The Wooden Dragon

The Wooden Dragon

by Joan Aiken  
list price: $14.99 USD
Amazon price: $14.99 USD

Amazon Review:The incomparable Joan Aiken has created a beautiful fairy tale for older picture book readers

This is the story of lame Window and her sailor brother, Handle, who live in a small house in a wooded hollow. Each autumn, when the leaves fall from the trees, the little house is buried right up to its bedroom windows, so each year Handle must sweep the leaves away. But one day, Handle breaks the news that he must go away on an extra long trip. Window is sad, and desperately worried that she cannot survive without him.

Before he leaves for the harbour, however, Handle gives Window a little wooden dragon and promises his sister that the dragon will look after her. And so the little dragon sits on a corner shelf, growing dusty, and waits for the time when he can come to Window’s aid.

Lynn's Review:

Josie found this at the library a few months ago, and it utterly charmed us. The storyteller Window is unsure she can take care of herself without her sailor brother Handle when he returns to the sea he loves. After all, she is lame in one leg. But a little wooden dragon that Handle leaves behind turns out to be the key to Window learning to trust herself and her own strength. The pictures drew me into the world of Window so thoroughly I began to eye trees for ones that might make good houses. Very recommended.