Fantasy adventure stories have a long tradition and many, such as Alan Garner’s Alderley books, deal with hidden powers that are uncovered by children. The magic of secret friends, be they dwarfs or wizards, brings wonder to not only the lives of the children in the story, but also to the reader. In Rebecca Rupp’s The Return of the Dragon, three children meet again with their secret friend, but soon discover they must decide if this friend should be introduced to the larger world.
In The Dragon of Lonely Island we first meet Hannah, Zachary and Sarah Emily who go to visit their Aunt and discover there is a three-headed dragon living on her island. Fafnyr Goldenwings, who has been alive for thousands of years, found safe haven on this island protected by the children’s Aunt. When the children make a visit to the island without their Aunt, they take on the role of protector when a J.P. King, the “Mysterious Billionaire” parks his yacht off the island and starts poking around. He is supposedly there bird watch, but our trio are not fooled, especially after they find him looking for caves were the birds never go. But what should they do? Turning to Fafnyr for advice, the three learn about judging people, when to fight and how to choose what is worth a battle.
This gentle story is a good book for those who prefer more exploring and less dueling in their tales. The 150 page work is a comfortable length for either a younger reader or for several sessions of reading aloud and it can be enjoyed even if you have not read the first book. For adventures, secret friends and a touch of magic, you cannot beat The Return of the Dragon. ( )