This remarkable story tells of Lionel, a small boy who, to his great surprise, is made King. But this is just the start of his adventure. For when Lionel discovers the amazing Palace library and opens a book called The Book of Beasts, a Butterfly and a Blue Bird of Paradise fly out. But when he opens it again, he releases a wicked Red Dragon into his kingdom. Now it is up to Lionel to find a way to vanquish the Dragon and save his people. He knows the answer lies within The Book of Beasts, but what is it? And will he discover it in time? First published in 1900, this classic and substantial story has lost none of its charm and cannot help but enchant all who enter its pages.

Author Biography

Edith Nesbit (1858-1924) began writing as a teenager and in later years supported her family with her work as a writer. She is remembered today mainly for her books for children. Her novels The Story of the Treasure Seekers, Five Children and It, The Phoenix and the Carpet and The Railway Children have become classics and have been made into successful films. The Book of Beasts was first published in 1900 in a collection of stories called The Book of Dragons. Another story, Melisande, is also published as a picture book by Walker Books, illustrated by P.J. Lynch. Inga Moore has written and illustrated many picture books for children including The Vegetable Thieves (Parents' Choice Award 1983); Six Dinner Sid (Smarties Book Prize 1990); Oh, Little Jack and A Big Day for Little Jack. For Walker Books, she has also illustrated Oscar Wilde's The Canterville Ghost and a two volume edition of Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows: The River Bank and Other Stories and The Adventures of Mr Toad - praised by the Sunday Telegraph as a "stunning achievement".