The Dragon Ark
What’s inside...
Join the Dragon Protector on her quest to find the rarest dragon in the world in The Dragon Ark —featuring illustrations by Tomislav Tomic.
With dragon numbers in rapid decline, time is running out to ensure the survival of the species. Curatoria Draconis, also known as the Dragon Protector, is on a mission to find the rarest dragon on the Chinese Celestial Dragon.
Aboard the Dragon Ark, you’ll travel all over the globe and see some of the most incredible dragons—care for Deep-Sea Dragons off the coast of New Zealand, journey into the Amazon Rainforest to spot plant-loving Parvula Dragons, and trek alongside the Ice Dragons in Antarctica. Journey around the world to seek out secretive and magnificent beasts, to observe and protect them in their natural habitat.
“A stimulating voyage for hatchling dragonologists.” — Kirkus Reviews
Discussion points
What do you think is the most interesting thing about dragons?
Why do you think dragons are often considered magical creatures in stories?
If you could have your own dragon, what qualities would you like it to have and why?
How do you think people and dragons can learn to live together peacefully?
What is one thing you learned about dragons that surprised you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know or think about dragons to activate their prior knowledge.
While reading, pause at dramatic points to discuss your child’s predictions or feelings about the story’s events.
Encourage your child to imagine their own dragon and describe it, fostering creativity and a personal connection to the book’s theme.
After reading, compare dragons in this book with dragons in other stories or movies to deepen understanding and enhance critical thinking.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to point out details or ask questions about the dragon’s environment, fostering observation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Dragon Ark', characters must work together to find and protect the dragons. This cooperation underscores the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats and species, represented by the dragons. It teaches children to value and protect wildlife.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in environmental conservation efforts and to be mindful of their impact on the world around them.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Characters in the book face various challenges while protecting the dragons, demonstrating bravery. It's about overcoming fears for a greater good.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and speak up or take action when needed, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what’s right.
Example Lesson: Importance of Knowledge
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is also one of learning, as they gather knowledge about dragons to help protect them. It shows that knowledge is power.
Real-World Application: It instills a love for learning in children, emphasizing that education can lead to better understanding and solutions in real-world problems.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters often encounter setbacks in their quest but continue to persevere. This resilience is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Teaching children resilience, helping them understand that setbacks are part of life and can be overcome with persistence and determination.