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Kit the Wizard #1
The Dragon in the Library
In a fast-paced and funny adventure, Kit must use the magic of books to save the library--and its resident dragon--from a power-hungry tycoon.
Kit Spencer can't stand reading. She'd rather be outside playing and getting muddy than stuck inside with a book. But when her best friends, Josh and Alita, drag her to the local library, Kit makes an incredible discovery: she's a wizard--and books are the key to her abilities. Unfortunately, a greedy businessman wants to tear down the beloved library, destroying all its magic. To make matters worse, there's a sleeping dragon hidden there, and if she's awakened, her wild power will wreak havoc. With the help of a friendly dragon-dog hybrid named Dogon, Kit and her companions will have to find a way to save the dragon in the library--and maybe the world! A humorous romp full of library enchantment, with a diverse cast of characters and dynamic illustrations.
Kit Spencer can't stand reading. She'd rather be outside playing and getting muddy than stuck inside with a book. But when her best friends, Josh and Alita, drag her to the local library, Kit makes an incredible discovery: she's a wizard--and books are the key to her abilities. Unfortunately, a greedy businessman wants to tear down the beloved library, destroying all its magic. To make matters worse, there's a sleeping dragon hidden there, and if she's awakened, her wild power will wreak havoc. With the help of a friendly dragon-dog hybrid named Dogon, Kit and her companions will have to find a way to save the dragon in the library--and maybe the world! A humorous romp full of library enchantment, with a diverse cast of characters and dynamic illustrations.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2019
48 people are currently reading
619 people want to read
About the author
Louie Stowell
107 books72 followersLouie Stowell started her career writing carefully researched books about space, ancient Egypt, politics, and science, but eventually she lapsed into just making stuff up. She likes writing about dragons, wizards, vampires, fairies, monsters, and parallel worlds. Louie Stowell currently works as the publisher of Ladybird Books and lives in London with her wife, Karen; her dog, Buffy; and a creepy puppet that is probably cursed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 4, 2021
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“The Dragon in the Library” story is so creative, and you don’t know how it will proceed. What’s fun about this book is that it encourages younger readers to read more and makes them passionate about books. The author writes the story in such a charming manner that it is hard to put down. I also enjoyed the references she makes to other folklores like Baba Yaga. Moreover, she also provides an excellent summary of the various book genres that younger readers can review to get into the habit of reading.
Similarly, the author wrote the characters nicely. The main characters, Josh, Alita, and Kit, are fun and dynamic. Even Hadrian Salt is enjoyable as the villain, and it was interesting to see how he went about with his plans. Faith is fun as the librarian who trains and guides them. I also loved Dogon, the cute, lovable, half dog, half-dragon. However, I wish we had seen more of Josh and Alita, as the story primarily focused on Kit.
The author also places the story nicely as we know more about the Wizard’s Council and the different types of Magic. Some of the memorable moments were when Kit stumbles upon the dragon and attempt to stops Salt by breaking into his office. There are enough Magic and adventure elements in the story to keep you entertained. The book also sets the pace for additional books in the series in a fluid manner. Also, the illustrations by Davide Ortu add brilliantly to the story and give the reader an excellent, whimsical feel.
Overall, “The Dragon in the Library” is a beautiful start to the “Kit the Wizard,” and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
December 13, 2019
This was a huge amount of fun. Magic, friendships AND a dragon. Important messages about libraries too. Filled with fabulous illustrations from Davide Ortu. A joy to read.
October 2, 2021
"Прочитай мене!"
– прошепотіла мені книжка британської письменниці Луї Стовелл «Дракон у бібліотеці», коли я намагалася обрати якусь одну з безлічі дитячих книжок для читання, блукаючи бібліотекою. Ні, це не жарт – книжка сама захотіла, щоб я її прочитала. І щойно я її взяла до рук, захопила у свій полон.
Ця книга про те, як діти не люблять читати і як їх зацікавити читанням, а ще про те, як врятувати бібліотеку і заодно увесь світ.
Любите ходити у бібліотеки? Американський письменник-фантаст Рей Бредбері практично виріс у бібліотеці, вважаючи своїми найкращими друзями саме авторів книжок. Та у бібліотеці справді легко загубитися без бібліотекарів, які підкажуть і порадять цікаву книжку. Але інколи твоя книжка може тебе сама знайти. Саме так сталося з головною героїнею книжки «Дракон у бібліотеці» Луї Стовелл – дівчинкою Кіт.
Кіт страшенно не любить читати, тим паче не бачить сенсу читати влітку під час канікул. Але її друзі Джош і Аліта дуже люблять ходити в бібліотеку і читати все нові й нові книжки. Особливо про пригоди Денні Фанданго. Ось як говорить Аліта:
«Мені треба роздобути нову книжку про Денні Фанданго! Якщо ми не підемо по неї просто зараз, то всі примірники розберуть. А я цілісінький РІК чекала, коли дізнаюся, що ж там станеться далі».
Нагадує, як ми усі чекали кожен наступний том про Гаррі Поттера? До речі, саме сага про Гаррі Поттера багатьох нечитунів перетворила в активних читачів і читачок. І як цікаво було за цим спостерігати. Все-таки є певна магія у деяких історій, яка й приваблює і заохочує читати.
Але справді привернути увагу дітей до книжок не так і просто. Дівчинка Кіт не любить читати і зовсім не хоче йти до бібліотеки, але ради друзів таки вирушає туди. І несподівано для самої себе опиняється у бібліотечному світі, який вражає її до глибини душі.
