The Boy Who Lived with Dragons

The Boy Who Grew Dragons #2

by Andy Shepherd

The second book in a wonderfully funny and sparky THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize'Irresistible ... a modern classic' GUARDIAN on The Boy Who Grew Dragons'A warm-hearted debut ... lovely, expressive, characterful' SUNDAY TIMES on The Boy Who Grew DragonsTomas has a secret - a big secret. He has his own tiny dragon, Flicker! A dragon which grew on a very special tree at the bottom of his grandad's garden. And not only that - his friends Ted, Kai and Kat have dragons too, all grown on the same dragonfruit tree ...Having your own dragon is magical - but Tomas is also about to find out what living with a dragon is REALLY like. When the fire-breathing kicks in and you get singed every five seconds, it's like having an unpredictable volcano in your pocket. Learning to train the dragons and keep them out of trouble at school and home will take all Tomas's creativity and patience ... What is more, the dragonfruit tree is starting to look droopy and unwell. Tomas and his friends have got to do all they can restore it to health and uncover its deepest mysteries, as well as trying to work out what big secret local bully Liam, 'King of Trouble', has got up his sleeve ... One thing is for sure, life is never dull when you have a dragon in your pocket.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, School, Humor

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2018

About the author

Andy Shepherd is a children's writer working on middle-grade fiction and picture books. She lives near Cambridge with her husband, two sons and their border collie. She spends her spare time trying to figure out how to move this beautiful city closer to the sea.

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But strangely the fizzling flowers were not what had my attentions. Because flapping out of the flames was a dragon. And it wasn't Flicker."

The dragons (and their humans) are back again in this hilarious, fiery, adventurous story. I was so delighted that this series is continuing (and even more excited now I saw at the end that we will also be getting a third book, coming in January).

The dragons are growing up, and we are seeing them with new skills (like cooking strange combinations). I did feel sorry for Tomas that he was a bit unsure about Flicker. Come on boy, the little guy can change colours, then there is something else, and then there are the dreams (I am at least guessing those are from Flicker). Yes, Flicker is small, but bigger isn't always better. Sometimes smaller is just the best size. Flicker does fit you very well, you are like a match made in heaven. Just like the other dragons perfectly fit with your friends. I just wish Tomas could feel a bit better about things, not just his dragons, but also about other things. For instance his plans.

Of course, a new dragon appears (do you remember what happened in the previous book, yep, that one is back, including its bullying owner) and trouble arises. I did think it was a bit mean how our MC and his friends went after that dragon. Yes, Liam is treating the dragon wrongly. Yes, he is a prick, but does that qualify you to just try and steal his dragon? No. Again, I understand why they did it, but I am sure there are better ways to go at it.

Liam's plans, and what was going on with all the huge mess? Well, I had a suspicion very quickly, and after seeing certain scenes my suspicion turned to certainty. I was waiting, quite eagerly even, to see how long it would take Tomas and his friends to also figure it out. And then there was the big confrontation and I was just gasping, because, yes I did see it coming, but it was still a shock that he would be that evil.

The tree, you know the dragon fruit tree, is also not doing so well. Poor thing. I did love that Tomas tried everything he could to help out the tree. I did think it was quite magical he didn't notice THAT though, given how thorough he was while watering. :P

This one also deals with some other trouble than the dragons. Namely grandpa problems. Tomas has been keeping tons of secrets from his grandfather, and it is breaking up their relationship. Grandpa has a suspicion that Tomas (and his friends) are up to something, and that it has to do with the tree in his garden, but Tomas isn't telling anything. And on top of that he is also being so busy that he doesn't have a lot of time to be with his grandpa. I was quite sad throughout the book as things did turn quite sad, but thankfully the ending made everything all the better. Though I guess a new problem arises now, tough decisions have to be made.

I also had so much laughs when Lolli popped up in the story. Making a mess in the living room (because she wants an egg, the egg thing is also once again illustrated on the last page which made me smile), glaring at Liam when he is being rude.

I really enjoyed this book, and I guess the next one will be about the summer, and the tough decisions that need to be made. I wonder how the author will write it all.

And I can't forget the wonderful illustrations by the fabulous Sara Ogilvie!

I just flew through this book, it is just too much fun. Dragons, hidden dragon dens, food, giant vegetables, friendship, grandparents, hilarious situations (Crystal please don't try to hatch eggs that aren't yours), and more! I would highly recommend it to everyone.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Tonkica · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Kako desetogodišnji dječak Tomas, glavni lik romana, na samom uvodu kaže: „Mi uzgajamo zmajeve. Samo da znate, njih je mnogo, mnogo teže uzgojiti nego krastavce!“, neće ova pustolovina biti med i mlijeko... A ne, ne! Bit će to jako zabavna, napeta, simpatična, duhovita, vrckava priča koja će se dotaknuti, osim genijalnih zmajeva, i odnosa među prijateljima, odnosa u obitelji i društvu. Priče su ovo kakve bi sve ovakve vrste priča trebale biti!

Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c...

[Layla Conceicao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I'm so excited to read the next one.

[Anschen Conradie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#dieseunwatsaammetdrakelewe – Andy Shepherd
#protea

Hierdie is die tweede boek in ‘n trilogie wat afgeskop het met ‘Die seun wat drake kweek’. Nadat Tomas en sy vriende, Kat, Kai en Ted elkeen die trotse eienaar van ‘n baba-drakie geword het aan die einde van boek 1, hervat hulle avonture vervleg met die van die drakies: Flikker, Vrieska, Sluiper en Son. Maar dis moeilik om die geheim van hulle drake te bewaar as die eksotiese troeteldiere nie juis wil saamwerk nie; brandplekke op hulle klere, ontploffende draakbollie, diefstal van kos en totale chaos wanneer hulle aan die speel raak, word ‘n toenemende uitdaging om weg te steek en te verduidelik. Dan is daar boonop Liam, die boelie, wat op hulle spioeneer, Brommer, die kwaai buurman, wat met iets geheimsinnig doenig is en die draakvrugboom wat onverklaarbaar begin agteruitgaan.

Soos wat die geval was met die eerste boek, is hierdie allerprettigste leesstof vir jong lesers; plek-plek skreeusnaaks met heelwat spannende oomblikke en treffend geïllustreer deur Sara Ogilvie. Die skrywer is ‘n bekende kinderboek-outeur in Engeland en die Afrikaanse vertaling is deur Kobus Geldenhuys.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#uitdieperdsebek
#uitdievulsebek

[Tetiana Dzhyhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Зайшло краще за стартову частину, принаймні є чіткі кульмінація і розв'язка. Хоча перша половина книги розморена.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as exciting as the first one. I am feeling a bit sorry for the school bully though.


Read on Libby app

[Mama ir vaikas skaito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tai antroji šios autorės istorija apie drakono Blyksnio ir berniuko Tomo draugystę. Pirmojoje - šis neįprastas gyvūnas apsigyveno mokyklinuko namuose. Šioje knygoje drakonus augina ir Tomo draugai. Juos rado iš Tomo senelio sode augančio drakonų vaisiaus. Čia intriga sukasi ir apie nenaudėlį Liemą, kurį vaikai įtaria nedorais darbais ir turi viską išsiaiškinti (o kaipgi be blogiuko bus įdomi istorija?).

Knygą sudaro virš 240 psl, bet teksto nėra daug, todėl vaikui lengva skaityti. Iliustracijos pagyvina istoriją. Pats knygos formatas nedidelis, gražus spalvingas viršelis.

Knyga turėtų patikti drakonų mylėtojams, taip pat kurie mėgsta sekti nuotykius knygų serijoje, suprantu, kad bus ir trečia istorija apie berniuką Tomą ir drakoniuką Blyksnį. Mano devynmetis perskaitė per kelias dienas, bet knyga jam patiko vidutiniškai.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely follow up to the first. My kids can’t get enough. Unfortunately I’m having a hard time sourcing the remaining books in this series in Canada!

[Nishil · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad I finished this! I want the next one NOW!!!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomas and his friends, Ted, Kai and Kat, now each have magical dragons of their own thanks to the wondrous dragon fruit tree at the the bottom of Tomas’ Grandad’s garden. They are thrilled and love comparing notes on the dragons very different skills. But very quickly they discover that keeping a secret dragon in your bedroom or pocket is not straightforward. Not straightforward at all! None of the dragons are keen on obeying instructions and the resulting mayhem at school and home takes a great deal of effort to hide. Poor Tomas is starting to worry but then things get even trickier when the precious dragon fruit tree starts to look droopy and unwell and Liam, the school bully, begins to behave in a mysterious manner. Matters reach a climax with an extremely eventful school trip to a local farm and mysterious sightings in the build up to the local County Flower and Veg Show.

Just like the The Boy Who Grew Dragons this is a book that makes the reader smile. However it also makes you care. Andy Shepherd has developed her leading character in this sequel and Tomas is shown coping with the moral dilemma of protecting his dragon and loyalty to his friends which results in him not being entirely truthful to his kind Grandad. This aspect is well done and will prompt young readers to think about the situation with care. Grandad himself is a wonderful character, wise, tolerant and with a twinkle in his eye, the perfect Grandad in fact. The exciting drama and the crazy situations are perfect for engaging young readers and I particularly like the way the author has not entirely “got rid” of the parents but just made them realistically distracted. In truth, very distracted but it makes the story work and yet Tomas is still part of a loving family which in part gives this book its heart.

