Dragon Rider: The Griffin’s Feather

A new book from Cornelia Funke is always something to celebrate, not just for the quality of the storytelling but also for her illustrations which capture her creations perfectly, providing the perfect counterpoint to the text.

Here we return to pick up the story we left in Dragon Rider. Ben and his adopted family are now living in Mimameidr, the sanctuary they have created for magical and fabulous creatures. Firedrake, Ben’s dragon companion is living with the other dragons in the Rim of Heaven. However, it is learnt that a solution created from a griffin’s golden feather is the only thing that might save the three eggs of the Pegasus – the last of the flying horses, Ben and his father decide they must act. Griffins, however, are notoriously aggressive and cruel. Will Ben and his friends succeed in saving the foals?

The epithet ‘old-fashioned’ is often used to describe a certain quality of storytelling. Funke displays those qualities in abundance; engaging characters, both human and animal, a real sense of jeopardy with a properly cruel enemy, an exciting storyline that keeps the reader wanting to know what comes next. Her well-crafted prose is ideal for the confident KS2 child, for a parent at bedtime or a teacher at the end of the day. Read Dragon Rider to get the full story – or just jump in; recommended.