Facing. Fighting. Defeating. The Red Dragon of Pride

Lindsey Mitzel reviews Book 1 in the Chronicles of Sir Roland Patterlot, a new series about virtue and adventure for middle-grade readers.

Facing. Fighting. Defeating. The Red Dragon of Pride

As a mom, I’m so grateful to be raising my kids at a time when so many people are offering their creative talent to aid in catechesis. In the first installment of a seven-book series, John R. Wood and Hannah Wood present the problem of pride and the antidote, the virtue of humility, through an engaging story and vibrant pictures, aged at late elementary and middle grades. You may already be familiar with Sir Rolland, through the popular Catholic Sprouts podcast. Now Sir Rolland comes to life through the pages of a book as well. 

This first book of the series follows Sir Rolland as a young child, who is newly enrolled at Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying. We are introduced to Sir Rolland’s new friends, some supportive of his studies and virtue, and some not so much. We’re introduced, as well, to the school’s armory, and through it, references to Saint Paul’s armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). For example, to defeat the deadly dragon of pride, Sir Rolland learns that he needs to take up the helmet of salvation (Slayers Guide to the 7 Deadly Dragons).  

While dragons and mythology may not be appealing to all young readers, the stories of Sir Rolland learning, making mistakes, and growing, through the discipleship of his teachers, and the guidance of his school chaplain, are very relatable. Some stories involve the attraction of trying to appear to others the way we think they want us to, lying or deception to try to make things easier for ourselves, and humiliation when deceit and hidden motivations are exposed.   

Story Elements for Readers of All Ages 

Some aspects of this story may be more relatable to older children (for example, choosing to do something wrong to try to impress someone). Other aspects, like preparing to receive First Reconciliation and First Communion, are likely relatable more to the youngest readers this book is aimed toward. My 8-year-old read this story and enjoyed the references to dragons as well as solid Catholic teaching about choosing right versus wrong, the forgiveness of Jesus in Confession, and the abundant graces present to us when we receive Communion.  

My favorite part is the constant reiteration to “Do your best and let God do the rest.” The message of falling, getting up, asking for forgiveness, being forgiven, and being embraced is tremendously needed in the catechesis of our youth today. This book clearly sends the message to try and try again, rather than needing to try to be perfect.

At the same time, I really appreciate that another strong message is utilizing the ever-present graces that God gives us to help us to grow closer to Him, and to not give into temptation. I really appreciate that this book aims to make these important truths more accessible to young children by including these truths within an engaging storyline.  

Extra Resources Included in This Book 

Finally, Facing. Fighting. Defeating. The Red Dragon of Pride includes embedded QR codes throughout, which offer even more insight and personal Catholic teaching that kids can connect with. Some of the extra content includes graphics with an Examination of Conscience and chart of each dragon, which represents the seven deadly sins, as well as the corresponding virtue for each and piece of the Armor of God that we can “put on” to fight against each deadly sin.

If you’re interested in a unique take on teaching kids about the seven deadly sins and the virtues that we can grow in to help defeat them, I highly encourage this series, which entertains and teaches at the same time! 

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Copyright 2025 Lindsey Mitzel
Images: Canva