The Thames Dragon

Gr 2-4–In this second adventure, Aditi and her friends (an elephant, an ant, a one-eyed monkey, and a dragon) come to the aid of two siblings and a dragon in London. The children have noticed that the river dragon who lives in the Thames is in distress, and contact Aditi and her friends for help. Using all of their talents, and some new magical gifts from the Island Sage, they learn the pollution of the Thames is hurting the dragon. It takes even more work, cooperation, and magic to get the message to the adults to start fixing the problem. This beginning chapter book is heavily illustrated with lovely black-and-white drawings that match the gentle, magical feeling of the text. Namjoshi weaves elements of fantasy, teamwork, and environmentalism into a delightful adventure that brings elements of India into London. Talking animals, magic, and a problem solved with creative teamwork will make this work a hit with beginning chapter book readers. While the plot is quickly paced, the title feels more meditative than many other flashier beginning readers.