Dragons, Mages, and Princesses, Oh My!

"The Dragon of Trelian, by Michelle Knudsen, will thrill even the most reluctant reader as it involves Calen, who is about to learn of his tremendous gifts in magic, and princess, Meglynne, who is hiding a dragon in a cave. The combination of both protagonists and all they must do to survive and bring their kingdom together will keep you engaged to the very last page." Reviewer Holly Newton for Meridian Magazine.

That little blurb was enough to peak my curiosity and convince me that this book would be a good Sunday afternoon read. The book did not disappoint!

In The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen we meet Meg, the third princess in the royal family of Trelian. She's the one with attitude. The one who balks at conforming. While off on adventure one afternoon Meg finds an abandoned baby dragon and somehow the two become linked. Dragons are considered dangerous and Meg keeps her dragon a secret until she meets Calen, the new mage's apprentice. When they discover that traitors are plotting to kill Meg's big sister to start a war, both Meg and Calen are off on an adventure that neither will forget. Along the way they form a friendship that will never fade.

A well written fantasy, Knudsen captures the less glamorous side of royalty and magic, the tediousness of lessons, the pressure to always do and say the right thing, and the fear of losing yourself.

It was only after I finished reading the book that I discovered that the author, Michelle Knudsen, is also the author of one of my favorite read-alouds, The Library Lion. I have used this book for a few years in both first grade and now in third grade. It has lessons to teach and inspire. It is one of my favorites! Wow, two great reads by this author!

As the reviewer promised, I was engaged til the very end!

Wow, I am on a roll - two great books this week!! Next up, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. Please, oh please let's make this a three-fer!

On a yippee note - Son #2 is on his way home from Officer Candidate School tomorrow. Sorry US Army - your loss is our gain!