Thomas and the Dragon Queen

by Shutta Crum, Lee Wildish (Illustrator)

A kingdom is at war.
A princess has been kidnapped by a dragon queen.
A brave squire volunteers to set out on a quest to rescue her.
But there's just one small problem. He's Thomas, the shortest of all the squires. With little more than a donkey, a vest, and a sword, Thomas will have to use all of his courage and determination to battle a beast with many heads, reach a forbidden island, and rescue the princess from a most fearsome dragon-and an even more fearsome fate!
Part thrilling adventure and part enchanting fantasy, sprinkled with charming black-and-white illustrations, Thomas and the Dragon Queen will delight young readers from start to finish.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Juvenile, Chapter Books

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Shutta Crum is bi-peninsular, spending half the year in Michigan and half the year in Florida. She is the author of three middle-grade novels and fifteen picture books, as well as many poems, magazine articles, and two poetry chapbooks for adults. Her books have made Bank Street College lists as well as state award lists. THUNDER-BOOMER! was an ALA and a Smithsonian Magazine “Notable Book” of the year. WHEN YOU GET HERE (poems for adults) won a gold Royal Palm Literary Award, (FL). She is also the author of two nearly wordless books MINE! and UH-OH! both published by Knopf. MINE! made the Texas 2X2 list and was a Crystal Kite Award winner for the illustrator Patrice Barton. Of MINE! the N. Y. Times said, “a delightful example of the drama and emotion that a nearly wordless book can convey.” In 2005 she was invited to read at the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. She is a retired librarian and now blogs regularly for the Florida Writers Association, writes a bimonthly column for the Fl. State Poetry Association magazine Of Poets & Poetry, and leads the Friday Follies writing group. In addition, she writes and publishes THE WORDSMITH’S PLAYGROUND, a monthly newsletter for writers. For more info: www.shutta.com

Reviews

[Stephi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I vividly remember reading when I was younger, and I found it at the library so I decided to pick it up again. It's very cute and I love the illustrations.

[Charlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sir Gerald arrives at Thomas' home due to an accident, the knight recognizes the small boy's skills and asks that Thomas accompany him back to the castle and become his page. Thomas is height-challenged and he is often the target of jeers from the other boys in training, but he progresses to become a squire. He finds a friend in Jonathan, a young boy who cares for the animals. The kingdom is at war and too soon Thomas finds himself accompanying Sir Gerald to the battlefield. Thomas' bravery there is acknowledged, but he is overlooked when the other boys progress to knighthood and leave for the battleground.

Walking in the castle he overhears the King bemoaning the fact that his only daughter, Princess Eleanor, has been stolen by the dragon queen Bridgotha. Deprived of others to send to her rescue, the King knights Thomas and sends him off on a quest to save Eleanor. Because all the horses have gone to war, he rides off on Bartholomew, the donkey. He goes with only a blade he has received from Sir Gerald, a leather jerkin his father makes for him, a small supply of food from his mother, and a small toy his sister leaves in his pack. The adventure that follows tries the small boy's skills and spirit in his quest to save a princess from a dragon queen.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas dreams of someday becoming a knight, and when he is sent on a quest to rescue the princess from a dragon, he thinks he has finally found his chance to prove his knightly courage and worth. But everything seems to go wrong along the way. Thomas is the youngest and smallest of all the king's squires. He doesn't have a huge warhorse, or a mighty sword, or shining armor. But he does have courtesy and resourcefulness that will prove to be more useful than any sword.

I liked this funny book a lot! I love a story about an under-dog, and Thomas is about as under-dog as it is possible to get. I love that he has fortitude in the face of difficult situations, especially when the other squires and knights laugh at him for being so short.

The plot is really fun as Thomas tries to rescue the princess and everything goes ridiculously wrong. The story is full of delightful surprises that made me laugh, and inspirational moments when Thomas finds the courage to keep going.

I did not care for the art style of the illustrations, but it's fine. I think that's just my personal preference, not anything particularly wrong about the art.

[Reading Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW
Are you looking for some adventure? Do you enjoy stories about knights and dragons? How about we throw in some sea monsters and an unexpected hero? You’ll get all of that and more in Thomas and the Dragon Queen.
This middle grade book tells the charming tale of Thomas, a tiny squire who does big things for his kingdom. Boys and girls alike will be drawn to this story. Danger and battles for the boys – a kidnapped princess and a dragon queen for the girls. That’s right – I said dragon QUEEN.
Engaging drawings are sprinkled throughout the book and they add to the story. I got a good picture of just how small Thomas was compared to the other boys. This helped make his plight all the more real.
Most of all, though, this book teaches an important lesson. It does not matter how big or how small you are. What really matters is what is in your heart. Thank you to Shutta Crum and The Teen Book Scene for sending this book for review.
RATING
4 Plot
4 Characters
4 Attention Grabbing
3 Girlie Meter
4 Ending

19 TOTAL

4 STARS

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming little adventure.

