My Father's Dragon

Written by Ruth Stiles Gannett · Illustrated by Ruth Chrisman Gannett

Book #1 in the My Father's Dragon series

A young boy runs away from home to rescue a baby dragon from a group of wild animals on a remote island

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 37,775 ratings

96 pages· 7,571 words· Est. 1 hour read· ~870L

$16.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

A young boy embarks on a daring adventure to Wild Island, determined to rescue a baby dragon held captive by lazy animals. As he navigates the island's dangers, will he succeed in freeing the dragon and returning home safely? The stakes are high, and the journey is fraught with unexpected challenges.

From the publisher

A timeless Newbery Honor classic that has charmed young readers for decades, My Father’s Dragon is now presented as a beautiful Bookroo Custom Edition—featuring an updated cover and spine while keeping the same heart, cleverness, and whimsical adventure. When nine-year-old Elmer Elevator learns of a baby dragon held captive on Wild Island, he packs a suitcase with ingenious supplies—lollipops, rubber bands, toothpaste, and more—and sets off to rescue him, bravely outsmarting tigers, crocodiles, and other animals along the way. Accompanied by Ruth Chrisman Gannett’s delightful illustrations, Ruth Stiles Gannett’s enchanting story sparkles with gentle humor, inventive problem-solving, and the quiet reminder that true bravery comes from helping others with heart and ingenuity.

Awards

Newbery Honor (1949)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 96
Words: 7,571
Reading age: 7–11
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: ~870L

Themes & topics

Books about dragons Books about rescues and rescuing Books about running away from home Books about mythical creatures Books about cats

After the last page

Talk about it together

This story begins when Elmer tells a cat his dream, and the cat talks back! What would you tell an animal if you knew they could talk back to you?

Elmer is on a rescue mission when he learns about a captive dragon. What do you think prompted Elmer's bravery when encountering all sorts of creatures along the way?

What readers & critics say