A smashed china dragon helps Tyra to bond with her new classmates in this touching tale from bestselling author Karen McCombie.

Tyra gets off to a tough start at her new school. She’s loud and different and nobody seems to be particularly friendly. So when her nan gives her a beautiful china snow dragon, Tyra decides to take it to school, hoping that people will think it’s interesting and talk to her. But disaster strikes and the beautiful dragon is smashed. Can Tyra find a way to repair her treasure while also making some new friends along the way?

Reviews

"Beautifully demonstrates the importance of kindness and inclusivity" – BookTrust, Book of the Day

"This heart-warming tale sensitively explores the anxieties of starting a new school and trying to fit in, beautifully demonstrating the importance of kindness and inclusivity." – BookTrust

"A story like this exists to show that everyone is worried about fitting in, but people will help … this story is one of genuine hope and optimism." – Just Imagine

"The Broken Dragon sees McCombie at her storytelling best … Featuring the sensitive and inclusive black and white illustrations of Anneli Bray … this warm-hearted tale reminds young readers that sometimes people need help to mend, and being perfect doesn’t always make people – or things – special." – Lancashire Post

About the author

Karen McCombie is the bestselling author of over 90 books for children and teenagers including the Carnegie Medal-nominated 'Little Bird Flies', 'How to be a Human', and series 'St Grizzle's School for Girls' and 'Indie Kidd'. Karen is also the author of the bestselling and much-loved series 'Ally's World'. Originally from Scotland, she now lives in London with her family who all give her inspiration for her books, whether they like it or not.
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Anneli Bray is an illustrator, artist and maker based in the North West of England. Anneli illustrates stories and characters influenced by her love of wonder, belonging and adventure. She graduated with a First in Illustration and has since illustrated for Vita Murrow in her children’s book, Onyx: The Wolf Who Found a New Way to be a Leader. Anneli’s debut picture book, The Last Garden, was published in 2021, with more exiting work to come.