In this humorous poem, Custard the cowardly dragon saves the day when a pirate threatens Belinda and her pet animals.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Do you remember brave Belinda and her "realio, trulio, little pet dragon"? This Ogden Nash classic has been a favorite of children for more than 60 years and until recently was unavailable in a picture-book version. Artist Lynn Munsinger has rejuvenated the poem with her chuckle-inducing illustrations of no-nonsense Belinda and the cowardly green and purple dragon Custard. Belinda was a brave role model for young girls back when females weren't encouraged to stand up for themselves, and Custard's hidden reserve of strength has no doubt inspired children for several generations. Hooked on Custard? The next adventure unfolds in Custard the Dragon and the Wicked Knight, which followed this popular picture book. (Ages 3 to 8)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly
Custard cowers in fearAuntil a nasty pirate shows up and inspires his dragonly instincts. In PW's words, famed Nash's "wordplayful 1936 rhyme gets a fresh start with timeless illustrations by Munsinger." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is absolutely one of the best books out there! I am a teacher and I enjoy reading this book immensely. The story is fun and whimsical to read. While one reviewer was "upset" by how the other characters were not very empathetic to Custard's fears and even teased him, I look at this aspect of the book as an opportunity to discuss it with my students and my 3 children. It's a great springboard into a discussion on kindness and perspective. Whatever you do, don't pass this one up because of that review. I was amazed this book had less than 5 stars. Parents will love reading this to their children. Also, a great discussion on the true meaning of bravery can ensue as a result of this book.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Spoiler alert: So many apparently gullible readers have reviewed this poem, that I'm going to tell you the entire plot. If you want to be surprised, then just move on to the next review.
(1) Belinda and three other pets *say* that they're very brave. Custard the Dragon *says* that he'd rather live some place safe. Based on what they *say* about themselves, the four "brave" characters tease the one "cowardly" character.
(2) When a pirate breaks into the house, the four "brave" characters instantly turn tail and run away. Cowardly Custard, however, stands his ground during the attack and ends up eating the pirate.
(3) Once the danger is past, all the so-called brave characters come back and thank Custard.
(4) Ultimately, however -- and this is more like the real world than a fairy tale -- Belinda and the "brave" pets go back to their habit of saying that they're really brave, and Custard goes back to saying that he'd really rather live in a nice safe place.
This poem is an interesting bit of commentary on our own willful blindness to our faults, our narcissistic dependence on erroneous self-talk, and one of our stupider working definitions of bravery.
This book is an excellent opportunity for you to talk to your kids about the difference between what people *say* and how they behave. Who's really the brave character after all? Is it always safe to trust a person's self-description? Is there anything wrong with Custard preferring security to danger? If you were there, would you want to tease Custard, or to tell that self-deceived Belinda to put a sock in it? If you saw someone picking on another person on the playground just because they're different, then should you be ganging up with the Belindas of the world, or sticking up for the Custards?
If you're at all familiar with the parable of the two sons in the vineyard (see Matthew 21:31's "Which of the two did his father's will?" question), then you won't have any trouble figuring out the difference between Belinda's brave words and Custard's brave actions. This poem may be beyond the ken of a two year old, but it shouldn't have been so confusing for so many adult reviewers. Just repeat after me: "Actions speak louder than words," and "Do not believe everything you hear."
(1) Belinda and three other pets *say* that they're very brave. Custard the Dragon *says* that he'd rather live some place safe. Based on what they *say* about themselves, the four "brave" characters tease the one "cowardly" character.
(2) When a pirate breaks into the house, the four "brave" characters instantly turn tail and run away. Cowardly Custard, however, stands his ground during the attack and ends up eating the pirate.
(3) Once the danger is past, all the so-called brave characters come back and thank Custard.
(4) Ultimately, however -- and this is more like the real world than a fairy tale -- Belinda and the "brave" pets go back to their habit of saying that they're really brave, and Custard goes back to saying that he'd really rather live in a nice safe place.
This poem is an interesting bit of commentary on our own willful blindness to our faults, our narcissistic dependence on erroneous self-talk, and one of our stupider working definitions of bravery.
