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Dragons in a Bag
Last updated Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Author: Zetta Elliott
Illustrator: Geneva B
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1524770450
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2026
Synopsis:
When Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she's not his grandmother - but she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they'll be safe. There are two rules when it comes to the dragons: don't let them out of the bag, and don't feed them anything sweet. Before he knows it, Jax and his friends Vikram and Kavita have broken both rules! Will Jax get the baby dragons delivered safe and sound? Or will they be lost in Brooklyn forever?
| Note to readers: |
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The book does mention racial segregation towards the last few chapters of this book. Please be prepared to discuss that with the children.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Based on the cover of the book, what do you think it will be about?
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If you saw a dragon in real life, how would you feel?
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What do you already know about dragons?
Vocabulary:
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imprint - come to recognize (another animal, person, or thing) as a parent or other object of trust
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apprentice - a person who works for someone to learn their skill
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What responsibility did Jaxon have?
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If you were to go on a magical adventure, what items would you bring with you?
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Were the dragons in the book different from what you expected?
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Who did we meet in the story?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Design your own dragon. Draw your own dragon on paper. Option: Make cut out dinosaurs. Trace your hand & cut out (volunteers can help cut shapes before or during craft time). Turn upside down so the fingers will be legs, thumb will be neck & head. Add triangles for spikes, teeth and draw a face. Materials: markers/crayons, paper
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Decorate your own bag. Decorate the outside of the bag where they will store their dragons. Materials: brown paper bag, crayons/markers, construction paper, glue
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Check out the dragons at Pinterest board DRAGONS DRAGONS DRAGONS https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/dragons-dragons-dragons/. These craft suggestions were created by long time Reading to Kids volunteer Paul Heinzman. You can show the kids his "dinosaur pets" and some video at https://www.paulsprehistoricpark.com/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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