Tales of the Time Dragon: Days of the Knights

Days of the Knights
(Tales of Time Dragon #1)
Written and illustrated by Robert Neubecker

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0545548984
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of publication: February 25, 2014
Age: 5 - 8 years
Genre: Educational

Themes: time travel, information seeking, Middle Ages, dragons

Joe asks Lilly the librarian to help him find more information on the Middle Ages. When she searches her computer--poof!--they travel back in time! Red, the Time Dragon, is there to help guide them. They find out that life in 1200 was pretty rough--especially if you're a dragon! They'll have to stay ahead of the angry mobs as they explore villages, castles, and cathedrals.

Think Magic Tree House for younger kids. It's cute. It's educational. It's got a touch of humor. It's awesome! This one doesn't focus on any specific persons or places, but it still gives an informational look into life in the middle ages. It's a great learning tool in the classroom or at home as kids start seeking out the non-fiction stuff from the fiction. Totally recommended. Check out the sequel below.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Tales of the Time Dragon: Racing the Waves

Racing the Waves
(Tales of Time Dragon #2)
Written and illustrated by Robert Neubecker

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0545549042
Publisher: Scholastic
Date of publication: August 26, 2014
Age: 5 - 8 years
Genre: Educational

Themes: time travel, information seeking, ships, records, journey

Joe and Lilly are headed out once again with the Red Dragon on an adventure through time. They're going to 1851 to learn more about clipper ships and speed records. On board with Captain Perkins Cressy, they see what it takes to get a ship from New York to San Francisco--by going around South America. Will they be able to set a new speed record?

In this, the second Time Dragon book, things are getting even more specific and fact-based. Neubecker is teaching kids about an actual captain and crew members who set the speed record for ship travel. Which is, in a word: cool! I'm a total fan of these books. There's a touch of humor (I wish there was more, but that's just me) with a lot of information. Plus, it makes librarians look cool. So I'd recommend them for sure. It's a good book to read before Magic Tree House.

Find it at your library or on Amazon