The Scariest Dragon for Parents to Face with their Kids….
Writing engaging stories for kids is challenging. Writing stories that help them overcome the seven deadly sins is even harder. Pride, envy, sloth, greed, wrath, and gluttony are tough enough—but the most common question we hear about our 7 Deadly Dragons series is: “How do you handle the topic of lust in an age-appropriate way?” (Book 7 is titled Facing, Fighting, and Defeating the Violet Dragon of Lust.)
That’s a fair concern. All the dragons are scary, but when parents see their child holding a book with “lust” on the cover, their blood pressure understandably rises.
First, rest assured: the topic is handled in a completely age-appropriate way. Reading the parent reviews on Amazon will be reassuring, and we always encourage families to use these books as read-alouds. The goal is not only to entertain, but also to spark meaningful conversations. And chastity is one of those conversations every parent should begin early—long before lust becomes a real temptation. Laying the foundation when kids are young makes the path easier later.
So how do we do it? Through story. The series follows Rolland from 2nd through 8th grade as he earns the rank of Knight of Light. Along the way, he wrestles with real thoughts, failures, and temptations, but he also discovers forgiveness and redemption. A recurring theme is the “I met a girl” chapter in each book. These chapters are lighthearted; Rolland is far too young for romance, so his awkward attempts to impress girls usually backfire in funny ways. Kids find it relatable, parents find it humorous, and it provides comic relief amid serious themes.
But those chapters are also laying groundwork. Even innocent crushes can teach children about beauty, virtue, and respect. Rolland’s clumsy encounters mirror what kids feel—secret thoughts, attractions, embarrassment—and help them see those feelings without shame or guilt.
All of this builds toward the most important chapter in Book 7: “I met THE girl.” Here, Rolland has a chance encounter with his future bride and from her story learns about real love —self-sacrificial love. In the final book of the series, Rolland’s faithful mentor, Fr. Thomas, teaches the students the “Code of Chivalry,” and Rolland discovers that true strength is not about selfish desire but about protecting what is sacred, seeking God’s will, and mastering his own heart.
At its core, Book 7: "The Violet Dragon of Lust" is not just about avoiding sin. It’s about learning to see others—especially women—as sacred daughters of the King, worthy of dignity, respect, and even sacrifice. That’s why the dragon of lust is both the most frightening and the most important to face.
Ultimately, these stories don’t lecture kids about lust. They invite them into a journey of virtue, showing that the greatest model is Christ Himself—the Bridegroom who lays down His life for His Bride.
© John R Wood 2025
Photo copyright Extraordinary Mission