Where the Dragon Waits

LoveReading4Kids Says

January 2026 Book of the Month

After a terrible crash at sea in his father’s yacht, Ed wakes up on a beach in a strange place. There’s a girl called Steff, who seems to know a bit more than him, for example, that they need to run from the crowds of white butterflies that appear to be chasing the children, because they bring oblivion with them.

As the two flee the beach they meet a talking pangolin who, though threatening at first, becomes an ally, telling them what they need to do if they want to escape this strange place. Astolpho, the pangolin, can’t entirely protect them from the pack of wolves also out to get them, however.

Meanwhile, somewhere else altogether, Ed’s parents are desperately hoping he’ll return to them. All sorts of stories are woven together in this quest adventure with a difference, with friends and foes encountered, challenges met and a final riddle to solve.

We’re never sure if Ed and Steff will make it to the end, and there’s a real sense of tension throughout. They make superb central characters, bickering and losing their temper with each other but still spurring the other on, gradually becoming as close as friends can be. It concludes with a terrific surprise twist but it’s the sense of urgency and feeling of other-worldliness that will remain with readers long after they’ve finished the book.

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

About Where the Dragon Waits

After his dad's boat crashes, Ed finds himself on a strange beach. He meets a girl - headstrong Steff - who doesn't know where they are, either.

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