Books with animals: Dragons
Dragons captivate children’s imaginations, and this list, voted on by families, includes exciting dragon-themed books. From adventurous tales to beautifully illustrated stories, these books bring mythical creatures to life in fun and creative ways.

1
You Might Be Special!
1986
167
(By Kerri Kokias) This uplifting story encourages children to embrace their individuality. The protagonist, a dragon, goes on a journey of self-discovery, learning that being special means embracing who you are. It’s an empowering story that helps children understand their unique qualities and the beauty of being different.

2
George and the Dragon
1693
133
(By Christopher Wormell) In this classic story, George the knight and his dragon go on a quest together. This delightful tale explores friendship, bravery, and working together to overcome challenges. With vibrant illustrations and a warm storyline, it’s a great read for children learning about cooperation and courage.

3
Lovabye Dragon (The Girl and Dragon Books)
1756
251
(By Barbara M. Joosse) This tender story tells the tale of a little girl who says goodbye to her dragon. As she lets go of her dragon companion, the story touches on themes of growing up, loss, and the enduring love between friends. It’s a beautifully illustrated book about the connection between a child and their dragon.

4
The Dragon’s Hoard: Stories from the Viking Sagas
1640
192
(By Lari Don) This collection of Viking-inspired dragon tales brings ancient legends to life, showcasing heroic deeds, treasures, and the mystical creatures that shaped Norse mythology. These stories are perfect for readers interested in epic adventures and rich histories.

5
Dragon Howl
1599
156
(By Vanessa Rouse) A thrilling fantasy adventure about a young hero who must face a fearsome dragon and uncover hidden secrets about their world. Filled with action, bravery, and magical creatures, Dragon Howl is a fantastic read for children who love mythical adventures.

6
There’s No Such Thing as a Dragon
1525
197
(By Jack Kent) In this fun, imaginative story, a young boy discovers a small dragon in his house, but no one believes it’s real. As the dragon grows larger, the family realizes that sometimes the most unbelievable things can be true. This story is full of humor and teaches children to keep an open mind and imagination.

7
When a Dragon Moves In
1530
204
(By Jodi Moore) In this enchanting picture book, a dragon unexpectedly moves into a child’s house and causes chaos with its larger-than-life antics. The whimsical story explores the magic of imagination, highlighting the mischief and fun a dragon can bring into a child’s life.

8
Encyclopedia Mythologica: Dragons and Monsters Pop-Up
1399
86
(By Matthew Reinhart) This pop-up book is a visual masterpiece that brings the world of dragons and mythical monsters to life with stunning three-dimensional illustrations. Each page reveals intricate details of different legendary creatures, perfect for curious young minds.

9
Saint George and the Dragon
1501
210
(By Margaret Hodges) A retelling of the legend of Saint George, featuring a brave knight, a fierce dragon, and a tale of heroism.

10
Dragons Rule, Princesses Drool!
1346
71
(By Courtney Pippin-Mathur) In this silly, rhyming book, dragons rule the land while princesses just can’t keep up. With whimsical illustrations and humorous verses, it offers a playful twist on the typical princess story, encouraging children to embrace their own uniqueness and challenge traditional norms.

11
Dragons Don’t Dance Ballet
1357
164
(By Jennifer Carson) Dragons Don't Dance Ballet by Jennifer Carson is an enchanting story about Esmerelda, a dragon who dreams of being a ballerina despite being told that dragons can’t dance. With determination and the support of a kind dance teacher, Esmerelda defies expectations and proves that anyone can follow their dreams. This beautifully illustrated book encourages perseverance, self-confidence, and the importance of believing in oneself.

12
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
1290
122
(By Ogden Nash) In this humorous poem, Custard the dragon is often mocked for being cowardly, but when danger strikes, he proves his bravery. The book teaches children the importance of courage and self-confidence, with playful illustrations that bring the poem’s characters to life.

