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39 pages 1 hour read

My Father's Dragon

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1948

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Book Brief

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Ruth Stiles Gannett

My Father's Dragon

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1948
Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wild Island • 1940s

Topic
Publication Year

1948

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

6-9 years

Lexile Level

970L

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Super Short Summary

In Ruth Stiles Gannett’s classic children’s adventure, My Father’s Dragon (1948), nine-year-old Elmer Elevator runs away to rescue a baby dragon held captive by the animals of Wild Island. Elmer must navigate a dense jungle and outwit fearsome adversaries, including tigers, a rhinoceros, and a lion, in his expedition and, hopefully, realize his own dream of flying.

Adventurous

Playful

Fantastical

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

44,644 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett is an enchanting tale praised for its imaginative storytelling and charming illustrations. Readers love its whimsical adventure and appealing characters, making it a delightful read for children. However, some note the plot simplicity and wish for more character depth. Overall, it remains a beloved classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Father's Dragon?

Fans of whimsical adventure tales like Where the Wild Things Are and The Tale of Despereaux will delight in My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Ideal for young readers who enjoy imaginative journeys, clever problem-solving, and magical creatures, this classic is perfect for sparking curiosity and a love for storytelling.

4.4

44,644 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Elmer Elevator

A young and adventurous boy who undertakes a journey to rescue a baby dragon, showcasing his courage, ingenuity, and empathy.

An old striped alley cat who befriends Elmer and provides him with both motivation and guidance for his quest to help the baby dragon.

Two vigilant and serious animals on Wild Island who are concerned with maintaining order and are suspicious of any disruptions.

A small and loyal sentry whose amusing habit of switching the first letters of words provides comic relief as he reports new happenings.

Seven green-eyed creatures with a love for gum, whose primary threat to Elmer is tempered by their craving.

A strong and short-tempered animal who feels insecure about his appearance, and with Elmer's help, gains newfound confidence.

A majestic creature upset by his tangled mane, who, after encountering Elmer's kindness, becomes content and non-threatening.

A large, imposing enforcer on Wild Island, who is more focused on his itchy problem than on actively being a threat to Elmer.

Moody and crafty creatures eager for sweets, who become temporarily dependable when indulged with lollipops.

A vividly colored, once miserable baby dragon who undergoes a transformation to joy and excitement after being aided by Elmer.

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wild Island • 1940s

Topic
Publication Year

1948

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

6-9 years

Lexile Level

970L

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