The Boy Who Grew Dragons (The Boy Who Grew Dragons 1)

After Tomas discovers a strange-looking tree at the bottom of his Grandad’s garden and decides to take one of its funny-looking fruits home with him, he doesn’t think much of it. Once home he places it on his desk in his bedroom and that’s when he notices it start to move! Before the day is done Tomas will make more than a discovery, he would get a shock & delight of his life! Because hatching from the now glowing and growing, very well named dragon fruit, is a dragon - Flicker: Tomas’s own real-life pet dragon. Trying his best to keep Flicker hidden from his family, Tomas soon learns that looking after Flicker does not only make life more fun, but also quite unpredictable to say the very least!Yes, dragons are amazingly wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbrush and leave your pants hanging from the TV aerial and produce exploding poop! Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker, and quickly. And then something even more extraordinary happens - more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is officially growing dragons at the bottom of his Grandad’s garden.This book is the first in a series. The author brings a natural warmth (no pun intended) and wonder to the book with her most imaginative of dragon-descriptions, especially when Tomas and the readers are introduced to Flicker. The descriptions complement not only the very visually-appealing and richly-expressive vocabulary that the author creatively uses but also within the illustrators distinctive and lively illustrations to match.I found the story an absolute delight and adorable to read. It left me with the urge to go and buy some dragon fruit and keep it on standby to see what happens 🐉☺️The Boy Who Grew Dragons is a heartwarming story with a positive portrayal of dragons and family relations and I’m definitely looking forward now to start reading the next book in this series, The Boy Who Lived With Dragons.5⭐️ + extra 5⭐️ for the positive portrayals of one of my most favourite mythical creatures of all time 🐉

I read this book to my Y2 reading group and they loved it. They loved the humour, the frequently mentioned dragon poo and the illustrations. As a teacher, I loved the story, the short chapters and the vocabulary - it is the perfect level to entertain but with enough new vocabulary to develop Y2 readers at the end of the Summer Term. We’d definitely recommend it!

This book is inspiring, creative, funny and eww disgusting (whilst giggling profusely) in spades. We adored this adventure with Tomas and Flicker and are planning to read the others.With singed pages, scratches and splatters you are immediately immersed in the world of Tomas and Flicker.What I adored the most about this comedy caper was the true heart in it.The family dynamics are full of tiny heartfelt gestures from the pet names to indulging Lolly’s love of connect 4 and the way they defend each other. This transfers to Tomas’ friendship circle too.I also love that it hits the target age group with the realities of caring for a pet, something often requested at this age but not always stepping up to the responsibilities.It’s a gentle reality check using fantasy scattered throughout creating this wonderful mix of caring for other people and learning to care for a pet.The inspiring and playful experience from reading this book and the play and craft potential from it too makes it a must read for children making that jump from early readers to Middle grade with its accessible chatty tone and illustrations throughout The Boy who Grew Dragons is a hug and a giggle in a book.

I found the story develops well, however the ending for me was not so goodI would however say its a great read for younger readers!

Good read kids loved it

This book is like a hug from my mum, or a mug of tea on a cold winter day. I read it in two sittings, and immediately passed it on to Samuel, who I babysit for, and he is as enthralled as I was.I LOVE dragon stories, and Andy made hers one that was unique and original (ahem, dragon plants), and yet comfortingly familiar. I also ADORED the clear love and respect for growing plants/tending to a garden throughout the book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Tomas and his Grandad. I have such a close relationship with my grandpa, and Tomas’s Grandad reminded me of him so much.The writing in this book was exquisitely lovely, not at all flowery or overly descriptive but poetic nonetheless. At the heart of the story is the relationship between Tomas and Flicker, his dragon–and I thought the development of this relationship was so great. The trust and mutual respect that grows throughout the story was so lovely to see.Finally, a special shoutout to the glorious illustrations, done by the wonderful Sara Ogilvie–they were just stunning, and really made the reading of this book a special experience. THE BOY WHO GREW DRAGONS was fabulous, a perfect read for younger middle graders with a taste for adventure. I am super excited to read the sequel!

My 8 year old wanted this book as he had started to read it at school and was enjoying it.We have read the first few chapters together and I have to say, it is a lovely book. It is ideal for the average 8 year old reading level and also has some lovely illustrations in it.The story is as it says - about a boy who grows a dragon, but the detailing and the actual story telling is lovely.Great book to read together or for children to read independently. We will be buying the other books in the series once we’re finished!

Read lots of good reviews. It was ok, read to 7 and 3 year olds. Poo humour was enjoyed. Just lacked any real depth to it for the kids. My 7yr old said she didn't think it had that much of a storyline, she likes stories that envelope her mind so she can feel shes there almost.The description of the boy and his grandads relationship was thought provoking, e.g twinkle in his eye, my cheeks burned red where we didn't tell the truth etc... but that was about it. Read it in 3nights (pre bed story). Good simple story just needed a bit more depth and more to happen in it.