George and the Mini Dragon
George Webster with Helen Harvey, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Scholastic

George loves animals and longs for a pet but his parents say it would be far too much work. Consequently when he discovers a tiny dragon at the bottom of his garden after making a wish at his 7th birthday party, he smuggles her inside so his mum and dad don’t find out. George names his new pet Lava and soon discovers that she’s a lively, strong minded, mischievous creature so concealing her is going to be something of a challenge not only at home but at school too.

It’s not long before Lava’s mischief making is noticed by George’s school friends; the art lesson rapidly becomes a glitter scattering opportunity for more than the pupils. Before the lesson ends their class teacher announces that there’s to be a school talent show on the coming Friday. George and his pals, Faiza and Jason. sign up to do a magic show using the set George was given for his birthday. George also has to work out what to feed Lava on.

As the week passes, it seems that the dragon is unhappy. Could she want a friend; she even tries to do the Makaton sign for ‘friends’. – I love that. Maybe though, it’s a dragon friend Lava wants. Then things get a tad chaotic with the fire alarm being set off not long before the talent show begins; it’s a false alarm but Lava is missing. Can George’s Amazing Magic Show even take place? Happily yes and it might just prove even more magical than the contestants or participants could ever have imagined.

Written in collaboration with author Helen Harvey, it’s great to see an inclusive story for younger readers; this one celebrates friendship, family and being yourself, (George has Down syndrome and uses Makaton to help him communicate). Tim Budgen’s illustrations further enliven the tale.