FICTION

Dragons at Crumbling Castle: And Other Tales

by Terry PRATCHETT
illus. by Mark Beech. 352p. Clarion. Feb. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780544466593.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–7—This collection of short stories is eerily reminiscent of Roald Dahl's tales of humor and irony, while the illustrations are remarkably similar to Quentin Blake's. In Pratchett's tales, dragons invade a castle, having lost their caves to a stopped-up river; itty bitty people live, explore, and fight within the carpets; an odd caveman keeps inventing things that then cause disaster (a fire burning down the village); and a champion egg dancer catches a pair of thieves. The oddness of the stories makes them funny and unique. Many feature British terminology, which might confuse younger readers but adds to the flavor of the book. General themes include good overcoming evil, cheaters never prospering, and courage defeating danger.
VERDICT Middle grade readers who enjoy Pratchett's other works or Dahl's tales are bound to enjoy this one.
Reviewed by Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT
This collection of fantastical short stories, previously published serially in the 1960s, offers an uneven glimpse at Pratchett's literary evolution. Notable for their cleverness and whimsy but containing less heart and substance than Pratchett's beloved later work, these bite-size tales, accompanied by Quentin Blake–esque spot illustrations, are read-aloud ready. Dated caricatures among the cast may limit the overall appeal to Pratchett enthusiasts.
, Feb 01, 2015

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