Kenny and the Dragon

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider because of their intellectual interests or when they are struggling with the 'us versus them' mentality of a group. It is the perfect choice for the gentle, bookish child who would rather solve a problem through conversation and poetry than through confrontation. Kenny is a rabbit who discovers that the legendary dragon everyone in his village fears is actually a sophisticated, tea-drinking lover of the arts named Grahame. As the town prepares for a dragon-slaying battle, Kenny must find a way to save his new friend by challenging the community's prejudices. The story beautifully explores themes of intellectual curiosity, the courage to stand up for an unpopular truth, and the power of finding common ground between perceived enemies. It is a warm, intellectually stimulating read for children ages 8 to 12.