*Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet

Young readers are invited by a narrator into Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon.

*Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannet, illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannet. Random House Books for Young Readers, 1997. 256 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10
• Recommended For: Ages 4-10

The story begins, rather inauspiciously, with an old alley cat. Yet, in the grand tradition of adventures and fairytales, kindness to this cat launches the protagonist, young Elmer Elevator, into a grand adventure. Elmer, who dreams of flying, learns from the cat of an imprisoned baby dragon. Determined to rescue the dragon, Elmer packs a knapsack and sets off from his normal home and parents, stows away on a ship, and is soon traversing the dangers of Wild Island. Before rescuing the dragon, he must escape from a lion, tigers, a rhinoceros, and a very angry gorilla.

Ever-resourceful-Elmer has something in his knapsack and a creative solution for each situation. Soon, he has rescued the dragon. But, before they can return Elmer to his home, Elmer and the dragon are blown off course to a mysterious island inhabited by canaries. There, they solve a mystery, and finally Elmer returns to his rather worried parents. He bids farewell to the dragon, who sets off to reunite with his own dragon family in Blueland. But, as the baby dragon discovers, not all is well in Blueland, and it will take all of the baby dragon’s determination and Elmer’s ingenuity to rescue the dragons of Blueland.

A CELEBRATED CLASSIC TO ENJOY

Gentle charcoal illustrations occur on almost every other page, as is fitting for a chapter book audience. Meanwhile, the narrator recounts the adventures of Elmer and the dragon in a manner that is gently humorous. Although the stakes are high, laughter and conflict resolution are always a few short sentences away.

Originally published as individual chapter books, the three stories combine well into one volume. The first tale, My Father’s Dragon, was a 1949 Newbery Honor book. Such was its popularity that Ruth Stiles Gannet wrote two more adventures: Elmer and the Dragon (1950) and The Dragons of Blueland (1951). Later, these stories would be combined into one volume and made into one excellent audiobook.

Considerations: None.

Bottom Line: Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon is perfect for young chapter book readers, both adventurous and cozy: a deserved classic and bookshelf staple.

*indicates a starred review, the best of the best in its field

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Reviews: More dragon fun: Andrew and the Firedrake by Douglas Wilson; A Dragon Used to Live Here by Annette LeBlanc; Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons from Candlewick. See also “We Met Dragons: A Celebration of Children’s Literature.”
• Book Review: Not dragons, but a great read for this age group: The King’s Cadets and Little Joe.
• Reflection: Finding Good Chapter Book Friends

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