Dragon Bones

by Paul Hindman

A new neighborhood. A new school. An unhappy birthday. Things aren't looking great for Gregory. But when he discovers an abandoned chalk factory behind his house, something magical happens: a beautiful garden and a quiet friendship spring up within its walls.

78 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1987

About the author

Paul Hindman lives in Boulder, Colorado. He has been scribbling stories ever since he learned how to write in 2nd Grade. His words have been published by Random House (Dragon Bones), aired on PBS (Zoobilee Zoo), and produced by Warner Brothers (Rainbow Brite and the Star-Stealer).

Paul spent much of his childhood in Seoul, Korea, and Bangkok, Thailand, as well as many other alien lands like Denton, Texas. Paul was an Editor at Hallmark Cards before co-creating the team of Evans and Hindman in 1984.

Reviews

[Kay Kay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this was too scary for the reading level. Too tragic as well.

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Far-fetched plot, even for a children's fantasy chapter book. Character reactions often lack credibility. For example, a mother and son sleep while a dragon rampages through their rooms, rips doors off hinges, and steals their belongings. No serious underlying message and the major dramatic question isn't fully resolved at the end. Part of Random House's Stepping Stone reading program, though an older one (published in 1997).

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a definite favorite of my childhood. I've always been interested in dragons and dogs are a wonderful pet to have. So to combine those two aspects into a story, and quite literally at that? I leaped at this book with vigor. It demonstrated the lengths taken to go for a best friend and the courage needed not to give up.