Any review will have to mention the wonderful illustrations by Sara Ogilvie which add so much to this book. I love the eye catching cover as it has great shelf appeal and captures the story well. The line drawings within the book break up the text so that it does not look daunting and they complement the story perfectly.

A lovely book that would be a welcome addition to primary school library and classroom shelves.

[Kerrie Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story! It is left with a lovely ending that will lead well into book 3!!

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The superhero squad is back and this time they have a mystery to solve. Well, they actually have several mysteries to solve. First they've got to figure out how they can get their unruly dragons to behave and keep a low-profile. If they can manage that, maybe they can start to solve the mysteries of bully Liam's odd behaviors, neighbor Grim's giant fruits and vegetables, and the gradual withering of the dragonfruit tree. Tomas and his friends are sure all these mysteries are connected, but will they figure it all out in time?

This second book in Shepherd's series picks up shortly after the first one left off. While some of the novelty and wonder of encountering dragons for the first time has worn off for both the reader and the superhero squad, the level of adventure picks up in this book. Tomas and friends find themselves in all kinds of zany situations including renegade rescue ferrets irritating Flicker and accidentally causing mayhem at the local petting zoo. Shepherd finds way to build suspense and danger for the characters without it getting too scary for the target age group. She weaves several storylines together in a way that is not overly complex, but also subtle enough that there are still surprises as the plot begins to resolve itself. Unlike with the first book, the setup for the next book is a little more obvious though there is also a clue as to what may happen in the final illustration. This story definitely feels familiar without becoming formulaic as many popular series tend to do.

As with "The Boy Who Grew Dragons", this book is most appropriate for late second grade to early fifth grade. As an adult I also enjoyed the story and it would make a good family or classroom read-aloud as well!

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomas can share the wonder of his dragon with his three best friends, because now they all have one too. Each dragon has their own skill. Flicker can flicker from one colour to another. Sunny can glow in the dark, providing light whenever needed. Crystal freezes things, giving the four friends endless slushies, and Dodger is a chameleon master of disguise.

These skills come in handy as the friends carry on life as normally as you can with a pet dragon - scorching, exploring, and leaving exploding poo everywhere. Tomas can't relax though, as he knows his school nemesis (Liam) is watching them.

Liam's behaviour is getting weirder by the day, so Tomas ends up watching him. He can't believe what he discovers. His worries about Liam discovering their dragons are tiny compared to what Liam is up to.

Grandad is beginning to ask questions, and Tomas hates lying to him. The dragons are growing and Tomas knows they won't be able to hide them for much longer.

This is the 2nd part of this trilogy. Tomas speaks directly to the reader, explaining what life is like with a cheeky, growing dragon. Black and white illustrations and torch marks throughout add even more life to this funny, heartwarming story. Looking forward to the final in the trilogy - The Boy who Flew with Dragons. Great Series.

[BooksForTopics · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of Andy Shepherd’s first story, The Boy Who Grew Dragons (see my review here) so imagine my delight when the second instalment in the three-part series dropped through the letterbox last week.

Tomas and his endearing pet dragon, Flicker (who emerged from a dragon fruit tree in Grandad’s garden) are back and this time there is more dragon-shaped mayhem than ever before. While Tomas and his friends get to grips with the highs and lows of looking after secret pet dragons, they begin to notice some strange things happening– like super-sized gardening produce, a mystery in a shed and the school bully Liam suddenly acting very puzzlingly. This humorous sequel is just as charming and entertaining as the first story with likeable characters, endearing relationships and –of course – plenty of exploding poo. Sara Ogilvie's illustrations hit the mark perfectly to capture the story’s warmth and humour. I also really loved the little hints dropped about what we might expect in book 3.

Andy Shepherd’s dragon series is bursting with charisma and originality and makes for a superb read for Years 2-4.

