Books Reviews

The Dragons of Ordinary Farm – Book Review

By Angela Youngman Aug 10, 2009, 13:48 GMT

Tyler and Lucinda have to spend summer vacation with their ancient uncle Gideon, a farmer. They think they\'re in for six weeks of cows, sheep, horses, and pigs. But when they arrive in deserted Standard Valley, California, they discover that Ordinary Farm is, well, no ordinary farm. The bellowing in the barn comes not from a cow but from a dragon. The thundering herd in the valley? Unicorns. Uncle ...more

Being packed off to stay with a long lost relation on a remote farm is not what Tyler and Lucinda had in mind for the summer holidays. Yet they quickly discover this is no ordinary farm - instead of cows and sheep there are dragons, unicorns and cockatrices.

There are other secrets too, waiting to be peeled away like slices of an onion. Why does Mr Walkwell pad his boots with newspaper?  Why does everyone avoid the library? 

When mysterious messages start arriving through a mirror and Tyler finds himself flung back into the Stone Age; life certainly becomes extremely interesting!  Each chapter seems to hold a new secret or problem.

Above all is the biggest problem of all - can Uncle Gideon keep control over the farm?  Speculators, investors, curious children and mysterious witches - this book has them all.  There are hints too that it may not be the end of the story - is a sequel in the air?

The Dragons of Ordinary Farm is a thoroughly good read, and a book which appeal to anyone who likes a bit of fantasy and imagination.  Although a children's book, this could well have wider appeal.