The Horn Book Guide

BIOGRAPHIES

McAlister, Caroline

John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien

48 pp. | Roaring Brook | March, 2017 | Trade ISBN 978-1-62672-092-3 $18.99

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. Showing the roots of many themes later found in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, McAlister introduces John as a boy who loves horses, trees, words, and especially dragons. Despite Tolkien's sometimes-difficult young life, the prevailing tone is one of warmth and security. In Wheeler's illustrations, swirling shapes and trees silhouetted against pearly skies are reminiscent of Arthur Rackham. Bib.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2017