Drake's Comprehensive Compendium of Dragonology (Ologies)
Grade 4 Up—"Written" by the fictional late-19th-century dragonologist Ernest Drake, this book offers everything kids might want to know about dragons. It's disguised as nonfiction and bound in an elaborate turn-of-the-20th-century cover with detailed illustrations on every page. Topics include a dragon's scales; how to distinguish males from females (females are tidier); the various species, including the difference between a basilisk and a wyvern; and how fire-breathing actually works (some dragons possess a "spark pouch" that ignites their venom, allowing them to shoot flames 100 yards). The volume will draw young readers with an interest in dragons, and will be an appealing browsing item for fantasy fans.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.