Book Author and Illustrator Melanie Koster & Craig Phillips
Rights Available World excl. ANZ
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 this universally appealing 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 and the zoo world to life
+ A satisfying ending brings Cedric home to the zoo he loves, where children, animals and zookeepers unite to welcome their dragon back
About the Author
Melanie Koster was born on the wild West Coast of the South Island and brought up in a book-loving, story-telling family. She lives in Christchurch with her whānau of artists, inventors and tinkerers. Melanie is the author of Elephant Park and Milly Maloo and the Miracle Glue and has been shortlisted six times for the Joy Cowley Award, finally winning the award in 2022 with Tama and the Taniwha, illustrated by her daughter Monica. Melanie works as a teacher aide at a local primary school, where she enjoys helping young writers hone their craft.
About the Illustrator
Craig Phillips is a professional illustrator with two decades of experience. His art has featured in major anthologies and exhibitions. In 2017, he illustrated American Gods by Neil Gaiman and released his award-winning solo book Giants, Trolls, Witches, Beasts, which earned multiple honours in New Zealand and Australia. His first picture book for Scholastic was Miriama Kamo’s Humble Bumble.
Publisher
Scholastic New Zealand Ltd
Extent
32pp
Format
250 x 240mm
Binding
Paperback
Category
Children’s
Genre
Picture Book
Age range
3 – 7 years
Publication Date
April 2026
Rights Available:
World, excl. ANZ
Rights Agents:
World
Lynette Evans, Scholastic New Zealand Ltd
levans@scholastic.co.nz
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