20-year-old student, David, is about to start a Geography course at Scrubbley College. Desperate for housing nearby, he becomes a tenant in the house of Liz Pennykettle and her daughter, 10-year-old Lucy. Liz makes little clay dragons at home and sells them at Scrubbley Market. Young Lucy is obsessed with some squirrels that used to frequent their neighbourhood, especially a one-eyed squirrel called Conker. For Lucy's 11-year-old birthday, David writes her a story about Conker. Lucy likes it so much she asks him to keep writing. Meanwhile, Liz makes David a special clay dragon of his own, one holding a pencil and a pad. David names the dragon Gadzooks, and it seems to help David write, but surely that's his imagination?

After all, how can a clay dragon help anyone with anything? Then again, the dragon-filled house is always warm, despite the absence of any form of heating. And though Liz and Lucy are friendly, they seem to be hiding something from David. There's certainly something mysterious going on where the dragons are concerned. For instance, there's no kiln in the house, so what--or who--is doing the firing of the clay dragons? And if you look closely enough, there's a definite resemblance between the dragon named Guinevere and Liz, and, for that matter, between the dragon named Gwendolen and Lucy. What's David to make of all this?

The more David works on the story of Conker and the other squirrels, the more Gadzooks appears to be helping, until events in the real world and in his make-believe world come crashing together in a startling development that results in tragedy. David's frustration at this turn of events leads him to reject Gadzooks, with alarming consequences for his special dragon. For Lucy had said that one must never make a dragon cry. What would happen if Gadzooks were to weep a 'fire tear'?

Chris D'Lacey's The Fire Within is a charming tale that should appeal to young readers (about 8 to 12), and even younger ones (5-7) will love to have it read to them. Parents will also find it an enjoyable read, as there are many amusing moments, and the humour is lively at times and wry at others. The death of one of the squirrels is handled in a moving yet positive manner, and reading this together will help young children deal with the passing of a beloved pet.

My only complaint is that so little space is given to the dragons (who come to life only towards the very end of the book) as most of this first book in the trilogy is devoted to Lucy's squirrels. Also, Lucy acts and sounds very young (and, at times, annoying) for her age. Other than that, this is a solid read, with a very promising ending that will surely have the reader intent on getting their hands on the sequels (Icefire and Firestar). Incidentally, the cover art for this series (close-ups of a dragon's head) is excellent, which is always a bonus. In sum, this is an excellent rainy-day tale for a young child, especially one who's crazy about animals. For the fantasy fiend, there may be some pouting and impatience to get to the magical bits. But as 'good things come to those who wait', the ending (and doubtless the sequels) will make up for the slower pace and the more gentle narrative.


Recommended: Yes