Mara, Wil. Flying Dragons.

Mara, Wil. Flying Dragons. Capstone Publishers  2017  32p     $22.99    ISBN 978-1-5157-5071-0    elem/ms  Nonfiction  E-BNS           

The flying dragon does not fly.  It can glide fairly long distances because of extendable  flaps on its sides that act like wings.  This book presents good factual information about the habitat and life cycle of this particular lizard.  How it reacts to other animals, what it eats, and what eats it are all included.  Especially good is the section on why they do not make good pets and how they are a vulnerable species.

The photographs are outstanding.  The glossary is very good but the index is rudimentary.  Three print titles are mentioned for further information, as well as the publisher-sponsored web site.  Three good questions are included to encourage critical thinking using the Common Core.  In many titles the three questions are superficial, but in this book the questions are good.

Written on a 3-4 reading level, this title will also be helpful for struggling readers in middle school.   

The Real-Life Dragons series includes four titles: Bearded Dragons, Flying Dragons, Komodo Dragons and Sea Dragons.  Of interest to students in grades 3-8.

Summary: Factual information on flying dragons, a type of lizard.  It discusses the habitat, life cycle and behavior of flying dragons.  Low reading level, high interest.   

Flying dragons, Lizards                                           --Joan Theal