Best-selling children's author Tui T. Sutherland marked the release of her latest Wings of Fire book, The Hybrid Prince, with a sold-out event at the Academy of Music in Northampton. The March 7 gathering drew about 800 fans, many young attendees in dragon costumes, for a talk, reading, and meet-and-greet. The event highlighted the series' themes of empathy and diversity through its dragon characters.
Tui T. Sutherland, known for her Wings of Fire series, has written 16 books featuring dragons with distinct personalities, including queer and transgender representations. The series, originally envisioned as five books, expanded due to its popularity. Sutherland describes writing as therapeutic, often drawing on her characters' problem-solving to cope with real-world stresses like news events.
The Hybrid Prince, released on March 3, 2026, is narrated from the perspective of Umber, the first dragon in the series identified as LGBTQ+. Sutherland calls the story's world a 'queertopia' and questions the absence of queer dragons, stating, 'It would be kind of boring if they were all straight.' The book unfolds on a mythical planet with three moons and continents Pyrrhia and Pantala, blending fantasy elements like magic powers and romance with empathy as its core. Each installment shifts viewpoints, allowing readers to explore characters' complexities, such as Peril, a kind dragon who unintentionally ignites others.
Organized by Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity and High Five Books, the March 7 event at Northampton's Academy of Music attracted cheers for favorites like Mulberry and Peril. Sutherland expressed enthusiasm, saying, 'I’m so excited to finally talk about it... I’ve been thinking about it for a year, and I just want to tell everyone everything.'
Lexi Walters Wright, owner of High Five Books, noted the series as the store's top seller for ages 8-12 and vital for queer families: 'Kids get to open a book and see themselves and see their families.' Cassandra Holden, Bombyx's executive director, praised the joyful atmosphere, including fan artwork displays and a two-hour photo line. Ten-year-old attendee Rachel Ma shared, 'I really like the Wings of Fire books. They’re really exciting and adventurous.'
High Five Books, open for six-and-a-half years, focuses on children's titles and inclusive events. The next launch features Tracey West of the Dragon Masters series on May 9 at Bombyx.
