Books Lists
10+ Best Dragon Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect dragon books for 7-year-olds? You're in luck! Whether your little one dreams of fire-breathing adventures or whimsical dragon tales, we've gathered a captivating selection of dragon books that are sure to spark their imagination. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will transport your child into the magical world of dragons.
Table of Contents
Fun Dragon Books for 7-Year-Olds
- Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
- Synopsis: This delightful book explores the love dragons have for tacos and the chaos that ensues when they eat tacos with spicy salsa.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, engaging read that combines humor with a quirky plot, making reading enjoyable and lighthearted for kids.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful stories and have a good sense of humor.
- How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: The story follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a Viking boy who must capture and train a dragon as a rite of passage.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an adventurous tale that encourages bravery and creativity, while also highlighting the importance of intelligence and compassion over brute strength.
- Perfect for: Children who love adventure tales and learning about overcoming challenges.
- The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A dragon transformed into a human girl embarks on a journey in the world of chocolate making.
- Why we recommend this book: This book combines fantasy with a heartwarming coming-of-age story, ideal for fostering imagination and a love for reading.
- Perfect for: Kids who dream big and are fascinated by magical transformations and delicious adventures.
- There's No Such Thing as a Dragon by Jack Kent
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
- Synopsis: A young boy named Billy Bixbee finds a small dragon in his bedroom, and the more he denies its existence, the bigger it grows.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches an important lesson about acknowledging your problems rather than ignoring them, wrapped in a fun and engaging story.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and cute, fantastical creatures.
- Dragon Night by J.R. Krause
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Friendship
- Synopsis: A boy and his dragon friend embark on a magical night-time adventure, helping each other overcome their fears.
- Why we recommend this book: It addresses themes of friendship and fear in a gentle, reassuring way that's perfect for bedtime reading.
- Perfect for: Children who need a comforting story at night, especially those who might be afraid of the dark.
Educational Dragon Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Picture Book
- Synopsis: When a gentle knight and a fierce dragon realize they don’t know how to fight, they turn to books to learn more about their respective crafts.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, problem-solving, creativity
- Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and educational take on resolving conflicts and learning new skills creatively.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories about knights and dragons, as well as those interested in non-violent solutions to conflicts.
- Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dr. Ernest Drake, illustrated by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Non-fiction
- Synopsis: This book purports to be a dragonologist’s notebook filled with insight and observations about dragons, exploring different dragon species, their behaviors, and how to interact with them.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific inquiry, mythology, attention to detail
- Why we recommend this book: It blends fantasy with educational content, sparking curiosity about natural history through the imaginative lens of dragons.
- Perfect for: Curious minds who love blending learning with mythical creatures and those interested in science and mythology.
- Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Science
- Synopsis: In this story, a young girl named Zoey discovers a sick dragon in her backyard and uses scientific principles to figure out how to care for it.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific method, compassion, responsibility
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages scientific thinking and empathy by combining the care of magical creatures with real-world problem solving.
- Perfect for: Young aspiring scientists and animal lovers, especially those who enjoy magical adventures.
- Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Kenny the rabbit befriends a peaceful, book-loving dragon, but when the townsfolk call for the dragon’s demise, Kenny must find a way to save his new friend.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship values, conflict resolution, critical thinking
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a touching story about friendship and misunderstanding, teaching children about acceptance and the importance of standing up for what is right.
- Perfect for: Children who love stories of unlikely friendships and tales that include both adventure and moral lessons.
- The Dragon's Library by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus, illustrated by Jessica Lanan
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A young girl stumbles upon a library guarded by a dragon who challenges her to read every book she wants to take home.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading motivation, comprehension, perseverance
- Why we recommend this book: It promotes the love of reading and the value of knowledge through an engaging and magical narrative.
- Perfect for: Eager young readers and adventurers, especially those who dream of libraries and magical guardians.
Challenging Dragon Books for 7-Year-Olds
- The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin, illustrated by Luis Royo
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: The tale of Adara, a young girl who befriends an ice dragon, and their adventures together as they face fiery foes and the challenges of growing up.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates complex themes of friendship, loss, and bravery, coupled with a rich, descriptive writing style that demands higher comprehension skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a compelling and emotionally engaging story that encourages empathy and courage in young readers.
- Perfect for: Kids who enjoy deep, thought-provoking stories and epic fantasy adventures.
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Folklore
- Synopsis: Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask how she can change her family’s fortune, encountering magical creatures, including dragons, along her way.
- Why this book is challenging: It weaves complex folklore elements with intricate plots and rich characters, which can be challenging for younger readers to track.
- Why we recommend this book: This book beautifully blends fantasy with Chinese folklore, offering vibrant storytelling and valuable life lessons.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in other cultures and those who love stories that combine magic with moral lessons.
- Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: A dragon named Firedrake seeks a mythical place where dragons can live in peace. Alongside a boy and a mythical creature, they embark on a thrilling quest.
- Why this book is challenging: The book features a complex plot with multiple characters and settings that require attentive reading and comprehension.
- Why we recommend this book: It's an immersive adventure that fosters imagination and teaches about loyalty and the importance of home.
- Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy lengthy, detailed narratives and epic quests.
- The Dragon in the Sock Drawer by Kate Klimo, illustrated by John Shroades
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Cousins Jesse and Daisy find a rock that hatches a dragon, and they must figure out how to care for it while dealing with magical mishaps.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces scientific concepts and a problem-solving plot that are more sophisticated than typical children's books.
- Why we recommend this book: The story combines humor with fantasy, making it engaging while educating about responsibility and curiosity.
- Perfect for: Kids who love animals, especially mythical ones, and stories that mix reality with magic.
- The Last Dragon Chronicles: The Fire Within by Chris d'Lacey
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery
- Synopsis: While lodging with Liz and her daughter, college student David Rain becomes involved in a mysterious adventure involving squirrels, dragons, and a clay dragon that seems to come to life.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure includes a blend of everyday life and fantastical elements, layered with subtle clues that require critical thinking to unravel.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of mystery and fantasy with engaging characters and a slowly unfolding plot that captivates readers.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries woven into their fantasy tales.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're diving into the magical world of dragon books with your 7-year-old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these stories enchanting, but they also offer a great opportunity to cultivate some solid reading habits. Here are a few exercises that can make reading more engaging and beneficial for young readers:
- Create a Dragon Story Map
- What it is: Draw a map that includes key locations from the story.
- How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps visualize the story.
- Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark important spots in the story.
- Dragon Vocabulary List
- What it is: Write down new or interesting words found in the book.
- How it helps: Expands vocabulary and understanding of language.
- Tips: Try to use the new words in a sentence related to the story.
- Predict the Next Adventure
- What it is: Guess what might happen next after each chapter.
- How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and engagement with the plot.
- Tips: Discuss predictions and see how they unfold as you continue reading.
- Character Connection Chart
- What it is: Create a chart showing how different characters relate to each other.
- How it helps: Deepens understanding of character roles and interactions.
- Tips: Update the chart as more characters are introduced.
- Illustrate a Favorite Scene
- What it is: Draw or paint a scene that you loved the most.
- How it helps: Enhances memory and appreciation of key moments.
- Tips: Talk about why this scene stood out as you work on the illustration.
These exercises aren't just fun; they're stepping stones to becoming a lifelong reader and thinker. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, your child will not only improve their literacy skills but also develop a deeper love for reading. So, grab those dragon books and let the adventure begin! Happy reading!