[Debbie McNeil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fully-developed unique fantasy appropriate for younger readers but not as young as the font, cover and illustrations suggest.

[Deb Aronson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas and the Dragon Queen, a lively middle-grade novel, has knights, castles, mighty war horses, princesses and dragons. The reader starts out thinking they know what they are getting from a book with those ingredients, but Crum turns almost every one of those characters and plot devices on their ears. So much fun!

Thomas is the eldest of nine children. His father is a leather-worker who once went to the castle to train to be a knight. But, because he did not come from a land-owning family, Thomas’s father was not allowed to become a knight. He returned home to take up the work of a saddle maker, get married and raise a family.

Thomas is kind and good natured toward his siblings. He not only helps look after them, he entertains them by acting out his Dad’s stories of brave and noble knights and their adventures.
Thomas dreams of becoming a knight, but at the age of 12 he is the size of most 7-year-olds. In a world of border wars, battle swords and big, strong men, his size is a real barrier to success; because of his small size, no armor will fit him, he cannot lift a regulation sword and he cannot mount a war horse.

Thomas doesn’t let his tiny size stop him. I won’t give away the rest of the story, but he has some surprising adventures and finds out that he has plenty of strengths and talents, despite his obvious challenges.

This story will speak to any reader who has felt that their difference is making them the butt of someone’s joke and getting in the way of what they want to do. One of the things I love about Thomas is that he acknowledges his feelings of hurt and anger when his fellow squires make fun of him, but he also makes a conscious decision to not let that stop him from doing what he knows needs doing.

Shutta Crum is an imaginative, fun-loving story teller and I hope she had as much fun writing this as I did reading it. Crum mostly writes picture books, but she has another novel, Spitting Image, which is now on my reading list.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

``stench .. of death .. ancient evil``. Cute people are sticks on squares, but royals. Ma of 10 be wide, worn. Sigh for color - dragons, Sir G red hair, pals in stall dirt afore princess.

More duty + honor, than humor. Death. Surprises. Ivory is hint.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas and the Dragon Queen was a delightful and exciting middle grade novel that will bring smiles to the faces of any and all readers.

I rarely delve into the middle grade genre, mainly because there are so many great YA books waiting to be devoured, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to read and review this one. Thomas was a brave and well developed main character, and I loved reading about his different adventures. First of all his family, they were a well rounded and endearing group and I especially liked baby Isabel. His parents were both kind people and truly wanted the best for their family. They also encouraged Thomas to strive the highest he could even though he was so small for his age.

All of the characters were likable, and the brave and kind hearted always succeeded. Sir Gerald, Jon, Princess Eleanor... every character stood out to me and played a great role in the story. I especially liked being able to experience the story with Thomas and the other characters because of the adorable black and white drawings scattered throughout the chapters. The pictures added a lot to the story and let me picture the scenes even more vividly.

The plot was so original and exciting. Thomas faced a variety of trials and triumphs (none that would truly frighten young readers, though) and he was so brave in the face of danger. One of my favorite scenes was when he was rescuing a dolphin ensnared in a bit of netting along the coast. He was determined and never gave up. Readers will be cheering for Thomas as he faces a variety of challenges to reach the kidnapped Princess Eleanor and by the end you will be anxious to see how it will all turn out.

An excellent adventure story with a fabulous main character and exciting plot twists, Thomas and the Dragon Queen is definitely one of my favorite middle grade novels. I can't wait to recommend it to all the younger children I know!

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas is small for his age. Although he's 12 years old, people often think he is younger than that. They certainly don't think he has the skills to be a knight! Thomas is eager at first to prove his abilities, but after a while Thomas begins to doubt himself - he can't manage the heavy sword of a knight and he is too short to ride a horse.
He doesn't giveup though and one day he finds himself in the presence of the King. It turns out the King needs Thomas to serve as a knight...and not for any ordinary duty. Thomas must rescue the princess from the Dragon Queen and he must travel on a donkey to do so! With every challenge he faces, Thomas makes a decision and continues on to fulfill his destiny.
Thomas and the Dragon Queen by Shutta Crum is a good first fantasy novel for elementary readers. It's a tale with dragons and knights and action, yet it's not full of blood and gore and evil. With the likable character ofThomas and the surprise ending, it isn't your usual "boy meets dragon" tale; it's a fresh new story for younger chapter book readers.

