The House With a Dragon in It by Nick Lake

A Magical Adventure About Wishes, Wonder... and a Growing Hole in the Floor

When Summer and her foster family sit down for a simple lunch, nothing seems out of the ordinary — until a mysterious hole opens up in the middle of the living room. On the other side? A dragon. And a very unusual witch, offering three life-changing wishes.

Summer dreams of popularity, money, and a better life. But magic always comes with consequences  and the hole keeps growing...

From Nick Lake, Costa Award-winning author, and Emily Gravett, two-time Kate Greenaway Medal winner, comes a spellbinding tale of wishes, identity, and the power of self-belief. A modern classic for thoughtful young readers who love dragons, mystery, and heart.

Why We (and Schools) Love It:

• Explores big themes like family, belonging, and emotional resilience in a magical setting
• Inspires empathy and imagination, making it perfect for reading circles or classroom libraries
• Stunning black-and-white illustrations by Emily Gravett support visual literacy and engagement

Author: Nick Lake, Illustrator: Emily Gravett, Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Format: Paperback, Pages: 256, Age Recommendation: 9+