Bibliographical information:

Gannett, Ruth Stiles. My Father's Dragon. 1948. New York: Random House, 1987. (Book 1 of the My Father's Dragon trilogy)

Brief summary:

Nine-year-old Elmer Elevator, who will grow up to be the narrator's father, travels to Wild Island off the island of Tangerina to rescue a young dragon from the wild animals who are exploiting it.

Comments:

The story and illustrations charm young listeners and young readers alike. Elmer works his way out of tricky situations using the items he's packed, which range from a toothbrush and toothpaste to two dozen pink lollipops.

Grade/Age level:

This is a terrific early chapter book, both for the five-year-old set who are ready to have chapter books read to them, and for K-2 readers who are ready to tackle chapter books on their own.

Cautions:

Elmer is whipped as a punishment, which might prompt questions about spanking from children who are not familiar with the concept.

--Lisa Gordis

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