Dragons have been a part of imaginations both young and old for centuries. They have been in stories, myths, legends and songs throughout history.
In Leonardo’s Dragon, multi-award winning author & illustrator Donovan Bixley has recaptured the setting and time of Leonardo Da Vinci (as in his literary picture book, A Portrait of Leonardo), but this time has focussed it on the great man’s mystical pet.
The main character of this story collection is Caterina, a curious serving girl in the court of the Vatican in the early 1500’s. Fascinated by the lavishly robed noblemen and travellers who visit the palace, Caterina eavesdrops on their tales of glory and danger at any opportunity. Word of a dragon belonging to resident Leonardo Da Vinci, is especially exciting. She has never met or even seen the clever man, and is not sure what to believe. What she does know however, is that everyone fears the inventor’s creature.
The gossip stirs imaginations and stories are told – to Caterina in the kitchens and to gathered guests at banquets, where Caterina hides once again in the shadows to listen.
Tales hail from Italy, Japan, England and even the Pacific – retold by Donovan Bixley and lavishly illustrated throughout this large format story collection. These stories of dragons aren’t full of brave knights slaying dragons for glory and gold. These dragons are clever, wise, an ocean guide and even humorous.
The five stories shared become one, following Caterina’s journey in learning about these magical creatures and finally learning the truth about Leonardo’s Dragon.
Once again, in Donovan’s work, there are clever, subtle, thought-provoking moments about the world we live in today – stories being a form of entertainment through time, but also how stories can twist, cajole, and change the way we think about the world, without learning more about their origins.
While I read and consumed greedily each full colour illustration myself, I imagined these Five Far-Flung Dragon Tales being read out loud before bedtimes. Whilst based on Dragon Tales-of-Old, they are action-packed, retold and relevant to today’s modern listeners in order to keep them wanting more.
This 80 paged collection of tales tips the old traditions of slaying the evil dragons on their heads without losing the magic, wonder and deliciousness of an exciting dragon tale.
Loved it!
Author / Illustrator – Donovan Bixley
Age – 7+
Publisher – Upstart Press
Find more of Donovan Bixley’s Books here
(2025, Upstart Press, NZ, Aotearoa, Dragons, Short stories, Collection, Retellings, New Zealand, Historical, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Courage, Mystery, Secret)