[Patrice Sartor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially discovered this book on one of those lists of 'best kid books for 2010' or something similar. I put it as one of the options for me to read to the boys', and it was quickly selected. We all liked it, and I have since noticed Trevor acting out some of the dragon interactions that we read. It was a very cute tale--you can't help but love Thomas. He's short for his age, kind, brave, fearless and honest. An all-around super nice boy.

Thomas goes through many trials and tribulations on his path from babysitter to his many siblings to knight sent out to confront the Dragon Queen. What he discovers when he finally reaches the Dragon Queen's isle was a highlight of the book for me (and the boys strongly enjoyed it too). The only negative I found was its predictability. The boys' were proclaiming what would happen next or making plot guesses throughout the title, and they were correct each time. That shouldn't take away from the enjoyment factor, though. Recommended!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story, with a wonderful unlikely hero, a princess that defies the stereotype and though the quest is the stuff of amazing adventures, the hero feels very real emotions rather than the author romanticizing some very difficult situations. Great for small children (even my three year old sat through this story, read over the course of a week and a half at bedtime). My Five year old daughter loved it, and though it was filled with mythical creatures and fairy tale happenings (dragons and the many-headed beast)it somehow feels very real. And for once reading a childrens book out loud to my children, wasn't boring for me! I actually wanted to read ahead after they fell asleep, just to find out what happens! And you've got to love how Crum writes the dragon queen and the singular, unique way she resolves the whole mess.

[Susan Hoffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this to my 7YO at bedtime I thought I was hilarious and called it Thomas and the Drag Queen until the conversation about lifestyle choices was spurred by the inevitable question of "what is a drag queen?" The kid will never look at drag queens or dragons the same again. But hopefully he is now more worldly and accepting in his views of others. Who knew reading could open so many doors for conversation? Ok, we all knew mommy's sense of humor would. So is the next step in his education a trip to Hamburger Mary's?

The story was cute, fun and easy to read and had all the right "messages" in it about being kind, misunderstood, and that the little guy can do it all - brains instead of brawn. We enjoyed it.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas is the oldest of several brothers and sisters. He is also pretty small for his age. He loves to hear his father tell stories of knight school, although his father never finished. Now the kingdom is at war and Sir Phillip, a knight, is passing through. He stops at Thomas' home and Thomas is more than happy to become his page. Thomas takes the steps to become a knight, and when the princess is stolen by the dragon queen, the king knights him because he is one of the few squires not at the battle front. Thomas, clad in a leather jerkin, riding a donkey, and wielding a mysterious sword, sets out to rescue the princess. Thomas is such a sweet character that I wanted to read more despite the slow pace of the plot.

3rd - 4th grade.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was well-written, and had a surprise ending. My 6th grader loved the story because despite Thomas being small for his age, he was still able to ignore ridicule and accomplish great things. His knight, Sir Gerald, said, "It is only by the thinnest thread that we make our homes in relative peace with our neighbors. To do this takes skill in all areas of training, and wisdom to know and do one's duty despite laughter or pain. Here, you train for the kingdom, not for yourself! Never forget that!... Remember this - anger has its purpose, but never let it keep you from doing what you must." Good advice, as is Thomas's own personal admission, "There are some things about oneself that must simply be accepted and worked around."

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a nice little book! While the general plot and moral seems rather same-old-same-old (namely size-doesn't-matter and just-because-you-don't-have-showy-talents-doesn't-mean-you-don't-have-gifts), the story has a fresh feel to it that keeps it alive. I like the world-building--not too complex for a middle-grade fantasy, and yet with interesting and creative detail.

The pictures, in my opinion, did not match the book. Personally, I would have preferred some rich, realistic art that would have given the story yet more depth. I ended up trying to ignore the cartoony pictures because they lightened the mood to the point of inanity, which the story did not deserve.

[Lissa Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas fits the usual requirements for a fantasy hero; he’s tiny, inexperienced in the art of fighting, and can’t even hold a sword. He’s also only 12, however, all of the real knights are off fighting the enemy and there’s no one else available to go and save the princess from the dragon queen. So Thomas sets off, doubting himself all the way (pun intended). After many trials and adventures, Thomas finds the dragon’s lair, and discovers that none of the many things he has learned on his journey will help him now.

A refreshing take on the spindly-kid-turns-hero-and-saves-the-world. A great addition for young chapter book readers who are looking to move to a longer book. Grades 3-5

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for 5420 class

A good jFic for introducing elementary-aged readers to the wonderful world of knights, jousting, and courtiers that awaits them at a higher reading level. Thomas and the Dragon Queen surprises readers (even cynical 20-somethings who don't like to read at such a low lexile level) and has its moments of feminism in a setting that is brain-clobberingly patriarchal and sexist. Thomas, as a character, is a good mix of gender-conforming and non-conforming: he wants to be a brave and courageous knight, but he's really good with animals and taking care of his little brothers and sisters.

