George and the Mini Dragon
by George Webster and Helen Harvey, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Interest age: 6 to 8
Reading age: 6+
Published by Scholastic, 2025
About this book
On George’s birthday, as he blows out the candles, he wishes for his very own pet. He has some brilliant presents, but no special animal. Then that afternoon, he finds a mini dragon behind the shed!
He names her Lava, and the cheeky dragon sneaks into his school bag the next day, causing chaos in the classroom. Can George and his friends keep Lava a secret and win the school talent show?
This gentle chapter book is very sweet. It has short chapters and lots of energetic black and white illustrations, making it appealing to emerging readers.
The everyday setting of a typical family and primary school will be familiar to young children, even if they don’t have a magical pet themselves.
George has Down syndrome, like his creator, George Webster, and this is shown as merely part of his life, like having a little sister. There is a message that pets need suitable care, given with the lightest touch, and a lovely, supportive friendship between George and his best friends.
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Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books with disabled characters
This non-exhaustive selection of books is an introduction to the range of books that feature disabled characters. It includes characters who are blind, Deaf, some who use mobility aids, and some with limb differences. You’ll also find some non-fiction on disability.