About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is ready for a lighthearted adventure that celebrates the power of persistence and the importance of helping others. Princess Emeralda (Emma) is a refreshingly relatable lead who doesn't quite fit the traditional mold: she's clumsy, her magic is unpredictable, and she is fiercely loyal. This sequel follows Emma and Prince Eadric as they embark on a quest to help Emma's aunt reverse a spell, teaching children that true heroism often involves teamwork and a good sense of humor. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy without heavy darkness, offering a story where kindness and ingenuity are just as important as magic. Parents will appreciate the positive messages about self-acceptance and the way the story handles obstacles with a mix of bravery and wit.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
Mild peril: Characters encounter a giant spider and a dragon. While the tone is humorous, children with phobias of spiders or those sensitive to fantasy violence may find these scenes slightly distressing.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 10-year-old who loves fractured fairy tales, spunky heroines, and stories where the 'rules' of magic are a bit messy. It’s perfect for the child who wants an adventure that feels exciting but safe.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. It is helpful, though not strictly necessary, to have read the first book in the series to understand the character dynamics. A child expressing frustration that they aren't 'good' at something right away, much like Emma's struggle with her clumsy magic.
Age Experience
Younger readers will focus on the slapstick humor and the cool magical creatures. Older readers (11-12) will better appreciate the subversion of fairy tale tropes and Emma's internal journey toward self-confidence.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many high-fantasy novels, Dragon's Breath prioritizes humor and the 'un-pretty' side of magic. Emma is a standout protagonist because her power is tied to her messy, authentic self rather than perfection.
Read plot summary
Picking up after The Frog Princess, Emma and Eadric have regained their human forms but must now help Aunt Grassina. Grassina's true love, Haywood, has been cursed into the form of an otter. To break the spell, they must collect rare magical ingredients, leading them into encounters with a giant spider, a grumpy dragon, and various magical creatures. Along the way, Emma continues to grapple with her developing magical abilities and her identity as a princess who prefers adventure to courtly expectations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Emma often feels like she isn't a 'proper' princess. Why do you think she feels that way, and do you think her differences actually help her on the quest?
2
Aunt Grassina is willing to go to great lengths to help Haywood. What does this book show us about the things people do for those they love?
3
When Emma's magic doesn't work the way she expects, she has to find other ways to solve problems. Can you think of a time you had to use a different skill when your first plan failed?
4
The dragon in the story isn't exactly what you might expect. How does the author use humor to change the way we think about traditional fairy tale monsters?