[Childrens Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I should give this 3 1/2 stars. I like it a lot for those 2nd-4th graders who want fantasy and are past CATWINGS but not ready for Lloyd Alexander. The story is very straightforward, and the type is large with lots of white space. The writing is very direct but the details are good, the hero an endearing one and the story ends happily. The cover put me off for several weeks, and I don't think the tone of the art matches the tone of the story, but I know this one, with some hand-selling, will please a lot of kids. -Maeve

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful book! This is a great book for young boys who are just into chapter books and are looking for an adventurous story that will pull them along. Thomas, the son of a leatherworker, is chosen by Knight Gerald to be his squire and subsequently is promoted when he goes off to save Princess Eleanor from the Dragon. This is a great book for boys who like adventure and their parents who would like to minimize their exposure to unnecessary violence. Thanks to Shutta Crum for a great work.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fairy tale takes a long time to get interesting but once it does, it's really great. Thomas is the oldest son in a very big family. He's also smaller than most kids his age so people assume he's younger than he is. He's really good at helping out in his family but would like to be a knight. So one day, a knight stumbles into their neighborhood, Thomas jumps at the chance to go and serve the king. When the princess gets stolen by the dragon queen, it seems unlikely that someone as small as Thomas could help, but off he goes to try!

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for about 2nd-5th grade boys but the illustrations made it seem more childish than it actually was. Looking at the pictures made me expect something that I could read to my preschool age son. Instead I'll have to wait a few years for this one. I have a feeling they might be missing a chunk of their intended audience because of the illustrations. Not that the illustrations weren't good- they just didn't match the tone of the story. It actually distracted me quite often as I was reading.

[Salsabrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas is the oldest boy in the family but very small for his age. His way with horses captures the notice of one of the king's knights and he takes Thomas to be his squire at the castle. Fighting at the border consumes most of the king's resources and men, and when the king discovers the princess has been kidnapped by a dragon, he sends small Thomas out to rescue her. The theme of small stature not being a limitation isn't addressed nearly as satisfactorily as in "Rowan of Rin," but young readers will likely enjoy this medieval fantasy of right over might.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this story- until Thomas actually goes on his quest for the dragon. I enjoyed how Thomas consistently stood up for himself, despite others thinking he would fail. I also like the interaction with the dragon a lot. While a first or second grader would not be able to tackle this story on their own, I think the story would appeal to that grade level the most. This story would work well as a compare contrast with My Father's Dragon.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! Being small in stature myself I especially enjoyed the lesson that it doesn't matter how big you are, but what you do and how you do it! Thomas is a great character and teaches kids many great lessons while on his quest to save the princess. Love books like this that are simply enjoyable to read! I will definitely be looking to see if there are other books by this author and my kids will absolutely be reading this book!

[Emmaleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading a quick summary of the book I assumed it would be sort of a tale based off of classic characters such as don quixote which in some ways it was. They story was extremely predictable and I did not find the writing style enjoyable. I skimmed most pages since the unnecessary pictures in the book give away the entire story. There was never a point where I couldn't wait to read more, it was a continual state of wanting to get to the ever predictable ending and check it off my list.

[Barbara Stroer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This current Sunshine state book is my favorite for the summer so far. I think it would be appropriate for a third or fourth grader. It was a very sweet story about a small boy who becomes a knight because of his bravery. He sets out to rescue the king's daughter who has been kidnapped by a dragon. When he finds the princess and the dragons, he realizes they are not what he expected. I think any child would like this story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

2-4th grade. A great adventure as young Thomas is pressed into a quest to rescue a princess, riding a donkey and wearing a cork-lined vest instead of armor. Boys will like the desperate fight against the bog monster, while grownups will like the ending, where Thomas shows his bravery by talking and understanding to provide the solution rather than blood and gore.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read parts of this book to my son and then, as he finished it on his own, I decided to reread it on my own. A very nice read, really enjoyed it. Some nice basic illustrations, very simple, added to the story. A small boy comes of age and shows that it's not the size of the boy that's important but the size of his heart.

[Tracy Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good fantasy for the younger readers. I like the title character (he helps out with his brothers and sisters!) and the writing style (looks like a long chapter book, but good writing makes the story fun and easy to read). Thomas is from a large family and given an opportunity to train with a local knight, of course he goes to the castle and comes upon all kinds of good adventures.