Move over bookworms. In 2025 we are raising book dragons!
A book dragon is a magical creature disguised as a child. Instead of gold or jewels, their treasure is books. Hoards show up in backpacks, under pillows, littered across the minivan, and stacked in every corner of the house. Once you’ve met one, you’ll recognize the signs right away.
Sign #1: The Hoard Begins
It usually starts with a small pile under the bed, then a stack of library books that somehow always end up overdue, and maybe a comic or two hidden in a backpack. Before long, the hoard has spread to nightstands, car seats, and even the bathroom counter. Try removing one, and you’ll quickly find that a dragon notices when even a single title goes missing.
Sign #2: Traveling is…Complicated
Leaving the house without books is unthinkable. A dragon insists on packing several: one for the trip there, one for the ride home, and a backup for emergencies. Even a quick ten-minute drive requires options, and somehow every book feels necessary. An overnight trip could mean an entire bag just for books. Do not try to reason with a book dragon.
Sign #3: Sleep? What Sleep?
Bedtime never really stops a dragon. You tuck them in, kiss them goodnight, and turn out the light. A few minutes later, you hear the quiet rustle of pages or see the glow of a flashlight under the covers. Late-night reading feasts are part of their nature.
Sign #4: Books Become the Security Blanket
Stories become the comfort they carry everywhere. A dragon may fall asleep with an old favorite on their chest, tuck the new release into a their backpack, or sneak one(or two) into a restaurant. Sometimes they even read while standing in line, completely lost in their world. Keep track of them or they might walk into something.
Sign #5: Dinners are now Book Club Meetings
Dragons share their stories with everyone around them every chance they get. They want you to love it as much as they do. Characters become so real they’re talked about like close friends. Before long, you feel as if an extra set of family members has moved into your house. Just go ahead and set the extra place setting.
Sign #6: Book Grief Is Real
Is your little dragon feeling sad and mopey? The few days after a particularly perfect story creates a loss known as book grief. Book grief is a good sign and means that the dragon was deeply impacted by the characters. Don’t worry…it will pass, and the dragon will be swiftly on to the next treasure. If it lingers, try laying some books out on the tables to remind them of all the stories they haven’t yet read. Or offer a trip to the library.
Want a book dragon of your own?
Begin with a basket of books left in plain sight, then add a cozy nook piled high with blankets and pillows for curling up. Blanket forts make excellent lairs for book dragons. Slip in a trusty flashlight and a notebook and pen. Make sure a library card is always close at hand since no dragon can resist the promise of endless treasure. Scatter a few favorite snacks nearby for sustenance, and most importantly, make sure the bigger dragons in the house are often seen reading. With all these pieces in place, don’t be surprised when your little dragon disappears into their new lair and begins guarding their growing hoard of stories.
Just be warned…once a book dragon moves in, the hoard will multiply faster than you can find shelf space.