How to Train Your Dragon Book 1 by Cressida Cowell
Reviewed by KeriRatings
Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content
LANGUAGE
VIOLENCE
SEXUAL CONTENT
ADULT THEMES
Ratings Explanation
Language: No swearing but several bits of name calling and taunting. Many of their names are based on primitive crudeness (the Meathead Tribe, Snotlout, Duhbrain, Newtsbreath etc.)
Violence: These young viking characters are all about the ruff and tumble lifestyle of their parents. Lots of teasing, bantering and taunting. A very large dragon has eaten an entire army of Roman soldiers, carts, horses and all. The dragon also describes the best way to bone a human. Live sheep are one of the dragon’s favorite snacks because of their crunchy bones. Two dragons take chunks out of each other during a fight. A large dragon explodes after his fire breathing holes are plugged. His innards are sprayed everywhere.
Synopsis
Hiccup is the unassuming hero in this book. He is the son of the viking Chief Stoik but unfortunately, lacks the brawn and brutal manner that is so important in his culture. As part of a right of passage, Hiccup must capture a dragon and prove that he has trained it. This doesn’t turn out well. He comes back with the smallest, most common dragon that doesn’t even have teeth. Discouraged, Hiccup talks with his grandfather Old Wrinkley who is trying his hand at predicting the future. His grandfather tells Hiccup that there is hope and that he will eventually become a hero. Hiccup finds that using his brains can be just as important as using brawn. He does eventually save his tribe from a gigantic sea dragon using his clever tricks.
A fun read for those that enjoy a quirky sense of humor. There are silly illustrations and ink splots all through the book adding to its youthful appeal. Hiccup is the true underdog hero that we all find ourselves rooting for.
©2010 The Literate Mother