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A review by katykelly
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
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.
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.