The Dragon Test (Starters)

A lively and engaging Starters title for beginner readers illustrated by acclaimed picture book artist Polly Dunbar, with a friendly text and stylish two-colour illustrations.

The Dragon Test is part of Walker Starters, a wonderfully fun and friendly series for beginner readers. Princess Jem wants to pass the dragon test – and that means she has to catch a dragon. But when the dragon she’s hunting captures Jem instead, the princess will have to think outside the box if she wants to get back to her castle. This is a charming and uplifting story, told through a range of writing styles, including letters, posters and lists. The illustrations, which appear on every page, are lively, stylish and play an active part in helping children understand the text.

Synopsis

Inventively illustrated in just two colours, these stylish first readers use several different media – posters, letters, video diary – to tell stories about subjects with strong child appeal, such as football, giants, dragons and highwaymen. Ideal for use in the classroom as well as at home, this new series fits guidelines in the Literacy Strategy, which recommend using different media and sources to teach children to read. Written and illustrated by top contemporary authors and artists, Walker Starters make the perfect starting point for early readers.

About the Author

June Crebbin has written over forty books that have been published in the UK and abroad. She trained as a primary school teacher, and has taught in Leicestershire, Yorkshire and for a year Michigan, USA. Many of her ideas come from her family, the children she’s taught and the children she knows now at a riding stable. June lives in Leicestershire with her husband, and has two grown-up sons and two grandsons.

Polly Dunbar is a major star in the picture-book firmament. She is the author-illustrator of Dog Blue and Flyaway Katie, and the illustrator of Pat-a-Cake Baby, written by her mother, Joyce Dunbar. Her collection of titles beginning with Hello Tilly have been made into an animated series, Tilly and Friends, currently airing on CBeebies. Polly lives in Brighton, Sussex. Find Polly online at www.pollydunbar.com, and on twitter as @PollyDunbar.