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Grow a dragon with Andy Shepherd

Andy Shepherd

Our author of the week is Andy Shepherd! Discover the first four books in her brilliant The Boy Who Grew Dragons series – listen to the first book below, watch an exclusive video, check out Andy's top three children's books and download brilliant activities.

The fifth and final instalment in the series, The Boy Who Sang With Dragons, will be out on 7 January.

Find out more about Andy's books.


Listen to The Boy Who Grew Dragons

When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandad's garden, he doesn't think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree and when it hatches, he finds he has his very own dragon, Flicker ...

Tomas soon finds out that life with Flicker is fun, but unpredictable. He needs to learn how to look after Flicker - and quickly. And then more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is officially growing dragons ...

This book is no longer available.

The Boy Who Grew Dragons

Watch the video

In this video, Andy tells you all about her final book The Boy Who Sang with Dragons and asks what would inspire you to grow your very own dragon? What kind of stories would you write about them?

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Andy's recommended reads

Charlie Changes into a Chicken by Sam Copeland, illustrated by Sarah Horne

I love funny books with heart and Sam delivers on both of these in bucket loads. He is a genuinely laugh out loud, snort-your-cornflakes-while-you’re-reading-over-your-cereal kind of writer.

Rain Before Rainbows by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by David Litchfield

This has been one of my favourite books this year. It’s a wonderful, joyful book.

Tell Me a Dragon by Jackie Morris

One of our firm family favourites, this book is so beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to read aloud. If you love dragons this is a must-read.


Download the activities

Design a front cover, write your own poem and even grow your own dragon in this activity pack!

Download the The Boy Who Grew Dragons activity pack.

Head to Andy's website to discover lots more activities, including an exotic fruit quiz, a s'mores recipe and decorations to host your own dragon's tea party!

Visit Andy's website