Як ви обираєте книжки? Коли Кіт опиняється у бібліотеці, директорка Фейт запитує її, які їй подобаються історії, що саме її цікавить, щоб знайти і підібрати відповідну книжку. Виявилося, що дівчинка любить палити багаття, досліджувати, щось робити надворі і небезпеку. Ох, краще б вона не торкалася книжки «Небезпечні тварини»! Бо дівчинка раптом виявляє в собі дивовижну здатність проникати у книжковий світ і переживати усе, наче наяву. От якби вона не розгорнула ту книжку у бібліотеці, то, мабуть, і не зрозуміла б справжню магію книжок і бібліотек, в яких живуть книги. До речі, саме це свідчить про те, що книжка живе саме тоді, коли її читають, коли гортають її сторінки, коли проживають написану історію. А ще Кіт з’ясовує, що вона справжня чарівниця. Уявляєте її здивування? А вона думала, що читання книжок – це досить нудне заняття.
Продовження огляду читайте у блозі книгарні "Є" - https://book-ye.com.ua/blog/osoblyva-...
– прошепотіла мені книжка британської письменниці Луї Стовелл «Дракон у бібліотеці», коли я намагалася обрати якусь одну з безлічі дитячих книжок для читання, блукаючи бібліотекою. Ні, це не жарт – книжка сама захотіла, щоб я її прочитала. І щойно я її взяла до рук, захопила у свій полон.
Ця книга про те, як діти не люблять читати і як їх зацікавити читанням, а ще про те, як врятувати бібліотеку і заодно увесь світ.
Любите ходити у бібліотеки? Американський письменник-фантаст Рей Бредбері практично виріс у бібліотеці, вважаючи своїми найкращими друзями саме авторів книжок. Та у бібліотеці справді легко загубитися без бібліотекарів, які підкажуть і порадять цікаву книжку. Але інколи твоя книжка може тебе сама знайти. Саме так сталося з головною героїнею книжки «Дракон у бібліотеці» Луї Стовелл – дівчинкою Кіт.
Кіт страшенно не любить читати, тим паче не бачить сенсу читати влітку під час канікул. Але її друзі Джош і Аліта дуже люблять ходити в бібліотеку і читати все нові й нові книжки. Особливо про пригоди Денні Фанданго. Ось як говорить Аліта:
«Мені треба роздобути нову книжку про Денні Фанданго! Якщо ми не підемо по неї просто зараз, то всі примірники розберуть. А я цілісінький РІК чекала, коли дізнаюся, що ж там станеться далі».
Нагадує, як ми усі чекали кожен наступний том про Гаррі Поттера? До речі, саме сага про Гаррі Поттера багатьох нечитунів перетворила в активних читачів і читачок. І як цікаво було за цим спостерігати. Все-таки є певна магія у деяких історій, яка й приваблює і заохочує читати.
Але справді привернути увагу дітей до книжок не так і просто. Дівчинка Кіт не любить читати і зовсім не хоче йти до бібліотеки, але ради друзів таки вирушає туди. І несподівано для самої себе опиняється у бібліотечному світі, який вражає її до глибини душі.
Як ви обираєте книжки? Коли Кіт опиняється у бібліотеці, директорка Фейт запитує її, які їй подобаються історії, що саме її цікавить, щоб знайти і підібрати відповідну книжку. Виявилося, що дівчинка любить палити багаття, досліджувати, щось робити надворі і небезпеку. Ох, краще б вона не торкалася книжки «Небезпечні тварини»! Бо дівчинка раптом виявляє в собі дивовижну здатність проникати у книжковий світ і переживати усе, наче наяву. От якби вона не розгорнула ту книжку у бібліотеці, то, мабуть, і не зрозуміла б справжню магію книжок і бібліотек, в яких живуть книги. До речі, саме це свідчить про те, що книжка живе саме тоді, коли її читають, коли гортають її сторінки, коли проживають написану історію. А ще Кіт з’ясовує, що вона справжня чарівниця. Уявляєте її здивування? А вона думала, що читання книжок – це досить нудне заняття.
Продовження огляду читайте у блозі книгарні "Є" - https://book-ye.com.ua/blog/osoblyva-...
April 2, 2021
Kit doesn't like to read. She can't sit still. She would much rather be climbing trees or playing with matches or other dangerous things. Her friends, Alita and Josh, convince her to visit the library with them. Kit discovers magical properties within the books that propel her and her friends into a wizarding adventure.
I loved this book from start to finish! The characters, the plot, the world-building, the magic; everything is wonderful!
I liked that the plot is simple and straightforward, but has a few little surprises that keep the story fresh and exciting. The writing style is absolutely hilarious! There are so many cute bits of dialogue and funny scenes that had me laughing.
I loved Kit's character! She is bold and reckless and wild. She dares to say the things that other people only think. She has some excellent character development. I loved how she stumbles into awful mistakes, and feels so badly over it, but she is ready to dare anything to set things right again.
Alita and Josh are bookish and smart. I don't know why those three are friends, but their dynamic is so great. I would love an origin story of how three completely different kids ended up as friends.
I think Josh is probably my favorite character, because he is very meticulous and curious. He is always asking questions, and writing things down in long lists in his notebook. He believes that it is important to have a large vocabulary. What a brain! I adore him.
The black and white illustrations are lovely. Every few pages there are some cute illustrations that really draw the reader into the story and help you to visualize everything you are reading.
I can't quite put my finger on why this book is so charming. Every chapter is a delight! I finished the entire book in one day. I could not stop reading. It refreshed my mind. It gave me warm fuzzies in my heart. It made me happy in a deep-down joyful, silly, childish, carefree way.
This book made me believe in magic!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this book from start to finish! The characters, the plot, the world-building, the magic; everything is wonderful!
I liked that the plot is simple and straightforward, but has a few little surprises that keep the story fresh and exciting. The writing style is absolutely hilarious! There are so many cute bits of dialogue and funny scenes that had me laughing.
I loved Kit's character! She is bold and reckless and wild. She dares to say the things that other people only think. She has some excellent character development. I loved how she stumbles into awful mistakes, and feels so badly over it, but she is ready to dare anything to set things right again.
Alita and Josh are bookish and smart. I don't know why those three are friends, but their dynamic is so great. I would love an origin story of how three completely different kids ended up as friends.
I think Josh is probably my favorite character, because he is very meticulous and curious. He is always asking questions, and writing things down in long lists in his notebook. He believes that it is important to have a large vocabulary. What a brain! I adore him.
The black and white illustrations are lovely. Every few pages there are some cute illustrations that really draw the reader into the story and help you to visualize everything you are reading.
I can't quite put my finger on why this book is so charming. Every chapter is a delight! I finished the entire book in one day. I could not stop reading. It refreshed my mind. It gave me warm fuzzies in my heart. It made me happy in a deep-down joyful, silly, childish, carefree way.
This book made me believe in magic!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
December 2, 2019
There is a dragon in the library! Oh my!
How could I resist this book, I love books about library, about magic, and then there was the cover!
I will try to write a review, but it may be a bit cluttery as I am tired and a tiny bit overly fluffy due to my new piercing and my ear not being amused by it.
Let me start with that the book started off nicely with a 4.5 stars > Josh got very annoying (some kind of Hermione only even more annoying and nosy) 4 stars > Kit was cool but then got annoying and thought no one cared and that she had to do things her self... urgh 3.5 stars in the end.
When the kids head to a library (though I would also agree with Kit that a cemetery visit would also be cool, though then again I am still the kind of girl who thinks it is a bit disrespectful to prance around on a cemetery) for a new book they get into a whole world of magic and dragons and even have to save the world (so exciting) when an evil man wants to buy the library (we find out later why).
Kit finds out she can do magic, she apparently the youngest in the world (or at least that Faith knows of). Most magicians get their powers at 18, not 10/11. So that was definitely fun. And even more fun was that the magics also included some book-ish powers. Like opening a book and getting teleported there. Not only that, but you can walk through a book and go to another library if they have the same book on their shelves. OMG, I want that. Oh and every time you enter a book your experience will be different. It all depends on all sorts of factors, which just had me squeeing in delight.
Then there are lessons, because Kit needs to learn how to control her powers. And not set things to fire. Because Kit loves fire. :P
I was definitely interested in Kit. I would have loved to be friends with her. She loves climbing trees. Didn't mind getting dirty. Loves going to spooky places. OK, the reading thing was a bit of an shame, but I don't mind it if my friends aren't readers like me. I think Kit also needs a friend who can do all those things with her, because her friends weren't always eager to get out with her.
The library was such a fun place, and I loved the mystery and magic surrounding it. I also loved reading about the magic council and the dragon. And what happens when the dragon awakes. Oh my.
I loved the villain and loved seeing them try to get rid of him. I loved their plan and how they executed it. Go go!
The illustrations are fabulous, they were truly the biggest thing I loved about this book. I need to check out more about this illustrator.
HOWEVER, and now we come to the not so good things that made me rate this book way lower.
The side characters just took away all the fun from the book! It felt that instead of Kit being the MC we had three MCs at the same TIME for ALL THE TIME. I would have rather seen that Kit was the star, that she got the spotlight. And not that every time Kit did something new, or something new happened that her best friends just hogged the spotlight and totally into it and just bumped Kit into the background. Especially Josh was a BIG BIG FAT Problem. Every time Kit got something new, instead of cheering for her, being there for her, he acted like a freaking 3 year old on steroids. Asking thousands of questions, annoying the whole effing world (especially Kit and Faith). I hated Josh. I am already not a fan of know-it-all characters *looks at Hermione*, but if these characters are also obnoxious and pushy and have no shame then it just gets worse. Josh ruined the book for me. Josh needs to learn that asking questions is OK, but you need to stop when you notice that people are not amused. You need to learn to hold yourself in because really? This is how people distance themselves from you.
He even made some remarks that made me wonder if he truly knew about life. For instance when Faith receives the heartbroken news about the library being bought and she leaves the trio, Josh comments on how rude he finds that as they were promised cake and lemonade. What the actual hell Josh? The library is in danger and all you can give a crap about is cake? Hello? Are you dead inside or something?
And later he even makes a comment on adults having feelings. Gee wiz, Faith has shown a ton of emotions and feelings but I guess you didn't notice as you were so preoccupied with many things that were apparently more important to your little precious world. :|
Not to mention that Josh and Alita were just plain rude. I get that you want a book. I get you want to read it. But to call people snails and make mean comments about those people as it the days pass by and they haven't returned it was just eh. I mean, I go to a library once every week (and one that is a bit further away 3 weeks). I am not, really NOT, going to a library earlier because a book may or may not be popular. I may have finished the book in a day, but sorry, again, not going back to the library for just one book. One trip is 20 minutes on bicycle, the other 30 minutes, and the three week one would take even longer. :P Screw you kids.
Kit was good, but... yeah there was one moment were I just wanted to hit her on the head. Oh, no I don't get enough attention, Oh no, Faith is not being too enthusiastic. Oh no, I have to do all by myself though I only know the basic spells and can barely do anything perfect. But let me just go to the bad villain and help out. Girl. Please. You were the one with the most brains and the one I liked most, just talk to Faith about your feelings instead of endangering the world. Thanks.
Oh, and the Lara/Danny thing... URGH. Cringe.
So yeah, there was quite a bit of good, but the side characters just pissed me off with their dumb comments and stupid questions and naivety. They should let their best friend take the spotlight for once.
I am still glad I have read it. It was quite a fun book and I read it in one go. There was still a ton of things good about this book. I am not sure if I want to read more, if there ever is more. Unless Kit finally gets the spotlight she deserves. Maybe if Josh goes away.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
How could I resist this book, I love books about library, about magic, and then there was the cover!
I will try to write a review, but it may be a bit cluttery as I am tired and a tiny bit overly fluffy due to my new piercing and my ear not being amused by it.
Let me start with that the book started off nicely with a 4.5 stars > Josh got very annoying (some kind of Hermione only even more annoying and nosy) 4 stars > Kit was cool but then got annoying and thought no one cared and that she had to do things her self... urgh 3.5 stars in the end.
When the kids head to a library (though I would also agree with Kit that a cemetery visit would also be cool, though then again I am still the kind of girl who thinks it is a bit disrespectful to prance around on a cemetery) for a new book they get into a whole world of magic and dragons and even have to save the world (so exciting) when an evil man wants to buy the library (we find out later why).
Kit finds out she can do magic, she apparently the youngest in the world (or at least that Faith knows of). Most magicians get their powers at 18, not 10/11. So that was definitely fun. And even more fun was that the magics also included some book-ish powers. Like opening a book and getting teleported there. Not only that, but you can walk through a book and go to another library if they have the same book on their shelves. OMG, I want that. Oh and every time you enter a book your experience will be different. It all depends on all sorts of factors, which just had me squeeing in delight.
Then there are lessons, because Kit needs to learn how to control her powers. And not set things to fire. Because Kit loves fire. :P
I was definitely interested in Kit. I would have loved to be friends with her. She loves climbing trees. Didn't mind getting dirty. Loves going to spooky places. OK, the reading thing was a bit of an shame, but I don't mind it if my friends aren't readers like me. I think Kit also needs a friend who can do all those things with her, because her friends weren't always eager to get out with her.
The library was such a fun place, and I loved the mystery and magic surrounding it. I also loved reading about the magic council and the dragon. And what happens when the dragon awakes. Oh my.
I loved the villain and loved seeing them try to get rid of him. I loved their plan and how they executed it. Go go!
The illustrations are fabulous, they were truly the biggest thing I loved about this book. I need to check out more about this illustrator.
HOWEVER, and now we come to the not so good things that made me rate this book way lower.
The side characters just took away all the fun from the book! It felt that instead of Kit being the MC we had three MCs at the same TIME for ALL THE TIME. I would have rather seen that Kit was the star, that she got the spotlight. And not that every time Kit did something new, or something new happened that her best friends just hogged the spotlight and totally into it and just bumped Kit into the background. Especially Josh was a BIG BIG FAT Problem. Every time Kit got something new, instead of cheering for her, being there for her, he acted like a freaking 3 year old on steroids. Asking thousands of questions, annoying the whole effing world (especially Kit and Faith). I hated Josh. I am already not a fan of know-it-all characters *looks at Hermione*, but if these characters are also obnoxious and pushy and have no shame then it just gets worse. Josh ruined the book for me. Josh needs to learn that asking questions is OK, but you need to stop when you notice that people are not amused. You need to learn to hold yourself in because really? This is how people distance themselves from you.
He even made some remarks that made me wonder if he truly knew about life. For instance when Faith receives the heartbroken news about the library being bought and she leaves the trio, Josh comments on how rude he finds that as they were promised cake and lemonade. What the actual hell Josh? The library is in danger and all you can give a crap about is cake? Hello? Are you dead inside or something?
And later he even makes a comment on adults having feelings. Gee wiz, Faith has shown a ton of emotions and feelings but I guess you didn't notice as you were so preoccupied with many things that were apparently more important to your little precious world. :|
Not to mention that Josh and Alita were just plain rude. I get that you want a book. I get you want to read it. But to call people snails and make mean comments about those people as it the days pass by and they haven't returned it was just eh. I mean, I go to a library once every week (and one that is a bit further away 3 weeks). I am not, really NOT, going to a library earlier because a book may or may not be popular. I may have finished the book in a day, but sorry, again, not going back to the library for just one book. One trip is 20 minutes on bicycle, the other 30 minutes, and the three week one would take even longer. :P Screw you kids.
Kit was good, but... yeah there was one moment were I just wanted to hit her on the head. Oh, no I don't get enough attention, Oh no, Faith is not being too enthusiastic. Oh no, I have to do all by myself though I only know the basic spells and can barely do anything perfect. But let me just go to the bad villain and help out. Girl. Please. You were the one with the most brains and the one I liked most, just talk to Faith about your feelings instead of endangering the world. Thanks.
Oh, and the Lara/Danny thing... URGH. Cringe.
So yeah, there was quite a bit of good, but the side characters just pissed me off with their dumb comments and stupid questions and naivety. They should let their best friend take the spotlight for once.
I am still glad I have read it. It was quite a fun book and I read it in one go. There was still a ton of things good about this book. I am not sure if I want to read more, if there ever is more. Unless Kit finally gets the spotlight she deserves. Maybe if Josh goes away.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 8, 2023
A bit predictable but very very cute!
November 16, 2021
DNF @ 39%
Seems a bit unnecessary to include a DNF'd children's book but I have some thoughts I need to get off my chest:
I liked some of the humor and there were a few great lines, but the story was disjointed and didn't seem to be going anywhere. When you have less than 200 pages to tell a story, it needs to be tightly woven. The dragon promised in the title had yet to make an appearance. The diversity was contrived. I didn't like how the adult librarian was explaining everything to the kids - in a children's book, the kids should be figuring things out on their own. That's part of the magic of children's books - that kids see themselves capable of understanding the world on their own.
Seems a bit unnecessary to include a DNF'd children's book but I have some thoughts I need to get off my chest:
I liked some of the humor and there were a few great lines, but the story was disjointed and didn't seem to be going anywhere. When you have less than 200 pages to tell a story, it needs to be tightly woven. The dragon promised in the title had yet to make an appearance. The diversity was contrived. I didn't like how the adult librarian was explaining everything to the kids - in a children's book, the kids should be figuring things out on their own. That's part of the magic of children's books - that kids see themselves capable of understanding the world on their own.
April 2, 2021
Disappointing. While there are nuggets of potential in the premise of a library as a secret magical center, this story comes off as a bad Scooby-Doo episode. The characters are annoying, two-dimensional tropes and the dialog is grating banality. Younger readers deserve better.
July 27, 2021
This novel was absolutely adorable! The story is about a girl named Kit who rather play outside inside of being in a library reading books (which her two friends, Josh and Alita, enjoy doing).
However, when Kit opens a book, she’s transported to that world and becomes freaked out (how cool would it be to be able to transport into the book you’re reading?!). Then an evil man with an evil plan wants to purchase the library and destroy all the books. The gang, along with the librarian named Faith, mastermind a plan to not only save the library bit to save the sleeping dragon that lived under the library.
This story reminds me when I was Kit’s age. I would have rather play in the dirt with the bugs and if I did go to a library I looked at recipe or dog books. Oh and I can’t forget about the many science kits I owned!
The ending of the novel was spectacular! It gives instructions on how to read to a dragon to help give them varied dreams.
I will definitely search out for the additional novels in this magical series.
However, when Kit opens a book, she’s transported to that world and becomes freaked out (how cool would it be to be able to transport into the book you’re reading?!). Then an evil man with an evil plan wants to purchase the library and destroy all the books. The gang, along with the librarian named Faith, mastermind a plan to not only save the library bit to save the sleeping dragon that lived under the library.
This story reminds me when I was Kit’s age. I would have rather play in the dirt with the bugs and if I did go to a library I looked at recipe or dog books. Oh and I can’t forget about the many science kits I owned!
The ending of the novel was spectacular! It gives instructions on how to read to a dragon to help give them varied dreams.
I will definitely search out for the additional novels in this magical series.
May 7, 2021
The Dragon in the Library provides an entertaining story about an active young girl discovering she's a wizard. Kit and her friends Josh and Alita head to the library one day after Kit fails to convince them to go to the cemetery instead. While Josh and Alita look for the newest book in their favorite series, Kit discovers some unusual books in an out of the way corner of the library. After finding herself inside one of these books, the librarian, Faith, informs her that she is a wizard. Kit is thrilled to know this and to begin training with Faith. But a powerful businessman sweeps in and buys the library, supposedly planning to replace it with a shopping mall. It turns out though that he really wants to awaken the dragon asleep under the library and steal it's power. Can Kit and Faith, along with Josh and Alita, and an adorable half dog/half dragon hybrid stop Mr. Salt or are Kit's dreams of becoming a wizard over before they can really get started?
There were things I really liked about this story and a couple of plot points that I struggled to believe. The humor was great. The characters had some great lines. I found myself startled into laughter more than once throughout the story. Kit, her friends, Alita and Josh make a great trio, each with their strengths and weaknesses and interests. It was interesting to see Kit in the library when it's the last place she wants to be (she's not a reader like her friends), at least until she discovers she's a wizard. The library as a setting is fantastic with all it's hidden corners and mysterious secrets. And Faith makes a great librarian. I appreciated that she isn't a stereotypical librarian with cardigans, grey hair, and glasses.
A few plot points rubbed me the wrong way just because they were so blatantly unbelievable for me as an adult. First, Josh and Alita aren't able to get the brand new book they wanted for the library because they didn't 'line up'. Libraries don't do line ups, not since holds were invented. Second, when Mr. Salt buys the library there is no public comment or meeting and the librarian had no clue the building was up for sale. In addition, when the kids put together a protest, it's shut down by Mr. Salt and his security personnel even before the building is officially his. That would not be legal nor would a protest end as peacefully and quickly as this one did. I don't think those things will bother young readers though with their lack of experience with how libraries and governments work.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, but the focus on the fast-moving plot leaves something to be desired in terms of believability. And the length of the book means a lack of detail. But for young readers who aren't yet ready for Tui Sutherland's Wings of Fire will likely enjoy the dragon and the humor and the characters.
There were things I really liked about this story and a couple of plot points that I struggled to believe. The humor was great. The characters had some great lines. I found myself startled into laughter more than once throughout the story. Kit, her friends, Alita and Josh make a great trio, each with their strengths and weaknesses and interests. It was interesting to see Kit in the library when it's the last place she wants to be (she's not a reader like her friends), at least until she discovers she's a wizard. The library as a setting is fantastic with all it's hidden corners and mysterious secrets. And Faith makes a great librarian. I appreciated that she isn't a stereotypical librarian with cardigans, grey hair, and glasses.
A few plot points rubbed me the wrong way just because they were so blatantly unbelievable for me as an adult. First, Josh and Alita aren't able to get the brand new book they wanted for the library because they didn't 'line up'. Libraries don't do line ups, not since holds were invented. Second, when Mr. Salt buys the library there is no public comment or meeting and the librarian had no clue the building was up for sale. In addition, when the kids put together a protest, it's shut down by Mr. Salt and his security personnel even before the building is officially his. That would not be legal nor would a protest end as peacefully and quickly as this one did. I don't think those things will bother young readers though with their lack of experience with how libraries and governments work.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, but the focus on the fast-moving plot leaves something to be desired in terms of believability. And the length of the book means a lack of detail. But for young readers who aren't yet ready for Tui Sutherland's Wings of Fire will likely enjoy the dragon and the humor and the characters.
July 26, 2019
This is a kids' book, I admit, but I very much enjoyed the pacing and the adventures, which very much lay in the realm of wonder and less in suspense. The story revolves around three kids, two of whom love to read and one, Kit, who doesn't; she very much prefers to muddy her feet in places like cemeteries. Then, suddenly, when the three of them go to a library (Kit merely trods along because her friends promised that afterwards they'd go to her favorite place), Kit discovers she's actually a teenage wizard. And so the story begins.
The book is very much inspired by Harry Potter, not only in the fact of three main characters of which the least knowledgeable is the most important, but also by continued references in the book to a series about one Danny Fandango (e.g. on page 6: "Kit hadn't read any of the Danny Fandango books [...] But fom what Kit had picked up from her friends, Lara was Danny's sister and she was better at magic, but he was the Chosen One, so got to do all the fun stuff." --- Hermione, anyone?). This, however, hardly bothered me, as it feels like the book doesn't try to take itself too seriously, and is very self-aware. (Cf. page 100: "'... like a book, it contains whole worlds, not just the narrow distance between the covers.' 'You could have just said "it's bigger on the inside",' said Kit. 'That's someone else's line,' said Faith." --- a clear reference to Doctor Who and his TARDIS.)
It's a fun, light read, and the illustrations are lovely, often gorgeous. Definitely recommend it to younger readers, and even to older ones who are looking for a book to read on the subway.
The book is very much inspired by Harry Potter, not only in the fact of three main characters of which the least knowledgeable is the most important, but also by continued references in the book to a series about one Danny Fandango (e.g. on page 6: "Kit hadn't read any of the Danny Fandango books [...] But fom what Kit had picked up from her friends, Lara was Danny's sister and she was better at magic, but he was the Chosen One, so got to do all the fun stuff." --- Hermione, anyone?). This, however, hardly bothered me, as it feels like the book doesn't try to take itself too seriously, and is very self-aware. (Cf. page 100: "'... like a book, it contains whole worlds, not just the narrow distance between the covers.' 'You could have just said "it's bigger on the inside",' said Kit. 'That's someone else's line,' said Faith." --- a clear reference to Doctor Who and his TARDIS.)
It's a fun, light read, and the illustrations are lovely, often gorgeous. Definitely recommend it to younger readers, and even to older ones who are looking for a book to read on the subway.
July 13, 2019
This book is both a beautiful hymn to books and libraries, and SO MUCH FUN to read. It has SO MANY wonderful touches: a dog-dragon, books as literal portals, wizard librarians, dastardly schemes to defeat capitalists, and lots and lots of gingerbread. Kit, the main character, is a 10-year-old girl who loves adventures, being outside, getting muddy, and absolutely hates reading. But her two best friends love libraries, and drag her into a library at the beginning of her summer holidays. There, Kit discovers that libraries contain more adventures than she ever thought they could, and that she has more talents than just the ability to get very muddy. The story is never preachy, but it does a wonderful job of evoking the magic of libraries, as well as creating its own very original magical world. I hope there's a sequel!
February 18, 2020
Read- February 2020 for My Boyfriend Picks My TBR
- I've been in a reading slump for the past week and reading this has definitely been the little nudge I needed to get back into reading. I let my boyfriend pick 15 books for me to read over February and March and this is the first one I've managed to get to. He picked this one because it involved two if my favourite things (dragons and libraries) and despite the 2 star rating, I did enjoy it.
- I've been in a reading slump for the past week and reading this has definitely been the little nudge I needed to get back into reading. I let my boyfriend pick 15 books for me to read over February and March and this is the first one I've managed to get to. He picked this one because it involved two if my favourite things (dragons and libraries) and despite the 2 star rating, I did enjoy it.
June 25, 2021
And teacher came too.
Nice idea, staid execution, incredibly preachy (just because I liked the message didn’t change that), and I knew it was inspired by Buffy even before I read the acknowledgements. That last bit probably won’t matter for the target audience except that having the librarian constantly telling the protagonists about the world and what to do, made it feel more like a game than an adventure.
Nice idea, staid execution, incredibly preachy (just because I liked the message didn’t change that), and I knew it was inspired by Buffy even before I read the acknowledgements. That last bit probably won’t matter for the target audience except that having the librarian constantly telling the protagonists about the world and what to do, made it feel more like a game than an adventure.
February 18, 2022
It was a quick and easy read, and my kids made me keep going, as this was a read-a-loud. There were some elements of excitement and my kids were guessing along the way. Working in a not-so-quiet library, I had to roll my eyes at the "quiet library" trope, as that's just not what libraries are anymore. And my kids are now asking me where we are hiding our dragon under the library. I do like the title Wizard Librarian!
March 29, 2021
Hey, everyone loves a good story...so why should it be any different for dragons?
Get ready for a fast paced, funny story filled with adventure, and baddies that NEEDED to be defeated...and all that is in addition to a nonreader discovering they have magical type powers that allow them to be transported into the stories that surround them, utilizing them as a sort of portal to...well, I can't really say because to do so would be I'd have to tamper with your memory after you read it and if I learned anything from Faith, the ultra cool "librarian" (that really IS one, but also not exactly!), that's ALWAYS a last resort!
Seriously though, readers of Middle Grade Fiction (and beyond!) will be enthralled by the diverse cast of characters, blown away by the mysteries of the library, and gasping for breath as we bounce from discovery to danger to all out you-must-perform-this-magic-or-it-just-might-be-the-end-of-it-before-it-really-begins moments! Kit is her own self, and happy to be that way, as are we to meet her! Her two best friends are different than her, but they celebrate each other's strengths and try to build each other up in times of weakness. She couldn't have asked for a better duo to share this MASSIVE secret with! Speaking of secrets, her new (maybe) instructor, Faith, is SO not your regular old wizened and bearded wizardy type teacher, but is a ROCKSTAR just the same.
All in all, a fabulous MUST READ that I can't wait to visit with again...and when the next installment launches, I AM SO THERE!
*copy received fore review; opinions are my own
Get ready for a fast paced, funny story filled with adventure, and baddies that NEEDED to be defeated...and all that is in addition to a nonreader discovering they have magical type powers that allow them to be transported into the stories that surround them, utilizing them as a sort of portal to...well, I can't really say because to do so would be I'd have to tamper with your memory after you read it and if I learned anything from Faith, the ultra cool "librarian" (that really IS one, but also not exactly!), that's ALWAYS a last resort!
Seriously though, readers of Middle Grade Fiction (and beyond!) will be enthralled by the diverse cast of characters, blown away by the mysteries of the library, and gasping for breath as we bounce from discovery to danger to all out you-must-perform-this-magic-or-it-just-might-be-the-end-of-it-before-it-really-begins moments! Kit is her own self, and happy to be that way, as are we to meet her! Her two best friends are different than her, but they celebrate each other's strengths and try to build each other up in times of weakness. She couldn't have asked for a better duo to share this MASSIVE secret with! Speaking of secrets, her new (maybe) instructor, Faith, is SO not your regular old wizened and bearded wizardy type teacher, but is a ROCKSTAR just the same.
All in all, a fabulous MUST READ that I can't wait to visit with again...and when the next installment launches, I AM SO THERE!