13
The Knight and the Dragon (Paperstar Book)
1298
133
(By Tomie dePaola) This story tells of a brave knight and a dragon who are supposed to fight each other but instead form an unexpected friendship. With Tomie dePaola’s signature illustrations and a gentle message about peace and understanding, this book is a lovely exploration of how differences can be embraced rather than feared.

14
When a Dragon Moves In Again
1276
141
(By Jodi Moore) In this delightful follow-up, the dragon returns to the boy’s house and continues to cause trouble with his antics. The book brings back the magic of imagination, humorously showing how life with a dragon is never dull, while reinforcing the importance of creativity and acceptance.

15
The Dragon of Scrumption
1056
73
(By M. Chesney) This story takes readers on a magical journey to a distant land, where a dragon named Scrumption brings chaos and excitement. It's a lighthearted and fun tale that plays with the boundaries of reality and fantasy, encouraging creative thinking.

16
Dragons Love Tacos
1069
135
(By Adam Rubin) Adam Rubin’s Dragons Love Tacos is a wildly entertaining picture book that explores what happens when dragons, who love tacos, mistakenly eat spicy salsa. The humorous premise follows a boy who throws a taco party for dragons, carefully avoiding any spicy toppings—until an accidental mix-up leads to a fiery disaster. With vibrant, expressive illustrations by Daniel Salmieri and a hilarious, quirky narrative, this book captivates young readers with its silly humor and imaginative storytelling.

17
Me and My Dragon (Me and My Dragon, #1)
983
99
(By David Biedrzycki) This fun and engaging story features a boy and his dragon, who are best friends. The book is filled with humor and playful illustrations, showing how they share a variety of activities together. It teaches kids about friendship, imagination, and how to care for others.

18
Have You Seen My Dragon?
990
125
(By Steve Light) In this engaging picture book, a young boy searches the city for his lost dragon, encountering various animals along the way. With charming illustrations and rhythmic text, this story provides an adventurous exploration of different animals while teaching children about colors, sizes, and counting.

19
Puff, the Magic Dragon
963
109
(By Peter Yarrow) A beloved classic, this tale of Puff the Magic Dragon tells the story of a dragon and a boy named Jackie Paper, who share magical adventures. With lyrical language and charming illustrations, it’s a timeless story of friendship and childhood imagination.

20
How to Dress a Dragon
936
95
(By Thelma Lynne Godin) A quirky, imaginative tale about a dragon who insists on wearing outrageous outfits. The book humorously shows how difficult it is to dress a dragon, but also explores the theme of individuality and self-expression. It’s an amusing and colorful way to teach kids about creativity and personal style.

21
Max’s Dragon Shirt
938
101
(By Rosemary Wells) Max’s dragon shirt brings him all sorts of attention as he embarks on a day full of adventures. This charming story uses Max’s shirt as a metaphor for embracing one's identity and the power of self-expression. Through warm illustrations and relatable characters, it encourages kids to feel proud of who they are.

22
The Best Pet of All
956
137
(By David LaRochelle) This humorous story imagines a world where children dream of owning unusual pets. When a dragon becomes the pet of choice, it leads to a series of fun and unpredictable events. With lively illustrations, this book explores the joys and challenges of having a unique pet.

23
Oh No, Little Dragon!
881
102
(By Jim Averbeck) This story follows a little dragon who has a big problem—he can’t breathe fire. The book takes children on a journey of self-discovery as the dragon learns to embrace his uniqueness. It’s a heartwarming story about finding one’s strengths and accepting differences.

24
Dragon Was Terrible
759
72
(By Kelly DiPucchio) In this humorous and heartwarming story, a dragon’s bad behavior causes trouble for everyone, but through the kindness of others, he learns to change his ways. It’s a fun, rhyming tale that explores themes of kindness, responsibility, and the power of good behavior.

25
Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel
716
54
(By Adam Rubin) This hilarious follow-up to Dragons Love Tacos continues the adventure of dragons who love tacos but cannot handle spicy salsa. In this sequel, the dragons face a new taco dilemma, resulting in more fun and excitement. It’s a playful story with vibrant illustrations, perfect for young taco enthusiasts.

