One of my favorite genres and one that is the easiest for me to push aside is middle grade fiction. This year to make sure I get a little more children's and young adult fiction I thought I would designate the first Monday of every month Middle Grade Monday. While a lot of my picks this year are classics I am trying to branch out a little bit and read new or at least recent releases. This is one that was highly recommended to me a couple of months ago when I asked for recommendations.
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell I picked this one up on a whim. I was waiting on 2 audio book holds from the library and wanted something to listen to while I was waiting. I was looking up all the books available by my favorite narrators and when I searched under "David Tennant" this series came up. Now the Tornado (age 7 at the time) had been obsessed with the How to Train Your Dragons movies and TV show so I thought I knew what I was getting into so I downloaded this and got to listening. There was a lot of similarity to the movies. Hiccup is hardly a typical Viking hero and Toothless is far from the typical fearsome dragon. And just like in the movie Hiccup believes that there is a better way to interact with the dragons than the methods that have always been used.
The book starts as the boys are heading into a cave to find their dragons. It's dangerous and neither Hiccup or his friend Fishlegs really believe they have a chance in succeeding and becoming full fledged members of the tribe. I really enjoyed this book. There's so much humor between the over the top conditions on the island to Toothless' total brattiness. As a parent I really liked the message - while Hiccup isn't the toughest or the biggest or any of that he stays himself and tries to do what he feels is right. However, it doesn't feel like it's teaching a life lesson and at times Hiccup struggles with not being what everyone expects. There's a lot of action and by the end I couldn't wait to see how it was going to work out. I'm looking forward to reading more of Hiccup's adventures!
While there is quite a bit of danger I don't think even early elementary school readers would find it scary. The Tornado and I have started reading these together and he is really enjoying them.
Audio note- David Tennant does the audio book and if you are able to have David Tennant read you a story you should let him.
This looks fun, I saw part of the movie (the first one?) and it looked like a blast. I unfortunately always seem to overlook a lot of cute MG reads too.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book but we love the two movies.
ReplyDeleteHaha! I loved this one too! Especially because DAVID TENNANT! And I agree, if you have the opportunity to have David Tennant read you a story, you don't pass that up!
ReplyDeleteOh this is a gem! And the series just goes on giving - we're on the 7th book right now and still loving the twists and turns. The books so much sharper and funnier than the rather vanilla films...
ReplyDeleteI have been eying this series but now that I know who narrates the audio im looking for it instead of the ebook!
ReplyDeleteHiccup and Toothless..I love it. I would enjoying reading this to the little ones when they are old enough.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a fun listen. I might have to check my library for it when I am in the mood for a light story.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to listen to this one, I admit. But then it's David Tennant. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love this movie. I haven't read the novel. But your review change my mind and I will Download eBook copy to the novel and read the full story once again.
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