What You Need to Know:
• Although it was written more than 50 years ago, My Father’s dragon succeeds in keeping today’s readers intrigued
and involved in the story.
• It is an exciting read-aloud for younger readers and will also keep adults entertained. Keep in mind that there are
some scary parts like when Elmer is in the jungle trying to escape from being eaten.
• It is inspirational to see how Elmer thinks “outside the box” to get through some sticky situations.
• Elmer is clever and brave although he does disobey his mother to go on his adventure.
• Despite a few scary moments, this story is a beautiful one, highlighting the excitement of exploring new worlds and
making new discoveries.
• Throughout the story, Elmer comes to know himself better and what he is capable of handling.
• There are two more books that follow in this series, Elmer and the Dragon and the Dragons of Blueland, however
each book can really stand on its own.
• My Father’s Dragon is a classic that should definitely be on your child’s bookshelf so it can be read again and again. |
Sweet Book Summary:
The narrator tells the story of his father, Elmer and how he met a talking alley cat. Elmer brings the cat home but his mother is not happy about it and tosses the cat out. Elmer rebels and decides to bring the cat some milk. They talk and he tells the cat that he wishes he could fly – and the cat says he may have a solution. The cat tells of the Island of Tangerina and Wild Island, where a baby dragon fell from the sky and was captured by the other animals and forced to carry passengers back and forth across the river. The cat suggests that Elmer go off to rescue the dragon and then it will take him flying. Elmer, still mad at his mother for the way she treated the cat, decides to go. And that begins an incredible fantasy-filled adventure.
Elmer is a clever young boy who carefully plans his adventure. He packs a bag of supplies, based on advice from the cat, and is well prepared for all that he encounters. His trip brings him to a dark, damp, scary jungle where he meets tigers, a rhinoceros, bores, a gorilla, monkeys and crocodiles. He skillfully uses his supplies to get past each animal/challenge without being eaten. He offers the tigers some chewing gum, the crocodiles get lollipops and the monkeys take the magnifying glasses to help them find their fleas. |
Author: Ruth Stiles Gannett Illustrator: Ruth Chrisman Gannett Published: 1948, 96 pages
Themes: Adventure, Books for Boys, Fantasy, Animals, Dragons |
| This recommendation was written by: Melissa G. |
| Support Independent Book Shops: Click Here to Buy this Book on IndieBound |
|
Capture the Flag