26
Good Night, Little Dragons
753
103
(By Leigh Ann Tyson) This bedtime story is perfect for young children who love dragons. It follows the little dragons as they prepare for bed, adding a calming and gentle tone to the nighttime routine. With soothing illustrations and a soft rhythm, it’s ideal for winding down before sleep.

27
The Curse (The Dragon in The Closet, #1)
745
109
(By Carolyn Watson-Dubisch) This first book in a series introduces readers to a young boy who stumbles upon a dragon in his closet. As the adventure unfolds, the boy must confront both the dragon's curse and his own fears. The story is filled with magical twists and heartfelt moments, creating an exciting adventure for young readers.

28
Return of the Library Dragon
632
59
(By Carmen Agra Deedy) In this sequel, the Library Dragon returns to her beloved library, but this time she has a challenge to face—how to welcome new ideas while preserving tradition. With a blend of humor and heart, the story highlights the importance of change and growth in the world of books and libraries.

29
I Don’t Believe in Dragons
577
39
(By Anna Walker) This charming story follows a young girl who imagines a world without dragons, only to discover that her belief may be limiting her. With delicate illustrations, this book encourages kids to open their minds and embrace the wonders of imagination.

30
The Legend Of Everwinter
621
89
(By Tara Behan) This epic fantasy introduces young readers to the mythical world of Everwinter, where dragons play a crucial role in the realm’s survival. It’s an adventurous tale filled with bravery, mystery, and magical creatures, perfect for children who love tales of dragons and legendary quests.

31
Dragon Stones
576
73
(By Carolyn Watson-Dubisch) In this story, a young adventurer sets off to find mystical stones that have the power to tame dragons. The book combines fantasy, adventure, and a quest narrative, filled with exciting challenges and lessons on courage and teamwork.

32
The Library Dragon
538
57
(By Carmen Agra Deedy) This delightful story follows a dragon who guards the library with a fierce passion, not allowing anyone to borrow books. When a young librarian arrives, she teaches the dragon the value of sharing and community, making this a heartwarming tale about the importance of libraries and learning.

33
The Paper Bag Princess
478
66
(By Robert Munsch) A classic twist on traditional fairy tales, where Princess Elizabeth outsmarts a dragon and rescues herself, proving that princesses don’t always need saving.

34
Not Your Typical Dragon
422
55
(By Dan Bar-el) This book tells the story of a dragon who doesn’t quite fit in with the traditional dragon mold. He prefers doing things differently and embraces his unique qualities. It’s a delightful story about self-acceptance, individuality, and learning that being different can be a strength.

35
You’ve Got Dragons
375
40
(By Kathryn Cave) In this sweet and inspiring story, a little dragon shows up unexpectedly in the life of the protagonist, offering support and companionship during tough times. It’s a beautiful story about the importance of having someone by your side when you need them most, especially during challenging moments in life.

36
The Untold Stories of a Water Dragon
333
41
(By Carmen Cardashian) A unique and adventurous story that explores the magical world of a water dragon, offering readers a glimpse into its mysterious and captivating existence. The book focuses on the dragon's journey and its connection to nature.

37
Waking Dragons
244
31
(By Jane Yolen) A beautifully illustrated picture book that imagines what it would be like to wake up a dragon. The book blends vivid artwork with rhythmic text to tell the story of how a dragon slowly comes to life, providing children with a delightful experience of dragons in a playful and imaginative setting.

38
Tell Me a Dragon
217
28
(By Jackie Morris) This beautifully illustrated book introduces children to a variety of dragons, each unique in its own way, teaching readers about different personalities and traits through poetic descriptions and vibrant artwork.

39
Cedric and the Dragon
104
13
(By Elizabeth Raum) Cedric, a young knight, befriends a dragon in this charming tale. The book explores the themes of friendship, trust, and courage as Cedric and the dragon work together to overcome obstacles, providing a unique perspective on the relationship between dragons and humans.