"Dragonskin Slipper" by Jessica Day George

[Estonian Dancer]

I'm back.....with a title to share!!!


Has anyone read Dragonskin Slippers? I have not received it yet but will be soon. Any comments from those who may have read it already?

Estonian Dancer

[Mary]

Hey, we missed you Estonian Dancer! Welcome back!

I have an ARC of Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George; is that the book you are thinking of? I'll put it in my "Read Soon" pile.

[Interested Reader]

I've just started this book, but I had to share with you one of the best opening lines I've read in a long time: "It was my aunt who decided to give me to the dragon." I'm really looking forward to having time to read this one.

[gbishop]

Are you referrring to Dragon Slipper by Jessica Day George? When I checked our library catalog this is the only title that came up for Jessica Day George.

[Estonian Dancer]

Ah.

I see it's one of those Nine Stories/For Esme With Love And Squalor, A Northern Light/A Gathering Light, The Sun Also Rises/Fiesta moments.

If you're not sure what the last paragraph means, don't worry about it. It's just that the book clearly has 2 different titles.

[Interested Reader]

Regardless of what the title is, if it is eligible, I think it should be added to the Mock Newbery list. Next to The Invention of Hugo Cabret -- which most seem to feel isn't a contender due to its dependence on illustrations -- it is the book I am most recommending to people right now.

[DianeB]

"Dragon Slipper" is a great book. I usually hesitate when I pick up a fantasy book, because you have to learn a new world, new legends, new creatures, and a new language. But, after the first page, I knew I was hooked. Thank you.

[DiannaB]

I had a lot of fun with Dragon Slippers. The main character, Creel, is a very strong person. She is developed well. Her parents haved died and she's mostly on her own, but she is brave and funny. She doesn't back down from a fight, even when she is terrified. There is subtle romance, but not too much. A villian, several friendly dragons - as long as they are not under the 'spell' and a few stupid men. I like the plot. It may be somewhat unbelievable, but then so are many 'fairytale' types. I liked the new world, with different gods and names of things, but still some familiar things. It doesn't draw out tons of emotions or feelings, but it is a strong a story for our list. I'm not sure I would name it distinguished. What do others see at it's strengths and weaknesses?

[Estonian Dancer]

I have now finished Dragonskin Slipper. It was OK...not my favourite book of all time.
But I have a question....would this book be a book to recommend to girls or boys or both ? I would say it's a girls book....I would have a difficult time trying to talk this book up to boys.
Any comments or thoughts out there on this?

[DaNae]

I just finished Dragon Slippers. I found it delightful. The best part about it is that if I were to read the first chapter to the kids at my library it would go on hold to the end of time. I am going to encourage some of the teachers at my school to use it as a read aloud. My diabolical plan is, since the author is local and still relatively unknown, I may be able to get her to come do a visit before she is too famous and busy. On the surface it may be more of a “girl” book (there is lots of sewing) than a masculine read, but given the chance boys will like it just as well as girls.

[Tess]

A fantastic read. I love how spunky Creel is and how she changes the king's decree at the end. While the ending did leave me a bit unsatisfied with no explanation of how the golden dragon was able to return, I know a sequel must be in the making. I look forward to it but it makes me a little less likely to defend this book during our upcoming discussion.