“Dragon Masters” by Tracey West
Dragon Masters, the beginner-friendly fantasy series by Tracey West, is a fantastic introduction to chapter books for young readers—especially those who love dragons, magic, and adventure. Aimed at kids ages 6–9, this Scholastic Branches series is fast-paced, easy to read, and packed with action, friendship, and imagination.
The story kicks off with Drake, a humble farm boy who is suddenly whisked away to train as a Dragon Master at King Roland’s castle. Each Dragon Master is bonded with a unique dragon, and together, they must learn to communicate, harness magical powers, and work as a team. The combination of dragons, mystery, and teamwork keeps the momentum strong from book to book.
“The Enchanted Forest Chronicles” by Patricia C. Wrede
Patricia C. Wrede’s The Enchanted Forest Chronicles is a delightful and witty fantasy series that turns traditional fairy tale tropes on their head. Comprising four books—Dealing with Dragons, Searching for Dragons, Calling on Dragons, and Talking to Dragons—this series offers a refreshing blend of humor, adventure, and clever storytelling that appeals to readers of all ages.
At the heart of the series is Princess Cimorene, who is anything but a typical fairy tale princess. Rather than passively waiting for a prince, Cimorene actively chooses to work for a dragon and takes her destiny into her own hands. Her sharp wit, resourcefulness, and no-nonsense attitude make her an immensely likable protagonist and a strong role model for young readers.
“Dragon Kingdom Of Wrenly” by Jordan Quinn
Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn is a charming and adventurous chapter book series that invites young readers (ages 6–9) into a vibrant world of dragons, friendship, and magical quests. A spin-off of The Kingdom of Wrenly series, this dragon-centric saga focuses on a cast of young dragons as they navigate challenges, mysteries, and teamwork in their own magical realm.
The story centers around Ruskin, a young scarlet dragon, and his friends as they explore the hidden corners of the dragon kingdom, face off against villains, and learn what it means to be brave and loyal. Each book presents a new challenge or mission that encourages problem-solving, cooperation, and self-discovery.
“The Discovery of Dragons” by Graeme Base
Graeme Base’s The Discovery of Dragons is a visual feast and a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the mythical beasts that have captured human imagination for centuries. Presented as a fictional “scientific” travelogue, the book is filled with stunning illustrations and humorous accounts of dragon encounters from around the world—Europe, Asia, and the tropics.
Structured as a collection of letters and journal entries from eccentric 19th-century explorers, the book introduces readers to a wide range of dragons, each with its own cultural flair, unique appearance, and dramatic backstory. Base uses this format to blend fact and fantasy in a delightfully absurd way, parodying the tone of old expedition reports while delivering beautifully detailed artwork that’s nothing short of breathtaking.