The Dragon and the Stone

by Kathryn Butler

Publisher:

Crossway

, 2022

Overview

An Adventure Novel for Middle-Grade Readers Steeped in Magic, Mystery, and Glimmers of Hope—Book 1 in the Dream Keeper Saga

Even though she’s only 12 years old, Lily McKinley already feels the weight of the world’s brokenness. She’s seen it in her mother’s exhaustion, her grandmother’s illness, and the cruelty of Adam, the bully at her school. But most tragically, she experienced it two months ago when her father died in a terrible accident. 

As an artistic daydreamer, Lily has a brilliant imagination to help her cope, but that imagination often gets her into trouble. One day, it transports her to a fantasy world called the Somnium Realm, where her father’s secret history embroils her in an epic quest. With the help of a dragon guide named Cedric, Lily battles evil shrouds, harpies, and other creatures to find her way through grief, rescue the world from evil, and discover the power of redemption. 

This thrilling novel by Kathryn Butler mixes fantasy with Christian themes, taking middle-grade readers on a quest through castles, forests, and caverns to help a young girl find hope and usher in restoration.

• Christian Themes: This exciting story invites readers into deep conversations about the gospel and theological issues including faith, mourning, sacrifice, salvation, and redemption
• Ideal for Middle-Grade Readers and Families: Includes kids’ favorite fantasy and adventure elements with imaginative new characters and settings they’ll love
• Book 1 in the Dream Keeper Saga by Kathryn Butler

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Praise for The Dragon and the Stone

“I could not put this book down! Butler brings creative imagination and spiritual depth together in a way that keeps children engaged and curious. The larger-than-life storyline of The Dragon and the Stone is worth daydreaming about at your desk and discussing with your family around the table. Be prepared for your kids to initiate creative projects after reading!”
—Gloria Furman, author, Labor with Hope and A Tale of Two Kings

“The Dragon and the Stone displays all the imagination a book about the realm of dreams should have. The stakes are high—in that realm, and this—but it’s worth braving the dangers.”
—James D. Witmer, Managing Editor, StoryWarren.com; author, A Year in the Big Old Garden, Beside the Pond, and The Strange New Dog

“The Dragon and the Stone invites young readers to make an exciting journey into the realm of dreams with Lily McKinley and her eccentric companions. With a great deal of inventiveness and a touch of whimsy, Kathryn Butler takes the reader on a perilous ride that they won't want to end. I was gripped from the first chapter, and I expect families will soon be clamoring for the next book in The Dream Keeper Saga!”
—Betsy Childs Howard, Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up and Polly and the Screen Time Overload

“Interesting characters and exciting action, vivid locations, and important lessons. This is just the kind of book my children loved to read—and the kind of book I loved to read to them.”
—Tim Challies, blogger, Challies.com

“In The Dragon and the Stone, Kathryn Butler has created a place of belonging for the uniquely creative among us—the girl who finds herself lost in daydreams or the boy who wishes his imaginary creations were real. But it's not a realm for them alone; it's a world that calls us all to realize the gifts of creativity we've been given and to employ them in serving God and others. Readers inspired by the journey of The Fellowship of the Ring, the redemption of Eustace Scrubb, and the loyalty of Ron and Hermione will find a new story to capture their imaginations and their hearts. Read it with a child, read it by yourself—just read it."
—Catherine Parks, author, Empowered and Strong

“The Dragon and the Stone is a captivating story with undeniable Christian themes, making it a literary treasure that adults and children of all ages will enjoy. In it, Kathryn Butler enlivens the imagination through vivid storytelling while pointing to hope and redemption that only Christ can offer. I cannot wait to read this wonderful tale with my family!”
—Hunter Beless, Founder and Host, Journeywomen podcast; author, Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It: Knowing and Loving the Bible

Product Details

• Title: The Dragon and the Stone
• Author: Kathryn Butler
• Publisher: Crossway
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 304
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781433579509, 9781433579479, 1433579472, 1433579502
• Resource ID: LLS:9781433579509
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T22:39:26Z

About the Author

  Kathryn Butler is a trauma surgeon turned writer and homeschooling mom, who writes regularly for the Gospel Coalition, desiringGod.org, and Story Warren. She's the author of Between Life and Death and Glimmers of Grace, both books that explore medicine and faith, as well as the Dream Keeper Saga.