One-line summary:

A young boy named Elmer Elevator embarks on a daring adventure to rescue a baby dragon from a treacherous island in Ruth Stiles Gannett’s charming children’s book, My Father’s Dragon.

The Adventure Begins

In My Father’s Dragon, we meet Elmer Elevator, a resourceful and imaginative young boy who dreams of having exciting adventures. One day, Elmer overhears his cat, Boris, talking about a baby dragon who is being held captive on Wild Island and decides to embark on a daring rescue mission. Determined to save the dragon, Elmer packs a knapsack full of useful items and sets off on a journey that will test his bravery and ingenuity.

A Series of Clever Escapes

As Elmer travels to Wild Island, he encounters a variety of challenges and obstacles that he must overcome to reach the baby dragon. From evading a group of hungry tigers to outsmarting a group of fierce monkeys, Elmer’s quick thinking and resourcefulness help him navigate each dangerous situation. With the help of his trusty items, such as chewing gum and lollipops, Elmer manages to outwit his adversaries and continue on his mission.

A Heartwarming Rescue

When Elmer finally reaches the baby dragon’s captivity, he devises a clever plan to free the creature. Using his knowledge of animals, Elmer tricks the guards into releasing the dragon by convincing them that it is a rare and valuable animal. With the dragon now free, Elmer and the baby dragon make their escape, facing one final obstacle as they cross a treacherous river. Through teamwork and determination, they manage to reach safety and return home.

Key Takeaways:

• Bravery and resourcefulness can help overcome challenges.
• Imagination and creativity are valuable assets in problem-solving.
• Kindness and empathy towards animals can lead to unexpected friendships.

“You have plenty of courage, I am sure,” answered the boy. “All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living creature that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.”

In My Father’s Dragon, Ruth Stiles Gannett weaves a delightful tale of adventure, courage, and friendship. Through Elmer Elevator’s journey to rescue the baby dragon, readers are reminded of the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and empathy. The story encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems and showcases the power of kindness in forming unexpected alliances. My Father’s Dragon is a timeless classic that will captivate young readers and leave them inspired to embark on their own daring adventures.