My Father's Dragon
The My Father's Dragon series, Book 1
Ruth Stiles Gannett, illustrations by Ruth Christian Gannett
CreateSpace
Fiction, CH Fantasy/Humor/Picture Book
Themes: Anthropomorphism, Classics, Dragons, Felines
****+
Description
When young Elmer Elevator helps an old stray cat, she rewards him by telling him of Wild Island, where a young dragon is held captive by the local animals. He sets out to rescue it with a bag full of surprises, but can he outwit the beasts?
Review
This award-winning classic children's story has the feel of a fairy tale. Elmer encounters several memorable characters, coming up with clever solutions to a number of problems on his way to free the dragon. The illustrations are whimsical, adding to the fun, and if the ending's a bit abrupt, well, it is a story meant for young kids, so once the main problem is resolved there's little reason to linger. Though a bit lightweight for my tastes, I can see this book as a beloved read-along memory for children, and Elmer's a resourceful young hero for them to look up to.