[Andrea Maino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomas e i suoi amici si trovano alle prese con la cura dei loro cuccioli di drago, nati dalla pianta che il nonno di Tomas ha in giardino, ma non è così semplice e divertente come credevano. La gestione degli animali è piuttosto complicata, soprattutto se si devono tenere nascosti a famiglia e compagni di scuola, e i draghetti creano moltissimi danni e dispetti. Inventare delle scuse per nasconderli diventa sempre più complicato. Tuttavia, se la loro vita ha non pochi problemi, anche la pianta dei frutti del drago gliene crea perché continua a produrre creature che non sempre cadono nelle mani giuste.
Il secondo capitolo di questa serie sui draghi è altrettanto avvincente e divertente. Il piccolo lettore si è ormai affezionato ai ragazzini e ai loro draghetti e i danni che combinano fanno fare ben più di una risata. Ciò che accade all’interno del romanzo non è così scontato, perciò i bambini non si annoiano mai e sono incuriositi dal racconto e dalle gesta dei protagonisti.
Finito questo libro, siamo rimasti con una forte curiosità relativa a che cosa accadrà nel terzo volume.
Consigliato a partire dagli otto anni per una lettura autonoma, ma anche dai sei anni per una lettura condivisa.
In breve tempo questa serie è diventata la preferita di Emanuele, mio figlio di nove anni.

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we catch up with the gang and see how their dragons are doing. However as the dragonfruit tree starts to seemingly die, mischief maker Liam is spotted messing around with it and plants start growing hugely, things take a huge dive for the worst, can the gang help save their tree that gave them their fun dragon friends and keep the dragons hidden, or will their secret get out about their fiery friends?



Tomas and his friends are a great bunch who make me wish dragons existed so badly, a magical book which kids of all ages can enjoy the tension in this book mounts as they try to keep their flying mischievous friends a secret and we can tell that time with the dragons may be endangered.

[Stefano Bortolotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stelle su 5: un secondo capitolo migliore del primo per questa serie per ragazzi davvero piacevole e divertente, arricchita ancora una volta da illustrazioni che guidano la fantasia del giovane lettore nel corso della storia. Con lo stesso stile scorrevole e spensierato, la narrazione fa un passo in avanti, approfondendo i caratteri dei draghetti conosciuti nel volume precedente e presentando alcuni nuovi personaggi, il che ovviamente significa nuovi guai per i nostri giovani protagonisti... Una bella lettura, ideale per 9-11 anni.

[TJ Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was originally not going to rate these on my Goodreads account, but then I thought, I’d be doing the author an injustice. This is my second of three reviews that will be quite similar.

We listened to the audiobook of this novel on a long car trip and the after listening to the first audiobook. We found ourselves intrigued and enjoying the book as adults. We smashed the first one, then moved onto this one, and onto the next. If your kid loves dragons and often imagines himself with one or plays with dragon toys, this book is for them (and you).

[Smitchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun installment of chaotic fun with Thomas, Flicker and their friends.
There is another dragon on the loose and Thomas can't hide the chaos from his grandpa for much longer, the Dragon fruit tree is mysteriously looking sick and the little dragons are eating ravenously and not so little anymore!

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable continuation to a brilliant series, which I am sure that my pupils will love! The story is heart-warming, the children, families and friendships realistic and lovable and the dragons' antics never fail to raise a smile! Can't wait for the third book!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Youngster me loves these books. Fun capers about the importance of friendship. With lovely messages about telling the truth and being kind, these books are spot on for Y3+

I also definitely want a dragon now.

[Dieuwke De Boer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leuk boek voor jongens en meisjes die van draken houden en spanning. Ik denk groep 6 en hoger. Niet dat het te spannend is voor jongere kinderen maar het is wel veel tekst en soms moeilijke zinnen voor kinderen.

[MrsGhostlyxD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids loved it

My kids loved the first book and begged for the second, same thing has happened now we've finished this one. Its a series they've grown to love and laugh at especially all the poo jokes xD

[Thalia S. A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The problem was that I did not read the first book, so it was slightly confusing to catch up with the story! It's not exactly my style of writing, but still, it wasn't bad. Really nice illustrations too, and as it was about dragons, some of the pages looked slightly burnt, which was a cool effect!

[Lesley Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice sequel, nothing too dramatic and just right for Y2/3 upwards. The main characters' dragons have their own special abilities/ powers and the gang are planning to use them for a fun summer project, until something weird start happening next door...

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series. I have enjoyed reading it and sharing it with my nephew. I mean, what's not to enjoy. Dragons who grow from a tree and get into all kinds of trouble. Great characters and interesting storylines.

[Alesija · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kaip ir pirmoji dalis knyga gauna tik dvi žvaigždutes. Daugiau iš šių knygų ir nesitikėjau, nes kaip jau minėjau anksčiau - retai skaitau vaikiškesnes knygas ir jos man nebekelia didelio įspūdžio, stiprių emocijų ir pan. .

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it - even better than the first one and kept me guessing to the end. And I wasn't disappointed by the picture hint for the next book again, can't wait to read it!

[Emma Radford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Looking forward to the next with 7yo.

[Arrash Mazdai · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was nice enough to keep it engaging, I think it's a decent book for the intended audience. Still not my type of dragons though