This book is an excellent opportunity for you to talk to your kids about the difference between what people *say* and how they behave. Who's really the brave character after all? Is it always safe to trust a person's self-description? Is there anything wrong with Custard preferring security to danger? If you were there, would you want to tease Custard, or to tell that self-deceived Belinda to put a sock in it? If you saw someone picking on another person on the playground just because they're different, then should you be ganging up with the Belindas of the world, or sticking up for the Custards?
If you're at all familiar with the parable of the two sons in the vineyard (see Matthew 21:31's "Which of the two did his father's will?" question), then you won't have any trouble figuring out the difference between Belinda's brave words and Custard's brave actions. This poem may be beyond the ken of a two year old, but it shouldn't have been so confusing for so many adult reviewers. Just repeat after me: "Actions speak louder than words," and "Do not believe everything you hear."
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have always loved Ogden Nash's writing. The words that he chooses paint wonderful images. The sounds are melodic and provide kids with an opportunity to develop an ear for language. I want more of Nash's writing to come back into print. His writing is truly sumptuous.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
My favorite Childhood poem/story!
I grew up with my dad reading me this story poem from as young as I can remember. It's positiviely magical for all ages! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ellen B. Hoffman
Such a sad and disturbing book...
My 4 year old daughter is absolutely in love with dragons and dinosaurs. She is rarely frightened and gravitates more toward (and laughs with) Darth Vader and scary demons on... Read more
Published 5 months ago by jen
Ogden Nash Fan
I realio, trulio love Ogden Nash and I realio, trulio love Custard the Dragon. Mr. Nash has a charm and warmth and command of the English language that is wonderful. Read more
Published 5 months ago by L. Phillips
Adorable children's book
I have loved the classic poem by Ogden Nash for many years and I was delighted when I discovered that it had been made into a picture book with illustrations by Lynn Munsinger. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Librarydragon
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
This is a delightful book for kids and adults - especially if you are a fan of Ogden Nash poetry. My 4 year olds love this book and it invites opportunity for discussion about... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Zanster
te tale of custard the dragon
Wonderful story in verse for small children, beautifully illustrated. Very popular with my younger grandchildren. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mrs. Janice M. C. Herron
Wonderful illustrated peom by Ogden Nash
This Ogden Nash poem has always been a family favorite and this illustrated version is a delight.
It would be even better if it hasd a stiffer or hard cover (the cover... Read more
It would be even better if it hasd a stiffer or hard cover (the cover... Read more
Published on March 15, 2010 by Chris K
I love the realio, truelio writing.
I saw this in the store and had to pick it up. Ogden Nash had a real ear for language, I tell you. The story flows along at a nice, bouncy, evocative pace, and the illustrations... Read more
Published on April 6, 2009 by Ulyyf
Custard the Dragon
Cute story about how a dragon who is usually pretty timid suddenly turns brave in order to protect his friends from a mean pirate. Not too long, good for short attention spans!!
Published on February 17, 2009 by autumn
The Tale of Custard the Dragon
I purchased this book as a holiday gift for "tween" members of the family.
At this time, no feedback has come from the kids, so all I can say about it is that the book was... Read more
At this time, no feedback has come from the kids, so all I can say about it is that the book was... Read more
Published on January 14, 2008 by John Batch
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Belinda lived in a little white house Read the first page New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Belinda lived in a little white house Read the first page New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 4
books:
12
books
cite this book:
See all 12 books citing this book
- The Adventures of Isabel by Ogden Nash in Back Matter
- Custard the Dragon and the Wicked Knight (Library of Nations) by Ogden Nash in Back Matter
- Custard the Dragon by Ogden Nash in Back Matter
- One Hungry Monster by Susan Heyboer O'Keefe in Back Matter
- Favorite Poems Old and New: Selected For Boys and Girls by Helen Ferris Tibbets on page 332, and Back Matter
- The Oxford Book of Children's Verse in America (Oxford Books of Verse) by Donald Hall in Table of Contents, and page 248
- The Golden Books Family Treasury of Poetry by Louis Untermeyer in Back Matter
- Change Me into Zeus's Daughter: A Memoir by Barbara Robinette Moss on page 109
- Fairy Wings by Lauren Mills in Back Matter
See all 12 books citing this book
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