I just revisited a childhood favorite and fell in love with it all over again. 'My Father's Dragon' is the kind of story that feels both timeless and wonderfully simple.

The Story

The story is told by a narrator about their father, Elmer Elevator, when he was a boy. After meeting a stray cat who tells him about a baby dragon held captive on Wild Island, Elmer packs a knapsack with an odd assortment of supplies (think magnifying glasses and tangerines) and sets off to save it. The island is a hilarious obstacle course of animals—tigers, rhinos, gorillas—all guarding the dragon. Elmer doesn't fight them; he cleverly distracts each one using the perfect item from his bag, showing that brains definitely beat brawn.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is its gentle humor and sheer cleverness. Elmer is a fantastic hero—kind, resourceful, and brave in a very practical way. The solutions to each animal problem are so satisfying and silly that you can't help but smile. It's a celebration of creative problem-solving and compassion. The black-and-white illustrations by Ruth Chrisman Gannett are perfect, adding so much personality to the wild animals and the scruffy little dragon.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for anyone who loves a smart, cozy adventure. It's ideal for reading aloud to kids (roughly 6-9 years old), but its cleverness and charm hold up incredibly well for adults, too. If you're looking for a short, uplifting story that proves kindness and quick thinking can conquer any grumpy gorilla, pick this up. It's a true classic for a reason.