The Dragon at the Zoo

Cedric is a dragon like no other. He lives at the zoo, adores children, and is quite possibly the most spectacular dragon Tig has ever known. But when the real reptiles insist he is not a true dragon, Cedric begins to doubt himself.

With Tig on his back, he soars far away to find somewhere he belongs, leaving the zoo in chaos. It will take a murmuration of birds, a zoo full of worried animals, and a very big apology to bring their beloved dragon home again. A warm and magical celebration of imagination, belonging and what makes something real.

Based on the dragon sculpture that decades of children have climbed on at Auckland Zoo, giving the story a strong New Zealand sense of place. Cedric is an instantly endearing dragon character, kind-natured, self-doubting and brave, making him appealing for classroom discussions and family reading. Beautifully illustrated by Craig Phillips, whose vibrant artwork brings Cedric’s magical flight sequence and the zoo world to life with cinematic drama. A satisfying ending brings Cedric home to the zoo he loves, where children, animals and zookeepers unite to welcome their dragon back. A companion title to 2024’s Elephant Park, by Melanie Koster and Jenny Cooper, written about the elephant slide in Bishopdale Park in Christchurch.