Three Tales of My Father's Dragon [Hardcover]

Ruth Stiles Gannett (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 25, 1997 | Age Range: 8 and up | Series: My Father's Dragon

The classic fantasy trilogy of Elmer Elevator and the flying baby dragon has delighted children and their parents for generations. Now, on the occasion of their fiftieth anniversary, Random House is proud to bring the three timeless tales together in one beautiful commemorative edition, complete with the original delightful illustrations.  A Newbery Honor Book and an ALA Notable Book, My Father's Dragon is followed by Elmer and the Dragon ("rich, humorous, and thoroughly satisfying"*) and The Dragons of Blueland ("ingenious and plausible, the fantasy well-sustained"*).  Each story stands alone, but read in succession, they are an unforgettable experience.*Library Journal, starred review            

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

My Father's Dragon--a favorite of young readers since the 1940s and a Newbery honor book--captures the nonsensical logic of childhood in an amusingly deadpan fashion. The story begins when Elmer Elevator (the narrator's father as a boy) runs away with an old alley cat to rescue a flying baby dragon being exploited on a faraway island. With the help of two dozen pink lollipops, rubber bands, chewing gum, and a fine-toothed comb, Elmer disarms the fiercest of beasts on Wild Island. The quirky, comical adventure ends with a heroic denouement: the freeing of the dragon. Abundant black-and-white lithographs by Ruth Chrisman Gannett (the author's stepmother) add an evocative, lighthearted mood to an already enchanting story. Author Ruth Stiles Gannett's stand-alone sequel, Elmer and the Dragon, and her third volume, The Dragons of Blueland both received starred reviews in School Library Journal and are as fresh and original as her first. (Ages 4 to 8)

Review

"Delightfully logical nonsense, appealing characters and irrepressible humor." -The New York Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 50 Anv edition (November 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679889116
• ISBN-13: 978-0679889113
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,908 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Children's Books > Classics

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dragons and Adventure - What Kid Wouldn't Love it? January 23, 2003

By Mark Baker HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

This volume is the complete set of tales about Elmer and his friend the dragon, including the fun illustrations. The complete set includes "My Father's Dragon," "Elmer and the Dragon," and "The Dragons of Blueland."

These stories are perfect first chapter books for kids. The vocabulary is simple and the chapters are short. I'd forgotten just how short until I started rereading them. Yet the stories are packed full of adventure. Elmer is especially resourceful, and I still get a kick out of how he takes the simplest things and makes them work in whatever situation he finds himself.

Whether kids read these stories themselves or listen to them being read, they're sure to become favorites. And adults will enjoy the clever story lines as well.

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Father's Dragon November 27, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

As a reluctant and less than superb reader, I was delighted by this book when it was presented to me when I was eight by the exasperated school librarian. The engaging storyline enveloped me immediately. I credit this book with sparking a life-long love of great stories. This book would be a winner with any child!

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read-aloud book, very clever story November 5, 2002

By Jim Carson

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Much like Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm, the My Father's Dragon trilogy is a fun read, and has a mixture of absurdity and humor that appeals on multiple levels. It's an easy read to a toddler, with several pictures throughout, and journey maps on the inner covers.

Since the chapters are short, you can do two or three a night without losing continuity. At the same time, the story has enough depth and cleverness that the parent can remain engaged. Thus, it's a catalyst for bonding.

One of the things that makes it special is the main character. Elmer Elevator, on the advice of a stray cat, starts out on a noble odyssey to free a baby dragon from its animal tormentors. In his preparation, Elmer packs dozens of seemingly useless items, including a magnifying glass, brush, sandwiches, and lollipops. While he travels across Wild Island, all these items become essential, and you wonder if the story was being told by MacGyver :-)

We've read the trilogy to completion five times and it's still a hit with everyone.