

December 4, 2013

A BOOK DRAGON by Donn Kushner, 1987

Nonesuch, the last in a line of dragons, uses his unique ability to change in size to survive for six centuries, during which time he observes such different humans as a medieval monk, an eighteenth-century London chemist, and a modern American bookseller. (Amazon)

Review by Emily, avid bibliophile

I first picked A BOOK DRAGON up on a rainy day at the library. I figured I could read a chapter or two and wait out the rain.

Well, I ended up finishing the entire book. I admit it: I was enchanted by the main character, Nonesuch the dragon. The story, though short, spans thousands of years of history - Nonesuch finds his way into the lives of several very interesting people, including a monk who illuminated manuscripts, Brother Theophilus, a bookstore owner, Mr. Samuel Gottlieb and his family, and several dastardly villains. 

Oh, and a book. He becomes attached to a book, created by the good Brother, and follows it on its journeys through a robbery, a plague, and a long wait in a warehouse. When at last it comes to light, he decides that he must protect the book and the family who has uncovered it at any cost.

It's a good story, and I really love Nonesuch. The discoveries he makes about himself, his family line, and the world around him are actually quite thought-provoking.

Market: probably children's fiction?
Language: None
Sensuality: None
Violence: Mild
Mature Themes: None


Jessica Day George said...

Oh, my gosh! This has long been one of my favorite books! Delightful! I think back in the day, before YA fantasy was really a thing, it was marketed as adult (I know I bought my copy in the regular fantasy/sci fi section of Waldenbooks!), but it's totally suitable for kids! I was just thinking of reading it aloud to mine!

Amy Finnegan {} said...

Aww, fun! I'll really need to check it out then, if the modern Queen of the Dragons was partly inspired to love dragons because of this book!!