Equipping Children to Conquer Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith and Courage
New Middle Grade Book Highlights the Armor of God and Spiritual Heroes to Help Readers Take Down Dragons
Cape Cod, MA—March 14, 2025—Parents need every tool available to help raise children with a Christian worldview in a world with a decaying moral compass. Studies show that 64 percent of born again Christians make a decision for Christ before their 18th birthday. One new tool available to parents is Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters by Joyce Denham, featuring illustrations by Kristina Kister.
Dragon Slayers takes real-life problems—anxiety, bullying, self-doubt, grief, fear, and more—and turns each one into a formidable dragon, and provides weapons to defeat them.
“It’s a one-of-a-kind book—part training course, part dragon-identification manual, part hero stories—that enables kids to recognize the ‘dragons’ attacking them and then equips them to overcome those assaults,” said Joyce Denham, author. “Guided by Sir Wyvern Pugilist, a fictional (often cranky) narrator, readers enter the interactive and creative Land of Dragons, becoming intimate friends with the Dragon Slayer, who is Jesus.
“This book takes kids seriously, building their resilience and hope as they face life’s challenges. It’s a wholly new and exciting introduction to Christian faith, growing kids into lifelong Dragon Slayers.”
Dragon Slayers is more than just a book; it is an adventure for each reader rooted in biblical truth. Sir Wyvern Pugilist takes readers on a journey of discovery in Dragon Slayers. Not only does Sir Wyvern help them understand the dragons one could meet in life and explain how they might attack them, but he also teaches readers how to defend themselves against them. Readers learn about Jesus, the ultimate dragon slayer, as well as the Trinity, Armor of God, and many heroes of the faith such as Peter, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more.
“In a world where kids face dragons of fear, doubt, and temptation every day, this book is more than an adventure—it’s a battle plan for spiritual strength,” said Lillian Miao, director, Paraclete Press. “By blending Scripture with the thrill of adventure, Dragon Slayers equips young readers with the armor they need to stand strong and provides them with tools that will help them talk to a trusted adult about their struggles.
“Through the wisdom of great spiritual warriors of old, like St. Paul, Francis of Assisi, and Martin Luther King Jr., and the power of God’s Word, this book empowers kids to face life’s challenges with courage and unwavering trust in God. More than just a book, it’s a call to action for the next generation of faithful warriors,” Miao added.
Joyce is available to speak about the following themes found in Dragon Slayers:
- Tips for parents to raise children in the Christian faith.
- Heroes of the faith (the life and lessons of Apostle Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, and more)
- Key spiritual concepts (such as divine rescue, hope, courage)
- The Armor of God & the Trinity (and how parents can help children understand the significance of both)
- Jesus – the ultimate dragon slayer
Dragon Slayers is not only a tool every parent should add to their arsenal, but also a
must-read for children, empowering them to face life’s challenges with unshakable faith and courage.
About the Author
Joyce Denham is an internationally published author and speaker, known for her books on Celtic Christianity, prayer, and saints. A literature teacher by profession, she is passionate about Biblical storytelling, teaching at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Edina, MN, and leading spiritual retreats. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband, Pete.
About the Illustrator
Kristina Kister is a German illustrator and character designer whose work spans children’s books, animation, and commercial art. With a distinctive style blending geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and hand-drawn textures, she brings the world of Dragon Slayers to life with stunning visuals.
Paraclete Press is the publishing outreach of the Cape Cod Benedictine community, the Community of Jesus. Presenting a full expression of Christian belief and practice, Paraclete reflects the ecumenical charism of the Community and its dedication to sacred music, the fine arts, and the written word.
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Valk, Valk Strategies, jen@valkstrategies.com
Danielle Bushnell, Paraclete Press, danielleb@paracletepress.com
Interview Questions:
- How did you come up with the concept for Dragon Slayers?
- In Dragon Slayers, you use dragons to explain obstacles in life like fear, anxiety, greed, lying, etc. Why do you think it is easier for kids, and adults alike, to understand an issue when it is used in this format?
- What do you think is the biggest obstacle parents face today in raising kids in faith? How does Dragon Slayers help parents counter this obstacle?
- How are you personally reflected in Dragon Salyers?
- Was there a particular dragon that was harder to write about than any of the others?
- Dragon Slayers does a wonderful job of introducing big spiritual concepts—like the Trinity and The Armor of God—in a way young minds can understand. Why was it important to include these things in the book?
- One theme in Dragon Slayers you reference a lot is encouraging the young slayers to talk to trusted adults about the dragons they are fighting. What tips do you have to help parents show the children in their life they can trust them and talk to them?
- What do you hope readers take away from Dragon Slayers?
What others are saying about Dragon Slayers:
“What a clever and engaging way to help young readers understand the real battle against sin and temptation! The author creatively equips children with the tools of our faith, showing them how to guard their souls and fight against evil by following the example of the saints that fought before us. A fantastic blend of imagination and spiritual truth, this book makes the reality of spiritual warfare both accessible and inspiring for kids.” –Casey Pawelek, Bestselling Author of Look and Learn
“Dragon Slayers reminds me of Pilgrim’s Progress, transforming a life of faith into an epic adventure. It’s fun but quite serious, and for those captivated by dragons it may do a world of good.” –Tim Stafford, award-winning author of more than 30 books, a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Campus Life magazines, and co-editor of The Student Bible
“Dragons are everywhere. They have always plagued our land. If you want to learn to recognize them and slay them, then Sir Wyvern’s great manual, Dragon Slayers, is for you. Sir Wyvern has slain thousands of dragons and helped train thousands of slayers. I know, because I am one of them (not one of the dragons, one of the slayers.)” –Sir Rolland Paterlot, author of the 7 Deadly Dragons book series, and president of the non-profit Extraordinary Mission (Sir Rolland is also known as John R. Wood, author of Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission)
“When Sir Wyvern Pugilist, the famed dragon slayer of old, puts out a clarion call for new warriors, sign me up! Dragon Slayers, The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters is a charming, imaginative, and thoroughly inspiring manual, not only for battling fictional wyrms but also the real ‘dragons’ that assail us all in life. Transformative truths and training for the young and young at heart!” –Wayne Thomas Batson, Bestselling Author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Myridian Constellation, and Outcast
“This is a beautiful book in every respect. Denham’s insight and intelligence shines through on every page, beautifully enhanced by Kister’s artwork. Dragon Slayers is a delightful read for children and adults alike.” –Ross Lawhead, author, and graphic novelist
