Genre 4: Behold...the Dragons!

Behold...the Dragons! by Gail Gibbons
Morrow Junior Books, 1999
ISBN 0-688-15527-8

Summary:
Behold...the Dragons! is a factual look at dracontology, the study of dragon myths and lore from around the world.

Critical Analysis:
Gail Gibbons is an experienced writer and illustrator with more than 100 children's non-fiction books to her credit. She draws children into Behold...the Dragons with what sounds like the beginning of a narrative story: "A long time ago, people began telling stories about happenings in their world that they couldn't understand." This Once-upon-a time-like beginning is not only familiar to children, but it also sets the stage for myth and magic, which dragons are, of course. Somehow she manages to honor the legends and stories without pretending they are true. She tells readers on the second page that early people often explained natural occurrences they did not understand by blaming lightning, thunder, or earthquakes on huge beasts. She then moves on to the etymology of the word "dragon" (from the Greek drakon, meaning "a huge snake with piercing eyesight") and a description of what dracontologists study, the five basic classifications of dragons in world mythology.
The book is organized primarily by class: serpent dragons, semi-dragons, classical dragons, sky dragons, and neodragons (who knew so many types existed?). Within each class, she shows drawings of dragons from different parts of the world and gives a brief background of where they were supposed to live, what they looked like, and what they did. Following the classes, Gibbons recounts the classical dragon stories of Marduk and Tiamat, Hercules and the Hydra, Beowulf and the beast, and St. George and the dragon. Four more page layouts are devoted to the cultural importance of dragons to the ancient Chinese, the ancient Egyptians, and the Aztecs. At the end of the book, Gibbons includes a pictorial index of other famous dragons such as the Loch Ness Monster and Uther Pendragon's symbol that would offer additional research possibilities for children.
The illustrations throughout attempt to reflect some of the culture represented by different stories. My personal favorite is the illustration from the story of Marduk, where, in the fashion of ancient Mesopotamian art, Tiamat the dragon is drawn in a two-dimensional profile.
Gibbons is careful to handle this mythical topic in a manner that is purely non-fiction without killing the magic and wonder.

Review Excerpts:
"{Gibbons} follows dragons through different cultures and times . . . and discusses their modern-day use in celebrating the Chinese New Year. The pictures vibrate with energy and combine colored pencils, watercolors, and textured papers, all outlined in Gibbons' characteristic black pen. . . . If displayed so that library patrons can see its gilt title and the fire-breathing creature on the front, this will be snapped up and enjoyed."

Susan Dove Lemke, Booklist, May 1 1999, v. 95, no. 17

"Gibbons's book entertains readers as it teaches them something about history and literature.

Susan L. Rogers, School Library Journal, April 1999, v. 45 no. 4

Connections:

• Use the brief stories as a springboard to finding more detailed classical dragon stories.
• Research other mythical creatures such as Pegasus, unicorns, or mermaids. Create displays of traits, habitats, powers, and limitations for each creature.
• Read current fiction (Eragon, Fire Within, etc.). Which category do these dragons fall into? How do our current fictional dragons compare with those of classical stories? Which dragon traits are probably modern inventions added to historical dragon lore?
• Use The Dragons Are Singing Tonight by Jack Prelutsky as a companion piece.