Title The Dragon Stoorworm Series --- Author Theresa Breslin Illustrated By Matthew Land Publisher Picture Kelpies - 2014 First Printing Picture Kelpies - 2014 Category Children Warnings None Main Characters Princess Gemdelovely, Assipattle, Stoorworm Main Elements Dragons

The Dragon Stoorworm was the very first, very worst dragon that ever lived. It was ginormous: almost as big as the whole of Scotland! The King of Scotland called for warriors to defeat the terrible dragon and save his daughter, the Princess Gemdelovely, from being eaten. But none who faced the dragon ever returned, until...Gentle Assipattle is no warrior, but maybe together, he and Princess Gemdelovely can free Scotland from the wrath of the Dragon Stoorworm. A lively retelling of the traditional Scottish folk tale of the Dragon Stoorworm (or Mester Stoor Worm), which explains the origins of Scotland's many islands, adapted for a young audience. Award-winning author Theresa Breslin's story unfolds with wry humor while Matthew Land's magical illustrations capture the fairy-tale beauty of Scotland.The Dragon Stoorworm is one of the first titles released in the new Picture Kelpies: Traditional Scottish Tales range of picture books that bring classic Scottish folk and fairy tales to life for young children."

Children's books that are also retellings of traditional folk tales are often very beautiful and this one is no exception. Though I have Scottish ancestry this is the first I hear this tale of a terrible dragon which no knight can defeat, at least not until a young man in love with the princess, and she with he, both set out to rid the land of the monster. The artwork is perfect for the tale and I found myself truly enjoying the beauty of the tale.