Kendal based book brings dragons to Cumbria in new story

Stuart Atkinson, who is also an amateur astronomer, has penned 'Tales of the Kendal Library Dragon' just in time for Christmas.

It is a modern fantasy tale that is, according to the author, suitable for readers both young and old.

Stuart said: "Earlier this year I wrote a short story to support a 12 hour fairy tale-reading marathon by Kendal Community Theatre, which was held in Kendal Library.

"The story was about a loveable but rather disaster-prone dragon that lives in the library, and it was so popular it was read out several times, and I was asked afterwards if I'd be writing more."

The book cover for Stuart Atkinson's latest publication (Image: Stuart Atkinson)

The initial plan for Stuart had not involved any further stories being written about the fire-breathing character, but the interest urged him to take a different route.

"Six months later, I'm very pleased to say that 'Tales of The Kendal Library Dragon' is now available," he added.

"It contains the original short story read out in the library, and a new, much longer story, 'Arcturus and The Book of Christmas Magic', which is set in the Auld Grey Town at Christmas."

His hometown is a predominant feature of the stories, combining his love for the area with more supernatural and mythical elements.

"Kendal is at the heart of this very festive story, which features many local landmarks and places," he said.

"And I guarantee that anyone reading it will never see certain places in Kendal in the same way again."

To date, Stuart has written 13 astronomy and space related books for children. including for publishers Ladybird and Hachette.

His most popular work is 'A Cat's Guide to the Night Sky', which has been published in more than 20 countries since its arrival in 2018.

You can buy 'Tales of the Kendal Library Dragon' in paperback and as a Kindle version here as the perfect Christmas present.