My Father's Dragon

3/30/2021

1947, Random House; 1948 Newbery Honor Book

"It made visiting inconvenient and mail deliveries slow, particularly during the Christmas rush. Crocodiles could have carried passengers and mail across the river, but crocodiles are very moody, and not the least bit dependable, and are always looking for something to eat. They don't care if the animals have to walk around the river, so that's just what the animals did for many years."

Ruth Stiles Gannett

Gannett (1923 - ) earned a chemistry degree in 1944 and worked at Boston General Hospital and the Massachusetts Readiation Laboratory. At about the same time she began writing My Father's Dragon but did not complete it until 1946. The book was followed by two sequels, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland which have been in print continuously for more than 70 years, translated into 14 languages, with a Netflix animated film to be released in 2021. Gannett's stepmother, Ruth Chrisman Gannett, illustrated all three Dragon books.

Book Synopsis

Elmer Elevator runs away to the Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon who is being held against his wishes and forced to ferry the other wild animals across the river. Elmer meets many fierce and cunning animals in his adventures, but his success depends on the crocodiles.

Early chapter book, 87 pages. Elmer Elevator rescues a baby dragon enslaved by the other wild animals.

Learning Options

Family Read Aloud Time
This is a wonderfully sweet read-aloud with many silly names and situations -- children love it!

Classroom Resource
My Father's Dragon is an excellent read-aloud for primary grades, especially during Fairy Tale units. Or watch The Enchantment Theatre Company production on YouTube.

Learning at Home
Children -- well, just about everyone -- loves stories about dragons. You can find 6 Extension Activities at Sonlight's blog and a host of ideas and resources at The Story Farmer's My Father's Dragon Activities and Printables.