Ruther Stiles Gannett's My Father's Dragon: best kids' book ever or THE best kids' book ever? I was browsing through my bookshelf when I came across the other two books in the trilogy--Elmer and the Dragon & The Dragons of Blueland. As soon as I saw the front cover pictures, a flood of memories came pouring into my head. Dax, who was on Skype with me at the time, can attest that my various, "ooohhhhsss" and "aaaahhhhsss" got pretty annoying as I relived the memory of my three favorite childhood books EVER.
What's not to love about these books? They're chock-full of adventure, friendship, and FREAKING DRAGONS. The first book, My Father's Dragon, follows the narrator's "father" as he rescues a dragon on a remote island. The book is written in third person and refers to the main character as, "my father". The second book, Elmer and the Dragon, changes in narrative voice. This time the narrator refers to the main character by his name (Elmer). In this book, Elmer and his dragon get stranded on an island with a bunch of talking birds. (Hey, it's a children's book...) They have to help the birds find a buried treasure that had been hidden on the island. The third book, The Dragons of Blueland, is set around the dragon's family, who are being threatened by humans. The humans want to take them away to a zoo or circus, and Elmer and the dragon must stop them.
These look awesome! I love the pictures and the cover. As it happens, I have two children. I'll have to hunt down these books and share them with said children.
ReplyDeleteI remember when my elementary school teacher read these out to us! I loved them! Fantastic books... good post.
ReplyDeleteDon't mess with a dragon or you will get eaten by a alligator.
ReplyDeleteIt had been awhile, but I actually remember reading these books as I kid. Totally brings back some good memories.
ReplyDeleteI loved the first one, I had no idea there were sequels! I may acquire them shortly, great post, informative too keep it up.
ReplyDeleteDRAGONS YES. I remember these books (barely)! I should see if I can find my old copies.
ReplyDeleteAh, good times.
I LOVE THESE BOOKS. When I was little they were my favorite, ever. Such perfect, whimsical writing. Remember how he makes a bridge out of alligators by tying lollipops to their tails? Pure awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of these books!