Subject
Dragons -- Fiction Books
Best books
Ruth Stiles Gannett
My Father's Dragon
"My Father's Dragon" by Ruth Stiles Gannett is a children's novel published in 1948. The story follows a young boy named Elmer who runs away to Wild Island on a mission to rescue a baby dragon. Uniquely narrated as if recounting a true story from the past, the protagonist is referred to only as "my father" throughout. This Newbery Honor Book became the first in a beloved trilogy, capturing the imagination of young readers with its hand-drawn illustrations and adventurous tale of courage and friendship.
E. (Edith) Nesbit
The Book of Dragons
"The Book of Dragons" by E. Nesbit is a collection of whimsical children's stories written in the late 19th century. The tales often feature young boys and girls who encounter various dragons, exploring themes of adventure, magic, and imagination. The opening story introduces us to Lionel, a young boy unexpectedly called to become a king, as he deals with a dragon that he accidentally frees from a magical book. The beginning of the book sets a fanciful tone as it follows Lionel's rapid ascent to royalty. Initially engaged in his innocent play, he soon finds himself in a royal carriage on his way to be crowned king. However, amidst the festivities, Lionel unwittingly releases a red dragon from the book of beasts in the royal library, creating chaos that the kingdom must now address. As he grapples with his new responsibilities and the consequences of his actions, the narrative showcases his determination to protect his subjects and find a solution to the dragon problem. This delightful blend of adventure and fantasy creates an engaging backdrop that invites readers to join Lionel in his journey.
Frank Banta
The Dragon Slayers
"The Dragon Slayers" by Frank Banta is a science fiction story published in the early 1960s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting on Venus, focusing on the humorous and adventurous struggles of a couple, Pole and Bliss Kenton, who are engaged in the peculiar occupation of harvesting pretzins in the Venusian jungle. The story touches on themes of survival and resourcefulness, as the characters contend with the dangers of the exotic environment, including snakes and a fearsome dragon. In this whimsical tale, the Kentons face constant challenges, notably a menacing dragon that threatens their modest home and livelihood. The plot follows a comedic sequence of events as they navigate personal dilemmas and unexpected dangers, all while adhering to the absurd guidelines established by their superiors. When Bliss falls victim to a vacuum snake, and their cabin is burned down by the dragon, they find assistance from their Division Chief, Carl Wattles, delivering them a fumigation bomb designed for far smaller reptiles. Ultimately, in a twist of fate, the couple uses the bomb against the dragon in a daring and resourceful act, resulting in remarkable consequences that leave them with an unexpected new home, showcasing the blend of humor, creativity, and cleverness in their resourceful response to danger.
Max Beerbohm
The dreadful dragon of Hay Hill
"The Dreadful Dragon of Hay Hill" by Max Beerbohm is a fictional tale set in a prehistoric era, likely written in the early 20th century. The story begins with the discovery of a smoke column from Hay Hill, indicating the presence of a dragon, which sends shockwaves through a primitive community. The narrative introduces characters like the brave young girl Thia, who possesses a strong spirit and curiosity, and Thol, a timid boy destined to confront the dragon. At the start of this captivating story, we meet the curious Thia, who, upon seeing smoke rising from a cave, discovers the danger posed by a dragon that has awakened. The community's initial reactions range from skepticism to panic as the news spreads about the dragon's presence. The young Thol, filled with a desire to prove himself, struggles with his self-image while grappling with feelings of cowardice. The opening sets the stage for a charmingly whimsical exploration of bravery, community dynamics, and the challenges of confronting fear in both mythical and relatable ways.
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