like his Dragons of Wayward Crescent series. His writing capabilities are much better suited to this level of story telling.
January 22, 2025
Namanya buku untuk anak-anak. Tentunya dibuat dengan imajinasi yang tinggi sebagai pemicu rasa ingin tahu dan kreativitas anak.
Lucy Pennykettle merasa ada monster dalam kamarnya. Sudah beberapa malam ia tak bisa tidur karena takut.
Ibunya, memutuskan untuk membuat naga sebagai penjaga. Paham kan kenapa saya bilang khayalan tingkat tinggi😅.
Ternyata urusannya tidak hanya terkait dengan monster yanf dianggap mengganggu Lucy. Ada persahabatan indah dalam buku ini.
Buku dengan kover biru yanf menarik mata saya untuk mengamankan dalam rak.
Lucy Pennykettle merasa ada monster dalam kamarnya. Sudah beberapa malam ia tak bisa tidur karena takut.
Ibunya, memutuskan untuk membuat naga sebagai penjaga. Paham kan kenapa saya bilang khayalan tingkat tinggi😅.
Ternyata urusannya tidak hanya terkait dengan monster yanf dianggap mengganggu Lucy. Ada persahabatan indah dalam buku ini.
Buku dengan kover biru yanf menarik mata saya untuk mengamankan dalam rak.
October 9, 2017
Cute. Short. Lower grade.
January 26, 2018
Started reading some first chapter books to the kindergartner. She was interested in this one cause her siblings have been reading the Wings of Fire series, so she wanted a "dragon book" too.
January 28, 2018
Great book for a read aloud family!
February 20, 2019
i know it’s meant for kids, but how adorable! it feels so surreal to hear the home described without david.
September 17, 2019
my mom read this to my little sister and I listened in on it too, cause who doesn't love having mom read to them?
May 11, 2020
This was cute.
January 23, 2022
Cute book.
February 11, 2022
This book was fine but my kids didn’t ask to read it and I probably won’t check out the rest of the series.
March 2, 2023
My daughter and I loved this book! It was a very cute book and a different take on dragons. We really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the rest in the series. I highly recommend it!
February 21, 2024
Really enjoyed the book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
March 28, 2024
An utter delight. The Pennykettle dragons hold a very special place in my heart.
April 1, 2025
First of all, I don't agree with the sentence, "The Dragons of Wayward Crescent aren't cute, they're charming." they are SO cute!!
Second of all, I DO agree that Gruffen and Hattie should marry.
Second of all, I DO agree that Gruffen and Hattie should marry.
May 4, 2025
I was so nice to learn about Gruffen and his first moments. Really gonna have me thinking more of him next time I see him in one of the other books.
July 7, 2025
Just needed a quick reread before I get Gruffen tattooed this weekend <3
March 22, 2017
C. children's, fiction, fantasy, grade 2, series, (Dragons of Wayward Crescent, #1). Seemed as if there should have been a book preceding this first in a series; confusing.
August 14, 2019
The fiction book was unquestionably amazing.
December 30, 2011
** For the full review please check out www.read2review.com **
Each story in this series is exceptionally written, full of magic and adventure. It is clear how much care and love the author has put into these books. Each book is titled after the dragon featured in the book. Therefore we learn more about the magic of the dragons as each dragon name begins with a G. The other thing I love is that the books themselves if you keep them together spell the dragon’s magic word on their spine… HRRR!
Gruffen
Gruffen is a guard dragon with a difference. With Lucy being afraid of a monster Gruffen takes charge and saves her from the monster. It’s a really cute book and one that will want you to keep reading the series. I love the illustrations in this book they really add character.
Gauge
This time the dragon in this story follows the special dragon that can tell time and measure things. Lucy and the dragon help to save the town clock and make it into a landmark. I have to say the part of the book when they are in the clock tower really made me giggle.
Glade
This time the story focuses on a dragon named Glade that saves a family in a special way. It makes it a very special book for anyone that has an elderly relative who is unwell. I was quite touched by this book.
Grabber
Grabber is about a dragon who gets stolen from the Dragon’s Den. Lucy is worried that the dragon will turn into a thief so she wants to get him back. However the dragon knows why he is with the robber and he fulfils his duty to his new owner.
This series can link to ‘The Last Dragon Chronicles’ also by Chris D’Lacey. If you wanted to read the series after these books then it would flow well and these books offer enough without taking anything away from the ‘Last Dragon Chronicles’.
I would give The Dragons of Wayward Crescent 5/5
** Read More At : http://read2review.com/our-reviews/c/...
Each story in this series is exceptionally written, full of magic and adventure. It is clear how much care and love the author has put into these books. Each book is titled after the dragon featured in the book. Therefore we learn more about the magic of the dragons as each dragon name begins with a G. The other thing I love is that the books themselves if you keep them together spell the dragon’s magic word on their spine… HRRR!
Gruffen
Gruffen is a guard dragon with a difference. With Lucy being afraid of a monster Gruffen takes charge and saves her from the monster. It’s a really cute book and one that will want you to keep reading the series. I love the illustrations in this book they really add character.
Gauge
This time the dragon in this story follows the special dragon that can tell time and measure things. Lucy and the dragon help to save the town clock and make it into a landmark. I have to say the part of the book when they are in the clock tower really made me giggle.
Glade
This time the story focuses on a dragon named Glade that saves a family in a special way. It makes it a very special book for anyone that has an elderly relative who is unwell. I was quite touched by this book.
Grabber
Grabber is about a dragon who gets stolen from the Dragon’s Den. Lucy is worried that the dragon will turn into a thief so she wants to get him back. However the dragon knows why he is with the robber and he fulfils his duty to his new owner.
This series can link to ‘The Last Dragon Chronicles’ also by Chris D’Lacey. If you wanted to read the series after these books then it would flow well and these books offer enough without taking anything away from the ‘Last Dragon Chronicles’.
I would give The Dragons of Wayward Crescent 5/5
** Read More At : http://read2review.com/our-reviews/c/...
November 30, 2016
Well, this was a nice little story, but I can’t say that I’m too sad that it is the last one in the series. I was unsure for a while as to whether Lucy’s monster would actually turn out to be real; after all there are dragons and unicorns in this series!
It was interesting to see how Gruffen came into being anyway and that he got his name because it was the first ‘word’ he said. What I found interesting about this book (and Grabber) was that d’Lacey really emphasised the way in which the dragons are just like babies when they are created. They know nothing, but they can learn very quickly, especially as they can share knowledge with the other dragons through their aumas.
I’m sure that Henry Bacon’s character was not that crazy in the main series, it certainly made him very annoying.
This was an interesting little story, if you ignore the fact that I am way out of the intended audience for it.
It was interesting to see how Gruffen came into being anyway and that he got his name because it was the first ‘word’ he said. What I found interesting about this book (and Grabber) was that d’Lacey really emphasised the way in which the dragons are just like babies when they are created. They know nothing, but they can learn very quickly, especially as they can share knowledge with the other dragons through their aumas.
I’m sure that Henry Bacon’s character was not that crazy in the main series, it certainly made him very annoying.
This was an interesting little story, if you ignore the fact that I am way out of the intended audience for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews