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Zog

Зог и летящите лекари

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Запознайте се с добрия дракон Зог, героя Гадабут и нейна милост Перла. Специалисти те са!

Летящите лекари се носят в небето и лекуват русалки, еднорози и лъвове. Но дали ще успеят да намерят лекарство за болния крал?

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2017

12 people are currently reading
514 people want to read

About the author

Julia Donaldson

1,222 books1,893 followers
Growing up
I grew up in a tall Victorian London house with my parents, grandmother, aunt, uncle, younger sister Mary and cat Geoffrey (who was really a prince in disguise. Mary and I would argue about which of us would marry him).

Mary and I were always creating imaginary characters and mimicking real ones, and I used to write shows and choreograph ballets for us. A wind-up gramophone wafted out Chopin waltzes.

I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married.

Busking and books
Before Malcolm and I had our three sons we used to go busking together and I would write special songs for each country; the best one was in Italian about pasta.

The busking led to a career in singing and songwriting, mainly for children’s television. I became an expert at writing to order on such subjects as guinea pigs, window-cleaning and horrible smells. “We want a song about throwing crumpled-up wrapping paper into the bin” was a typical request from the BBC.

I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs.

One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.

My real breakthrough was THE GRUFFALO, again illustrated by Axel. We work separately - he’s in London and I’m in Glasgow - but he sends me letters with lovely funny pictures on the envelopes.

I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books.

Funnily enough, I find it harder to write not in verse, though I feel I am now getting the hang of it! My novel THE GIANTS AND THE JONESES is going to be made into a film by the same team who made the Harry Potter movies, and I have written three books of stories about the anarchic PRINCESS MIRROR-BELLE who appears from the mirror and disrupts the life of an otherwise ordinary eight-year-old. I have just finished writing a novel for teenagers.

When I’m not writing I am often performing, at book festivals and in theatres. I really enjoy getting the children in the audience to help me act out the stories and sing the songs. When Malcolm can take time off from the hospital he and his guitar come too. and it feels as if we’ve come full circle - back to busking.

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5 stars
796 (48%)
4 stars
575 (34%)
3 stars
226 (13%)
2 stars
39 (2%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡  .
5,085 reviews636 followers
January 8, 2025
Wieder ein sehr gelungenes Buch über den Drachen Zogg, der diesmal gemeinsam mit Prinzessin Perle und dem Ritter Schlagedrein durch die Welt fliegt, um gute Tagen zu vollbringen. Prinzessin Perle möchte unbedingt Ärztin werden, doch der König möchte das nicht zulassen. Ob er sich umstimmen lassen wird?
😊 Ich mag, dass hier alles in Reimen erzählt wird. Auch der Inhalt ist schön, und so ist diese Geschichte eine richtig gute Vorlesegeschichte!
Profile Image for Calista.
5,432 reviews31.3k followers
August 18, 2019
A fun story about a Knight and a Princess who are both doctors and they fly around the country helping subjects on their dragon. The princesses uncle does not understand and he says a princess can’t be a doctor. He locks her up and makes her wear frilly dresses and make cushions. One day he gets sick and you can imagine who helps him get well.

Julia did the ‘Gruffalo’ and this is another wonderful story. I appreciate her fun sense of humor and the odd little worlds she creates. This is my kind of fantasy story. The poor dragon, Zog, needs to learn how to land. It’s a nice neat story where everything wraps up nicely and who can’t use a story like that here and there.

The nephew loved this story. He loved the dragon and all the animals they help like the lion. He didn’t think either of them looked like a Knight or a Princess and I told him that was the point. He gave this story 4 stars. The niece loved the princess and how bold she was. The princess knew who she was. The niece thought this was a good story and she gave this 4 stars too.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,559 reviews34 followers
September 10, 2024
This book caught my eye while browsing the book bins at my local library. I was curious to see which picture books are available to children here in Bromyard. The cover is intriguing and there is a stamp stating that it is "by the creators of The Gruffalo," as I happen to like The Gruffalo, I thought I would give it a go.

I loved the character's names and the cases they treat include a mermaid with sunburn, a unicorn with an extra horn, a lion with a sneeze, and finally, a king who has turned orange. The text and the illustrations are super and this was a fun read.
Profile Image for Schizanthus Nerd.
1,317 reviews304 followers
December 3, 2019
I was introduced to Zog when I borrowed the short film from the library. After watching it twice I finally read the book, and Zog became my new favourite dragon. Naturally I then ordered the sequel from the library and bought my own copy of the film so I could watch it to my heart’s content.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this read and I’m so disappointed that I was disappointed by it. At the end of the first book, Princess Pearl, Gadabout the Great and Zog head off on a new adventure. This book begins with the Flying Doctors living the life of their dreams. Pearl is finally a doctor, Gadabout is performing surgery and Zog is flying them from patient to patient.
description
They tend to a sunburnt mermaid, a unicorn with an extra horn and a lion who’s got the flu. Everything was going well and I was along for the ride … until
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Nope, sorry. That’s not a book I’d want to read again or put in front of a child. The first book? No hesitation. I still absolutely love it. I just wish I’d stopped there and imagined for myself the wonderful adventures that were to come for the Flying Doctors.

I loved the illustrations in this book; they’re the reason I’m giving this book 3 stars instead of 2.
Profile Image for melis.
290 reviews145 followers
December 30, 2019
içinden ejderhayla uçan doktorların geçtiği bir hikâye var elinizde ve yine de cinsiyetçilikten sapır sapır dökülen böyle bir kitap yazıyorsunuz, gerçekten korkunç.

prenses inci, doktor olmuştur, kral olan amcasını ziyarete gelir. amcasıysa onu “prensesler doktor olmaz” diyerek saraya kapatır, çiçeklere bakmaya ve nakış işlemeye mahkûm eder. onu zihnen ve fiziken hapsetmiştir, parmaklıkların ardında tutar kaçamasın diye. sonra kral hastalanır, çaresini kimse bulamaz, inci sayesinde tedavi olunca da kral fikrini değiştirip onu serbest bırakır. inci’yse buna neredeyse minnettardır, onu hapseden adama bir teşekkür etmediği kalır, en kısa zamanda ziyarete geleceğini söyler ona.

kadının yaptığı şeyde -öncelikle aslında yapabildiğini göstermek için- kendini ispat etmesi gerektiği vurgusu bir yana, kadının “kralın adamları” tarafından tutulup alıkonduğu, zorlandığı ve sonra da hapsedildiği sahneler var kitapta, dolayısıyla kralın kitabın sonunda (canı kurtulduğu için) “prensesler de doktor olabilirmiş” yargısına varması hiçbir şey ifade etmiyor. sonrasında ne gelirse gelsin, iki ızbandut herifin kadını kollarından tutup çekiştirerek hapsettiğinin resmedildiği gerçeğini (ve kitabı sansürleyip başka hikâyeler uydurarak okumama rağmen yeğenimin minicik parmaklarıyla o adamları gösterip “burda ne yapmışlar” diye sorduğu anda hissettiğim çaresizliği) silmiyor. sizin yazacağınız/çizeceğiniz kitaba lanet olsun kısacası.
Profile Image for Jess.
2,667 reviews33 followers
November 18, 2017
I have no patience for characters and people who only realize girls can do stuff after they're saved by the girl. Ugh. Gross. Different plotline, please. Give me the people flying around being doctors and put them into some danger or problem to solve. That's the feminist story I want, not the one with a jerk uncle so threatened by his doctor niece that he locks her up until Princess Pearl heals his ass. Nah, not for me. I don't have time for that dude.
Profile Image for Rachael.
605 reviews98 followers
January 6, 2021
As you may already know, I wrote my undergraduate dissertation on gender representation in Julia Donaldson picture books. I wish this book was published earlier because it would have been so interesting to include it in my dissertation. A few years later, I now know this story and it is very enjoyable.
Profile Image for James.
504 reviews
August 1, 2021
More perfectly delivered fun from "the Lennon and McCartney of children's publishing".

A great read and a worthy sequel to 'Zog'. You really can't go wrong with Donaldson and Scheffler - long may they reign.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
Author 1 book143 followers
July 23, 2018
A fun adventure, where medical know-how and kindness saves the day!

I would, though, I think be a trifle cautious about whether every story of mean “bad guys” are won over with being the better person. The princess’s uncle says she can’t be a doctor, and locks her up. The pictures show her with bars on the windows, and her friends failing to break her out. Cause while some bad guys are merely mean or misguided or misinformed (in this case the uncle is cured of a deadly disease and finally admits that princesses can indeed be doctors), some are not placated by kindness and it is more appropriate to escape to safety with all due speed. It’s important to depict that, too.

So yeah, basically, while we’re reading fun adventures with dragon friends, make sure they display a variety of crisis management plans. Every good picture book library needs a multitude of tactical options.
Profile Image for Bar Reads.
174 reviews20 followers
March 3, 2017
My doctor sister reads this to her son. It's a wonderful story!
Profile Image for Kasiastarko.
184 reviews10 followers
June 14, 2019
"Дракон із лицарем своїм
помчали у долину -
І вдячний лев чемненько їм
сякнувся у торбину".
Profile Image for Barbara.
14.9k reviews316 followers
November 4, 2017
Zog is a dragon who willingly transports two doctors, Gadabout the Great and Princess Pearl, through the kingdom so that they can minister to those who are ailing in some way. But the princess's uncle, who happens to be the king, is old-fashioned and insists that she cannot be a doctor. When she disagrees, he imprisons her and she is forced to sit around wearing a fancy dress and passing her time in dull fashion. Despite her friends' best efforts to rescue Pearl, they are unsuccessful. The king becomes ill, and only Pearl can save him with some help from some of the creatures the doctors nursed back to health earlier. In gratitude, he releases his niece so she can continue on her life-saving path. The colorful illustrations fit the timely story to a T, reminding readers that girls and women can do anything, and that sometimes it is good to have an open mind about others. This talented storyteller clearly has a way with words and always keeps her readers hanging on to her every word, making this a great read aloud.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
579 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2018
While the title of this book intrigued me, it was underwhelming. I was so hopeful that this book was going to be filled with laughter and fun anecdotes, but it was not. There was a rhythmic tone that I enjoyed, but the story line was mediocre. Unfortunately, this book didn't contain the right medicine for me and I would not read it during story time.
Profile Image for Madonna Stephens.
59 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2019
An excellent reversal of the usual fairy tail trope. Very cool to see the dragon and the "knight" working together this time to rescue the princess from the king - But the Princess proves her worth as a doctor and saves her uncle thereby freeing herself. My kids are in love with ZOG since watching the movie and are hoping this one will be made as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Svetlana Svetova.
12 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2019
I have a problem with Pearl being imprisoned for getting a profession, having to prove she is better than male professionals, and getting no apology when released like she is her uncle's property. Author wanted to tell an empowering girl story but just reinforced the existing stereotypes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MaryBrigid Turner.
204 reviews3 followers
Read
September 5, 2016
Zog is probably one of my favourite books by Julia Donaldson. I was so excited to see a sequel and it didn't disappoint. Allofthefuns
63 reviews
April 12, 2019
Links to the sun: how the sun burns your skin, can lead to how to protect your skin in the sun
Links to fire: how to create fire, what elements need to be present for fire to occur
498 reviews
February 22, 2022
I loved the theme of the story - girls (or princesses) can become doctors. This is an early reader book. I didn't like that a few words in the middle of the sentence start with uppercase letters; this can be misleading for children (emergent readers).
Profile Image for Beth Rodgers.
Author 12 books40 followers
December 1, 2017
'Zog and the Flying Doctors' is another great story by Julia Donaldson, and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The two have their share of books written and illustrated together, including 'The Gruffalo' and 'Room on the Broom,' two adorable and poetic stories about interesting creatures. In this tale, Zog, a dragon-ambulance, shuttles two doctors, known as Gadabout the Great and Princess Pearl, all over in the name of medicine. They work on a variety of creatures, from mermaids to lions to unicorns, spreading goodness through their ability to make everyone feel better. However, when Princess Pearl's uncle, also known as the king, discovers that she has traded her princess duties for those of a doctor, he banishes her to his palace, making her focus on doing things only meant for princesses. Desperate to escape this fate, Pearl works with Gadabout and Zog to help cure her uncle from an illness, hoping that he'll eventually see the error of his ways.

Donaldson does a fine job with her rhyming verses, capturing the troubles and triumph that shape Pearl's life, and by extension, that of Gadabout and Zog. She shows that girls and boys alike can do anything they want if they set their mind to it, and they should be proud to stand up to anyone who stands in their way, even if those people are family members. Pearl's goodness and work ethic shine through as the story goes on, and her companions help her remain true to who she knows she truly is and is meant to be. Additionally, Axel Scheffler's illustrations help further showcase Donaldson's poetic prowess and her ability to tell a compelling and seemingly realistic story even though magical creatures populate the pages. The fact that the story is set in historical times is also a plus.

In 'Zog and the Flying Doctors,' Donaldson and Scheffler have crafted a sweet, historical, engaging story that is hard to not embrace, especially after reading some of their other tales that stem from the same spirit.

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
Profile Image for Martha.
1,344 reviews10 followers
February 10, 2018
Finding picture books with mermaids or unicorns is usually a challenge, yet they are frequent topics requested by young patrons. In the sequel to A Gold Star for Zog, I found both imaginary creatures, and of course Zog's new friend Princess Pearl, and the good knight Gadabout back for another adventure. With the help of her trusty dragon friend Zog their flying ambulance, Princess Pearl and Knight Gadabout the Great, the flying doctors, are once again taking care of patients administering vaccinations, pills, or performing operations. When they spot a mermaid suffering from sunburn, Princess Pearl gives her the same advice humans receive for excess sun. Unicorn's double horn is a problem the flying doctors discover, and miraculously cure too. When they land back at the castle, Princess Pearl finds herself imprisoned by her uncle the king. However, he catches a horrible flu, when doctors around the world fail to cure him there is only one more possibility. Readers will need to find out what happens to imprisoned Pearl, the independent princess turned doctor. An empowering and clever read, for the princess, mermaid, and unicorn crowd.
Profile Image for Hymerka.
683 reviews123 followers
November 1, 2019
Ця книжечка — це продовження пригод помаранчевого дракончика Зоґа, який наприкінці першого тому став ключовим членом "летючої допомоги": завдяки своїм сильним крилам він доставляє до хворих принцесу і лицаря, які перекваліфікувалися на лікарів.

"У Златки від усіх недуг є ліки та вакцини,
Сер Галалот тепер хірург, він має бинт і шини.
А Зоґ несе обох туди, де хворі їх чекають,
Сідає м'яко не завжди, та друзі пробачають."


Пацієнти цієї команди-мрії такі ж чудернацькі, як і вони самі: то русалка, яка обпеклася на сонці, то дворогий єдиноріг, то лев, який грипує. Наша летюча допомога невтомно допомагає їм усім. Та одного разу Златка вирішує навідати свого дядька короля Корнія і тому не подобається те, що дівчина занедбала своє принцесяче життя. Він змушує її в пишній сукні і короні без угаву гаптувати подушки і не дозволяє лікувати, ба навіть виходити із замку. Зоґ і Галалот намагаються визволити подругу, але це їм вдається аж тоді, коли сам король Корній занедужує і ніхто із двірцевих лікарів не може йому допомогти. Ось тут наші друзі і проявлять сповна все своє лікарське уміння. )
Profile Image for Ana.
468 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2017
This is a case of the sequel being better than the original...at least in my eyes.

"Zog" was a pretty good book, but the addition of the princess from the first book as well as Gadabout the Great, turned it into an even better book.

They fly around taking care of all creatures far and near, from the rare - unicorn - to the regal - lion.

But then one day Princess Pearl decided to pay a visit to her Uncle the King and things took a wrong turn.

Showcasing that girls really can be everything - princess and doctor alike - this is a great book for all the children in your life. Plus all the dragon-loving adults in your life too.
Profile Image for Heather Anderson.
27 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2018
Donaldson's A Gold Star for Zog has been a favorite in our little library for the past year or so. When we stumbled upon Zog and the Flying Doctors during our weekly library trip today, we just had to grab it! The illustrations are whimsical and unique. The story encourages young people to chase after their dreams no matter society's expectations (especially for your gender). I love the characterization of Princess Pearl. She breaks boundaries, demonstrates her knowledge, and proves herself capable of both enormous compassion and hard work. I hope to see more books featuring Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout, and Zog!
Profile Image for Serenity.
1,120 reviews11 followers
December 30, 2017
*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

I did not read the preceding book, so I was not invested in the characters, but I still enjoyed this book. This is an adorable rhyming picture book. The rhymes flow well, and there is a bit of a mighty girl theme, along with friendship. The illustrations are lovely, as well. This is make a wonderful readaloud.
Profile Image for Lyrical Librarian.
87 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2018
Another success for Miss Julia! We learn that just because a girl is a princess, she doesn't need to spend her days with idle, tedious tasks. She is just as capable as anyone else of doing great things! We also chuckle at the poor dragon and his silly antics. We feel sympathy for him because he has trouble with landing, but he never complains or fears to take off again when he is needed. Imaginative, funny, and empowering to young girls who struggle with their inner princess.
Profile Image for Lynn  Davidson.
8,199 reviews36 followers
March 20, 2019
This is a fun rhyming story, and funny - especially the bang-crash-thump. Wonderful, bright illustrations. The story is not lost in the rhyme and is very entertaining.
A team of three - two doctors and their dragon - called the Flying Doctors go around helping the ill, until the King discovers his niece is one of them. She is a princess and should be living like one. A turn of events changes his mind.
Profile Image for Matti Karjalainen.
3,218 reviews86 followers
January 23, 2019
Lohikäärme Leo, prinsessa Piia ja ritari Urho muodostavat lääkärikolmikon, joka lentelee ympäriinsä auttamassa sairastuneita satuhahmoja. Valitettavasti prinsessan setä on sitä mieltä, ettei moinen touhu sovi ollenkaan kuninkaallisille, ja lukitsee tytön linnansa torniin. Mikäpä siis neuvoksi?

Julia Donaldsonin runomuotoinen kuvakirja vetosi hyvin satutuntilapsiin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews

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