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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSCimorene is the youngest princess of Linderwall, and she is terrible at being a princess. While her sisters perfect their curtsies and embroidery, Cimorene sneaks fencing lessons, studies Latin, and learns to cook cherries jubilee. When her parents announce she must marry the dull Prince Therandil, Cimorene takes the advice of a talking frog and runs away to the Mountains of Morning, where she talks her way into becoming the princess of Kazul, a sharp and practical dragon who needs someone to sort her treasure and catalogue her Latin scrolls. Life with Kazul turns out to be exactly what Cimorene wanted, but a pair of scheming wizards have been snooping through dragon territory, and whatever they are after could put Kazul and the entire kingdom of dragons in danger.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Dealing with Dragons
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Dealing with Dragons. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a princess send away a string of would-be rescuers who keep showing up in shiny armor?
✓ Answer
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Cimorene refuses to be rescued, so she sends each knight back home herself. By the end of the third week she has sent away nine of them, including the persistent Prince Therandil.
- First half
In what book does a princess fail at being properly princess-like by accidentally spinning straw into linen thread?
✓ Answer
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Alianora explains her many failures at fairy-tale roles. Her Aunt Ermintrude tells Alianora's mother to shut her in a room full of straw with a spinning wheel, hoping she will spin gold, but the best she can manage is linen thread.
- First half
In what book does a girl ride on the back of a great winged creature through huge moss-carpeted woods?
✓ Answer
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Cimorene climbs up on Kazul's back to travel quickly through the Enchanted Forest to Morwen's house. She holds on to a spike in front of her and is careful not to interfere with Kazul's wings.
- Second half
In what book does a girl test a spell by letting a scaly beast blast its hottest fire on her?
✓ Answer
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
After confirming the spell works on candles and torches, Cimorene asks Kazul to test it with real fire. Alianora is horrified, but the spell holds and Cimorene is unhurt at full firepower.
- Second half
In what book does a foolish prince stick his arm in a magical spring to avoid becoming stone?
✓ Answer
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
After foolishly grabbing the gold dipper instead of the tin one, the stone prince started stiffening. He plunged his arm into the Water of Healing, hoping the spring's reversal magic would save him from full petrification.
- Near the end
In what book does a head wizard wail "Not soapsuds! It's demeaning" as he shrinks into a puddle?
✓ Answer
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Zemenar appears behind Morwen, but the stone prince hurls a bucket over both of them. The proud Head Wizard of the Society of Wizards dissolves while protesting that lemon juice and soap are beneath his dignity.
