Awhile ago, there as a post about T. Kingfisher here that made me curious about them as a writer. I started thinking I wouldn’t read anything they had written as it was horror and darker fantasy. Great genres, just not my usual reads. But then I heard the name Ursula Vernon. Okay….. I know that name….WAIT I do know the name! She is the Dragonbreath and Harriet, Hamster Princess author. Books for young children. Okay, now you’re talking (writing) my language.
Well, Dragonbreath, #1 and Hamster Princess, #1 Harriet the Invincible found themselves on my library request list. I picked them up with a young adult prose poetry book, a novel by Vernon, a science fiction/fantasy graphic novel and the board book The Owl and The Pussycat. Yes, I do like reading across the spectrum.
Both of Vernon’s books turned out to be for the ages strong reader (or listener) five to young 10. They are easy chapter books, with easy images and simpler stories for the person who reads a lot of kids titles. But for the ages Vernon intends them for things that are included are intertwined and clever. This might be their first foray into serious learning issue books so they are good introductions.
Dragonbreath is a very typical boy (or dragon) story. The character is impulsive, goofy, odd, and well meaning, but doesn’t think things through (not a very good chess player in that regards I’m assuming). It is amusing and kids will enjoy it. It does lean towards more male readers, but anyone could read. The mix of fantasy and realism creates a world that is both familiar and new.
And Harriet is a very typical girl (or hamster) story. The character is impulsive, goofy, odd, and well meaning, but doesn’t think things through (I’m assuming they aren’t a very good chess player in that regard). It is amusing and kids enjoy it. (Sound familiar?) However, it makes fun of the “Damsel in Distress” story, as well as princess and fairytales stories (Sleeping Beauty), while also honoring them. It does lean more towards the female reader, but it does have a male character, who is no Prince Charming, but a charming fellow, who I can relate to (I mean you ride a hydra! I think you’d need pillows, too).
