In the depths of a moonlit forest, a dragon's roar shatters the peace of a coastal village, launching The Girl and the Dragon - the first book in the extraordinary Merchant's Daughter series. When Elora's brother departs on a three-year merchant voyage, she discovers an ancient presence watching over their village. As livestock disappear and mysterious footprints are found, fear grips the villagers, who prepare to hunt what they believe is a dangerous dragon.
But Elora, guided by her father's final wisdom that "even the gentlest hearts can calm the fiercest dragon," sees beyond the surface of things. With help from a mysterious weaver who knows ancient secrets, she ventures into the night forest where she encounters not just the wolves threatening their flocks, but also Val'dor - an ancient dragon whose true nature remains hidden from others.
This first book sets the foundation for a remarkable 24-book journey that weaves adventure with timeless wisdom. Through Elora's courage to seek truth when others are blinded by fear, young readers discover that real strength often lies in gentleness, and the bravest hearts are those willing to stand firm in what they know is right. As Elora takes her first steps toward an extraordinary destiny, she shows us that not all fierce things are dangerous, and sometimes the quietest voices speak the greatest truths.

Journey with us into the heart of an ancient Russian folktale that sparked The Merchant's Daughter™, a sweeping 24-book series for young readers. In this enchanting introduction, meet a brave young woman who weaves diamonds from her tears and crafts a golden glove that will change a kingdom's destiny. When her brother faces death, she must prove his innocence with nothing but her gentle heart and unshakeable courage.
This beloved tale from The Fireside Storyteller's collection demonstrates that true strength often comes in unexpected forms. Watch as a merchant's daughter, armed with wisdom from her father that "even the gentlest hearts can calm the fiercest dragon," shows how quiet courage and unwavering truth can overcome the greatest obstacles.
Beautifully narrated and illustrated, this timeless story sets the stage for an epic adventure that will inspire a new generation to discover their own gentle strength. Join us at the beginning, where a simple folktale blossoms into an extraordinary journey of heart, wisdom, and the kind of courage that changes worlds.
Perfect for families and young readers who believe in the power of gentle hearts and brave spirits.