Zog

Book · 2010 · Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Zog is a warm, funny picture book in Donaldson and Scheffler's beloved rhyming style, following an enthusiastic but accident-prone young dragon through dragon school. The story is gentle and joyful, with a clever twist at the end that flips traditional fairy-tale roles on their head.

A lovely read-aloud for ages 3 and up, though the storyline's humour lands best around age 4.

Peril & tensionViolenceBig emotions

Chapters to know about

ViolenceDragon-school flying lessonMild

Zog crashes into a tree during flying practice and bumps his head; played as broad comedy and quickly resolved by Pearl's bandaging.

ViolenceFire-breathing lessonMild

Zog accidentally sets his own wing alight while learning to breathe fire; shown humorously with no lasting harm.

Peril & tensionFinal dragon-school testMild

Zog must fight a knight in his toughest exam; the confrontation is brief and ends peacefully rather than violently.

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