Illustrated by Elys Dolan
The Kingdom of Rodney is being terrorised by Flamethrottle the dragon. Fortunately Max, a young toymaker, and Lizzie, an armourer, are more than a match for this man-eating monster and the two of them come up with a clever plan to drive it away.
"This gorgeous book is filled with action, small detail and fun concepts which will provide plenty of talking points for parents and children … Destined to be a roaring success."
Pam Norfolk, LANCASHIRE EVENING POST
"A rip roaring adventure combined with exciting illustrations …
a sure fire winner for the young (and not so young)."
Jill Bennett, RED READING HUB
Read more of these and other reviews
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ISBN-10: 0192738011 • ISBN-13: 978-0192738011
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Paperback
ISBN: 9780192743909



Scraposaurus Wrecks, a forerunner of The Clockwork Dragon |
Elys's illustrations of Castle Crackpot were inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle |
![]() This illustration from the end of the book contains a clue to a possilbe second Max and Lizzie story. |
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Follow my CLOCKWORK DRAGON board on Pinterest.
Illustrations © 2015 Elys Dolan. Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press.


Illustrator Elys Dolan brings Emmett’s imaginative, exciting and funny story to life with colourful, appealing artwork which maps out Max’s world inside the front and back covers and turns the clockwork dragon into a dynamic, larger-than-life creation.
This gorgeous book is filled with action, small detail and fun concepts which will provide plenty of talking points for parents and children. And who can resist a story that puts kids in the driving seat, in this case literally?
Destined to be a roaring success…
Pam Norfolk, LANCASHIRE EVENING POST
It’s unlikely that Jonathan Emmett had the skills gap in mind when he came up with the idea for this whimsical romp about an experimental young toymaker who defeats a fiery dragon through his passion for motors, gears and cogs; but it’s a pretty good advertisement for the advantages of being an engineer nonetheless. … It’s an exciting read, beautifully illustrated and besides, as we are so often told, it’s never too early to start nurturing an enthusiasm in the next generation for STEM subjects and the exciting career opportunities to which they can open doors…
The cocktail of dastardly dragons, mechanical and otherwise, wily and determined child characters and a rip roaring adventure combined with exciting illustrations packed with humorous details and mechanical ones, make this a sure fire winner for the young (and not so young). Certainly my child audiences demanded an immediate re-reading, pored over the inside covers as well as the action-packed colour spreads and were eager to know if the ‘A Max and Lizzie Adventure sign on the back cover heralds further adventures.
Jill Bennett, RED READING HUB
Jonathan Emmett enjoys inventing stories involving building and creating. Children love that too. Max has lost his job with the Toymaker and decides to take the only job on offer: ‘Brave Knight wanted to get rid of Flamethrottle the local fearsome dragon’. Max’s useful knowledge for making toys helps him and Lizzie to create an enormous metal clockwork dragon (recycled, of course) to frighten Flamethrottle. Although the trick originally worked, the motor ran down and stopped. But Max is never beaten Local classes of six/seven-year-olds loved the mechanical bits, Max's trick, and the comeuppance ending.
Libby Allman, INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP WEEK BEST NEW CHILDREN'S BOOKS 2015
"The dragons in this book, both real and mechanical, look awesome …
It’s a fun, adventurous story and perfect for burgeoning dragon hunters everywhere."
Steve Antony, PICTURE BOOKS BLOGGER
A rollicking and thoroughly entertaining story with pint-sized heroes at its heart, taking on a big bully by using their brains. We love the inventiveness of this, coupling Jonathan's pacey and exciting story with Elys Dolan's wonderful creative illustrations … Brilliantly entertaining!
Phil May, READ IT DADDY!
The Clockwork Dragon is a really fun picture book … recommended for any budding knights or dragon hunters out there, especially ones with an eye for making things. Max and Lizzie are memorable, likeable characters who would make positive role models for any children, and I look forward to their next adventure.
Jenny Davies, WONDROUS READS
Technology is a key subject in primary schools and this book is the perfect introduction to the concept of designing a solution to a problem. Fantastic for so many reasons.
