What This Book Is About
Tomas discovers something extraordinary growing on the old dragon fruit tree in his grandfather's garden—real, tiny dragons. At first it seems like the most amazing thing that could ever happen to a boy. Who wouldn't want their own pet dragon? But dragons, it turns out, are nothing like the obedient creatures you read about in fairy tales. They set fire to homework, terrorize the cat, and have an unfortunate habit of shooting sparks out of their nostrils at the worst possible moments.
As the dragons multiply and Tomas struggles to keep them secret from his family and friends, he realizes that having magical creatures in your life comes with very real responsibilities. Andy Shepherd's debut novel is warm, funny, and bursting with charm, brought to life by Sara Ogilvie's delightful illustrations on every chapter. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, it's the first in a beloved five-book series that has captured the hearts of young readers around the world.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
The Boy Who Grew Dragons is an ideal A2 chapter book for Grade 3 students because it pairs accessible language with a genuinely engaging story. The short chapters, plentiful illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor keep reluctant readers turning pages, while the vocabulary naturally stretches beyond basic reading level.
Thematically, the book teaches responsibility and empathy. Tomas must learn that caring for living creatures requires sacrifice and patience—values that align perfectly with UWC's emphasis on personal responsibility and environmental stewardship. The multicultural family setting, with Tomas's close bond with his grandfather, also resonates with students in Singapore's diverse international school community.
Reading Level Guide
Building toward this book. The story is fun but at 224 pages it's a stretch. Start with shorter illustrated chapter books first.
Perfect difficulty. The humor and illustrations carry you through, while the dragon-themed vocabulary adds healthy challenge.
A comfortable, breezy read at B1. Great fun, but try The One and Only Ivan for more reading challenge.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
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