Athena: The Adventures of a
Fearless Dragon
Athena’s Little Secret
- by Gabriela Nalven
Athena: The Adventures of a Fearless Dragon
The Fire-Starter’s Forest Path
The Sandy Dragon’s Fire-Flight
The Hidden Secret of the Beard
Merchandise
A real bearded dragon, born without her back feet
Athena wanted what every kid wants: to be accepted, exactly as she is.
Athena the Adventures of a Fearless Dragon is a picture book about my bearded dragon, who was born with her two back feet missing. She wants to be accepted like everyone else, but she isn’t sure how to get there. During her journey, she and her brothers are abandoned, put on a plane and sent to Oregon — where they learn to work together to survive, and grow closer as siblings along the way.
The story carries a lot of quiet lessons for young readers: giving, sibling love, kindness, caring and acceptance.
Why I write about dragons
I was born with cerebral palsy, so I write books that raise awareness around special needs, disabilities and plain everyday kindness. I relate to Athena more than I can explain — she lives with a disability too. Our friendship helped me learn to live a life I truly love.
The dragon gallery
Everyone in this story is a real bearded dragon. Here is who you’ll meet.
Athena
Born without her two back feet. Curious, stubborn in the best way, and determined to belong on her own terms.
Her brothers
Abandoned alongside her and flown to Oregon. They figure out how to survive together, and get closer for it.
Gabriela
Author, storyteller and dragon mom. Writes from her own life with cerebral palsy, which is why the book lands the way it does.
Merchandise
Small runs, made to order. Every purchase helps fund the next book.
“Born to Ride” kids’ tee
Handmade dragon mug
The book — paperback or digital
Free activities for teachers and parents
Teaching emotional intelligence early matters. Join the mailing list and I’ll send classroom material you can print the same day.
- Coloring pages featuring Athena and her brothers
- Activity sheets on kindness, acceptance and sibling teamwork
- A read-aloud discussion guide for ages 4–8