Reviews

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

mdevlin923's review against another edition

3.0

The story of Elmer Elevator as he travels to the Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. Along the way, he faces many tricky obstacles...which he is prepared for with the help of a stray alley cat.

lunarjuniper's review against another edition

5.0

Just as lovely of a book as I remember as a child. I adore this fantastical world and the child that is prepared for anything. It’s hard to decide which misadventure was my favorite, but I simply adored the alligator bridge with the lollipops 🍭 I think it’s always a good idea to go back and read your childhood favorites again ☺️

snowynight's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

aomidori's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

4.5

afender's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

ramblr37's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Cute book, great illustrations 

allthingsnerdy's review against another edition

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

sophieb2315's review against another edition

5.0

I remember in Grade 2, I was browsing the bookshelf, looking for Geronimo Stilton, or some Junie B Jones. (my school was so small and not really that well off, so I wasn't expecting to find them). Anyways, I came across a funny-looking book, with a weird name. I was a pretty bizarre kid, so I thought a bizarre book was pretty awesome. I loved it. The dragon, the adventure and everything about it. It inspired me, because this kid, went on an adventure, and did the impossible. I loved the thought of dragons, Knights in shining armour, the whole thing. No matter how many years old this book is, (not that it matters at all) every kid should read it.

norabelle's review against another edition

adventurous

4.5

katykelly's review

5.0

I'd not heard of this, but recently heard it's a much-loved children's book in America. At only 80 or so pages, it is a good length for a bedtime read (over a couple of nights), and is really a slightly longer picture book.

It's such a great story too - a boy tells us the story of his own father when HE was a boy, making this as much about storytelling as the story. His father - Elmer Elevator (a memorable name as well), runs away to rescue a baby dragon on Wild Island, where the dragon is made to work constantly, ferrying passengers across a river.

Before he can fulfil his mission though, he must trick and scheme his way past all the animals he meets who may want to eat him. And just how will he rescue the dragon and get away?

There is the same familiar repetition of theme and language that children will know from picture books, there are regular lovely drawings and short chapters, and a clever character who is brave and resourceful - and of course a dragon! What's not to love? My son is nearly 5 and this is definitely one he's ready to enjoy with me.

A story that has two sequels as well, it's bound to be re-read many times.