*copy received fore review; opinions are my own
August 27, 2019
A fun mystery involving time travelling, libraries and dragons; three things you often don't hear in conjunction with one another! Lower and middle primary students will enjoy this action packed mysterious story.
May 30, 2021
This is a cute story about a girl named Kit and her friends who save a magical library and the dragon who lives there.
March 10, 2023
Read-aloud with my 9 year old. The book was not that exciting, and the villain was a caricature that sounded suspiciously like Romeo from PJ Masks.
April 3, 2025
A love letter to libraries, this book is adorable. Perfect for young readers (and adults who still love to dive into middle grade every once in a while)!
May 8, 2021
First in the series and it held my interest but, that could have been the setting...who wouldn't want to save the dragon who lives in the library!?
February 25, 2023
It was a cute short middle grade novel! Loved all the side characters and of course Dogon. 😍 Kit had her stubborn unwise moments but ultimately it all worked out and she learned from her mistakes. 😊
February 19, 2021
Charming and humorous chapter book about three friends saving their library and the world.
June 13, 2020
I'm so excited about this new elementary series: nicely diverse characters in an urban fantasy setting that makes me nostalgic for Britain and for magic: ticks along at a right old pace, gorgeous.
SO. MUCH. FUN.
Can't wait for book two!
SO. MUCH. FUN.
Can't wait for book two!
March 13, 2023
I read this book to Dean at bedtime for a week or two. It’s the longest book we’ve read together!
May 3, 2021
For what this is worth, it's cute. This cover is fun and unique, and immediately grabbed my librarian-heart's attention. Suitable for elementary kiddos, this title is jam-packed with magic, dragons, friendship, humor, and a couple of trips to the library. Even with it's fantasy genre, it still has a timely plot featuring diverse characters.
August 13, 2020
Gorgeous, magical and fun tale with brilliantly depicted diverse characters that drives home the importance of reading and libraries. The illustrations by Davide Ortu are wonderful too and really help tell this exciting and adventurous story. I love how the main character Kit who hates readings ends up leading the charge against the plot to destroy the library! Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
July 22, 2019
Stories are their own magic.
I completely and utterly adored this magical, humorous, action-packed adventure, which is also a celebration of the power of books and libraries to cast a spell over the reader. I’ve been spellbound by books ever since I was a child, relishing the opportunities they provide to allow me to travel to other worlds and to go on adventures with the characters. And, goodness, I really loved this adventure!
Kit is a bit of a tomboy, enjoying the great outdoors, getting muddy and climbing trees, so it is not surprising that she wants to explore outside – even if it is a cemetery - with her best friends, Josh and Alita, on the first day of their summer holidays rather than accompany them to their local library.
Although this book is set in a library, Kit, unlike her friends, is definitely not a fan of books, and feels completely out of place in Chatsworth Library. She can think of nothing worse than having to read aloud. Sage advice is given by the librarian, Faith:
No one starts off good at everything. You get good by doing.
Faith Braithwaite, who is rather more than she appears, is determined to find the perfect book to hook Kit. This small detail succinctly encapsulates the importance of librarians. Kit makes an incredible discovery whilst checking out a book that changes her life in the most extraordinary way.
What follows is a magical, action-packed, exciting adventure, suffused with humour, as the children must work together to thwart the evil corporate bad guy, Hadrian Salt, who is a deliciously nasty villain, determined to close down the library. Does he really just want to add to his corporate empire, or does he have a more sinister reason for buying the library?
The magical system in this story is truly wonderful, and very clever. I loved wandering and exploring with Kit and her friends. Of course, as the title suggests, there is a dragon – and an adorable dogon - in the library.
The children in this story are great friends who support each other wonderfully, and find that they are stronger when they work as a team.
The illustrations are gorgeous, and really complement the story-telling. I especially enjoyed the drawings of Hadrian Salt! And the final image of Kit brought a very warm smile to my face – another win for reading!
Dragons, books, libraries, plucky heroes, magic … the recipe for the perfect book to engage any young reader and those who may not be quite so young, but still remain eager to escape into an exhilarating, magical story.
I completely and utterly adored this magical, humorous, action-packed adventure, which is also a celebration of the power of books and libraries to cast a spell over the reader. I’ve been spellbound by books ever since I was a child, relishing the opportunities they provide to allow me to travel to other worlds and to go on adventures with the characters. And, goodness, I really loved this adventure!
Kit is a bit of a tomboy, enjoying the great outdoors, getting muddy and climbing trees, so it is not surprising that she wants to explore outside – even if it is a cemetery - with her best friends, Josh and Alita, on the first day of their summer holidays rather than accompany them to their local library.
Although this book is set in a library, Kit, unlike her friends, is definitely not a fan of books, and feels completely out of place in Chatsworth Library. She can think of nothing worse than having to read aloud. Sage advice is given by the librarian, Faith:
No one starts off good at everything. You get good by doing.
Faith Braithwaite, who is rather more than she appears, is determined to find the perfect book to hook Kit. This small detail succinctly encapsulates the importance of librarians. Kit makes an incredible discovery whilst checking out a book that changes her life in the most extraordinary way.
What follows is a magical, action-packed, exciting adventure, suffused with humour, as the children must work together to thwart the evil corporate bad guy, Hadrian Salt, who is a deliciously nasty villain, determined to close down the library. Does he really just want to add to his corporate empire, or does he have a more sinister reason for buying the library?
The magical system in this story is truly wonderful, and very clever. I loved wandering and exploring with Kit and her friends. Of course, as the title suggests, there is a dragon – and an adorable dogon - in the library.
The children in this story are great friends who support each other wonderfully, and find that they are stronger when they work as a team.
The illustrations are gorgeous, and really complement the story-telling. I especially enjoyed the drawings of Hadrian Salt! And the final image of Kit brought a very warm smile to my face – another win for reading!
Dragons, books, libraries, plucky heroes, magic … the recipe for the perfect book to engage any young reader and those who may not be quite so young, but still remain eager to escape into an exhilarating, magical story.
March 30, 2025
The Dragon In The Library is a children’s book written by Louie Stowell, and illustrated by Davide Ortu. Kit is the main character. One day, she is hanging out with her friends and her friends are super excited for a new book coming out. Kit is unenthusiastic because she doesn’t like reading and doesn’t want to be at the library. However, when the librarian encourages her to read, the books start coming to life because Kit has a magical ability.
My first thought about the book is that it’s mediocre. Not great. Since it's a book aimed more towards kids, the story is a very quick run through of the librarian informing the kid that the kid is a wizard of some kind. There are plot holes and things that just don’t make sense. Like why have things never come to life when she’s read books prior to this? Why haven’t these powers come to life when reading the text that can be found out in real life, like reading street signs, reading in school, or advertisements in places? Surely, up until now, there would have been reading in classes at school. So why wouldn’t the abilities have appeared prior? The author has a note that something has “awoke”n the powers… But it’s a bit of a flimsy explanation. So yeah, it’s just the type of book where you seriously need to suspend your disbelief. However, I feel like things could have been given a bit more explanation and that the story could have been tweaked to make it seem a little less speedy. For me, it feels way too fast.
I appreciate that the characters are all somewhat positive. Both Josh and Alita are eager readers, who love books. And Kit is an outdoorsy type of character, who loves being outside and being active. But they feel rather generic in the way they’re written. I would have appreciated more development to the characters.
I think that the illustrator did great work. The art is perfect for the book. There are so many wonderful pieces of art, full of details. There are great action scenes and some where characters are exploring.
Overall, I think it’s okay, but not brilliant. I think there just needed to be more work to expand a lot of the sections. Such as to give them more explanation and to build up a little bit more suspense and excitement to them. The illustrations are the shining star of the book. While it’s not a book I particularly enjoyed, I’m sure a lot of kids will love it.
My first thought about the book is that it’s mediocre. Not great. Since it's a book aimed more towards kids, the story is a very quick run through of the librarian informing the kid that the kid is a wizard of some kind. There are plot holes and things that just don’t make sense. Like why have things never come to life when she’s read books prior to this? Why haven’t these powers come to life when reading the text that can be found out in real life, like reading street signs, reading in school, or advertisements in places? Surely, up until now, there would have been reading in classes at school. So why wouldn’t the abilities have appeared prior? The author has a note that something has “awoke”n the powers… But it’s a bit of a flimsy explanation. So yeah, it’s just the type of book where you seriously need to suspend your disbelief. However, I feel like things could have been given a bit more explanation and that the story could have been tweaked to make it seem a little less speedy. For me, it feels way too fast.
I appreciate that the characters are all somewhat positive. Both Josh and Alita are eager readers, who love books. And Kit is an outdoorsy type of character, who loves being outside and being active. But they feel rather generic in the way they’re written. I would have appreciated more development to the characters.
I think that the illustrator did great work. The art is perfect for the book. There are so many wonderful pieces of art, full of details. There are great action scenes and some where characters are exploring.
Overall, I think it’s okay, but not brilliant. I think there just needed to be more work to expand a lot of the sections. Such as to give them more explanation and to build up a little bit more suspense and excitement to them. The illustrations are the shining star of the book. While it’s not a book I particularly enjoyed, I’m sure a lot of kids will love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
Friends Kit, Alita, and Josh ponder where to go on their first day of summer vacation -- a cemetery or a library -- Kit thinks the library is the more boring of the two. She’s not a reader, but Alita and Josh are, and they eventually decide to go to the library.
Which works out well for Kit, who discovers she’s actually a wizard, and that libraries are part of the magic that allows wizards to step into the magical world of books. She the youngest wizard ever known, and normally training doesn’t start until she’s 18, but the Head Librarian, Faith, is given permission by the Wizard Council to start her training at the library.
Alita and Josh aren’t wizards, and aren’t supposed to know about them, but of course they stumble into things and learn it on their own. The four become a sort of team, just in time to try to stop the evil businessman, Mr. Salt, from buying the library and building a shopping mall in its place.
Light chapter book with nice illustrations, but I will say Kit was a bit annoying at first, which is essentially the point that her impetuous nature (now with added magic!) will lead to trouble for her and those around her. Her siblings don’t get a name, just Wicked Older Brother, Perfect Older Sister, Toddler, and Baby. They weren’t major part in this story, but it appears to be the first of a series, and those references could get tiresome.
Looks like it could be a good start of a series for fans who might not be up to reading the Harry Potter series (or who already have), and there’s an ongoing joke about waiting for a new book in a similarly styled series. Not as much appeal for older readers as Harry Potter, but a nice entry-level fantasy story featuring wizards, libraries, and a dragon.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Which works out well for Kit, who discovers she’s actually a wizard, and that libraries are part of the magic that allows wizards to step into the magical world of books. She the youngest wizard ever known, and normally training doesn’t start until she’s 18, but the Head Librarian, Faith, is given permission by the Wizard Council to start her training at the library.
Alita and Josh aren’t wizards, and aren’t supposed to know about them, but of course they stumble into things and learn it on their own. The four become a sort of team, just in time to try to stop the evil businessman, Mr. Salt, from buying the library and building a shopping mall in its place.
Light chapter book with nice illustrations, but I will say Kit was a bit annoying at first, which is essentially the point that her impetuous nature (now with added magic!) will lead to trouble for her and those around her. Her siblings don’t get a name, just Wicked Older Brother, Perfect Older Sister, Toddler, and Baby. They weren’t major part in this story, but it appears to be the first of a series, and those references could get tiresome.
Looks like it could be a good start of a series for fans who might not be up to reading the Harry Potter series (or who already have), and there’s an ongoing joke about waiting for a new book in a similarly styled series. Not as much appeal for older readers as Harry Potter, but a nice entry-level fantasy story featuring wizards, libraries, and a dragon.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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