The Smoke in Albert's Garden

A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative, perhaps quiet, child is looking for a story that makes magic feel possible in their own backyard. In this gentle British classic, a boy named Albert discovers a small, strange, smoke-breathing creature in his garden shed. He soon realizes he's found a tiny dragon. The story follows Albert and his new friend Victoria as they try to keep the creature, Zand, a secret while learning how to care for him. It's a wonderful, low-stakes adventure that champions curiosity, responsibility, and the quiet joy of a shared secret. For ages 8-11, it’s a perfect tale of friendship and wonder, free from intense peril or complex themes.