The Griffin's Feather

June 1, 2018

Gr 3-6-Dragon rider Ben Greenbloom feels an emptiness in his heart being away from his silver dragon, Firedrake. But when he and his family discover the last Pegasi in the world who need the precious sun feather of a Griffin to hatch, he must lie to the dragon. Griffins and dragons are mortal enemies. Ben and his father Barnabas along with a motley crew including a troll, a rat, and a homunculus (the last of his kind), attempt to complete this dangerous quest which takes them to a remote island ruled by the cruel "lion birds." Most of the characters are familiar from Funke's Dragon Rider and this book does not disappoint as a sequel with suspenseful adventure, creative characters, and the mixing of the modern world with the fantastical. Even those who have not read the previous work will enjoy delving into this world, as enough background is given for it to be a standalone. Detailed black-and-white drawings curve around and throughout the text, adding visual context for the story. Well-chosen quotes from various famous modern and ancient literary works perch on each chapter heading. A glossary of the myriad human and animal characters allow readers easy reference as needed throughout. VERDICT A not-to-be-missed fantasy by an author who is master of her craft.-Clare A. Dombrowski, Amesbury Public Library, MA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2018
In this sequel to Dragon Rider (2004), Ben, the protagonist of Book 1, teams up with friends to try to procure a sun feather from that most dangerous of fabulous creatures, the griffin.Now 14, Ben lives in Norway with his adoptive family: Vita, Barnabas, and Guinevere Greenbloom. There, with help from other conservation-minded friends, they run a refuge for beings of fable and myth. While happy in his new life, Ben nonetheless deeply misses Firedrake, the dragon he befriended in Book 1, who now lives safely in the Himalayas. When the Greenblooms learn the distressing news that the eggs containing the foals of the last Pegasus are in danger, they determine to try to save them by attempting to procure a sun feather from the vicious (and dragon-hating) griffins. Hoping to keep Firedrake safely out of it, Ben lies to him about the mission's real purpose as he, Barnabas, homunculus Twigleg, aviator-rat Lola Graytail, and troll Hothbrodd set out on their dangerous journey. This effort, is, of course, unsuccessful, nicely amping the peril. Author/illustrator Funke's tale abounds with adventure and is infused with a strong environmental conservation message. By populating her narrative with both real and mythical creatures, she encourages readers to regard flesh-and-blood species with equal awe.The book assumes a white default.A richly imagined, adeptly illustrated adventure with a strong message of respect for all species of creatures. (map, cast of characters) (Fantasy. 9-14)

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January 1, 2019
When the last Pegasus mare dies, leaving behind three eggs, Ben (Dragon Rider) and his father Barnabas journey in search of a griffin feather--their only hope for a successful hatching. But Ben must disguise their quest from his dragon Firedrake, fearing an old dragon-griffin feud will reignite. Funke successfully juggles a large cast and adds notes of humor to this second fantastical adventure.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)