Dragon: Hound of Honor (Julie Andrews Collection)

Julie Andrews Edwards is one of the most recognized figures inthe world of entertainment. She is perhaps best known for her performances in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Victor/Victoria.

Ms. Edwards published her first two children's books with Ursula Nordstrom at Harper & Row in the 1970s: Mandy and The Last of the Really Great Wangdoodles. She is also the author of the Little Bo books illustrated by Henry Cole, and the Dumpy the Dump Truck series, coauthored with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, and illustrated by Tony Walton.

Grade 5-8–Thierry is a ward of the Count of Montargis in medieval France. He wants to become a squire to a knight, and is fascinated when a tournament is held on his guardian's estate. But concern arises when Aubrey de Montdidier, the knight betrothed to the Count's daughter, fails to turn up for the festivities. Three days later his horse and faithful hound, Dragon, return to the castle, spooked and injured. Dragon then leads Thierry and Guy DeNarsac to Aubrey's murdered body. As the entire castle mourns his death, Thierry and DeNarsac realize that the clue to the murderer lies with Dragon, the only living witness. Edwards and Hamilton render a beautifully written retelling of "The Legend of the Dog of Montargis." The descriptions of castle life, the tournament, and Paris in the 14th century are well researched and presented in a manner that is both lyrical and thrilling, and the heroics of the knights and of Dragon are exciting. While the complex names and the insertion of French phrases might be confusing at first, a glossary and a family tree aid in understanding. A well-done historical novel with an exciting mystery that will hold the attention of middle-grade readers.–Anna M. Nelson, Seabrook Library, NH
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