I can't quite remember if I read this one as a child too, but I'm pretty sure I did. If I did, I could remember absolutely nothing about it by now, so it was basically like reading it for the first time. This book picks up directly after the last page of the previous book, and continues the adventures of Elmer Elevator and the baby dragon. After Elmer saves his friend from the animals of Wild Island, they journey to take Elmer home, but become waylaid by a fierce storm at sea. When the storm calms, Elmer and the dragon find themselves on the shores of Feather Island, inhabited entirely by canaries rules by King Can XI, who is slowly but surely dying of curiosity (as did all his predecessors). Elmer, using considerably less resources, though just as much ingenuity, is able to help them unearth the mystery that's besetting them so.It was really fun to read the continuing adventures of these great characters, but something about this story didn't quite stand out to me as much. I loved the pattern of the first one and how each little thing meant something, and this story just seemed a little more random. I did like the canaries (though, because of the first book, I expected them to stick around for a chapter or two at most), and I liked how there seemed to be some real danger at the beginning. When I realized that the narrator was no longer Elmer's son telling his father's adventures (Elmer is just Elmer now) I was a little surprised too, so maybe that's why I thought this one wasn't quite as good as the first. The anecdotal tone of the first one really lent itself to the overall charm. But it was still a delight to read, and the illustrations were still really fun. I don't know exactly how I feel about Elmer arriving home after several days away and not having to explain his whereabouts to his clueless parents, but it didn't bother me that much. It was just as quick to read as the previous book, and I still rather liked it.I did enjoy this great sequel to My Father's Dragon, but it didn't charm me quite as much as the first book in the series did.
Picking up where MY FATHER’S DRAGON left off, I have to say that I enjoyed ELMER AND THE DRAGON a bit more. While it never won any awards or got shortlisted by any journals, it was a fun story that tied up the first book nicely.Having rescued the baby dragon from the beasts of Wild Island, Elmer must now return home in time for his father’s birthday. But a storm strikes, waylaying the pair on their way back to Nevergreen City. They stop for a rest on Feather Island, which is inhabited solely by canaries. Of course, the adventure doesn’t stop there. Once on the island, Elmer has to help King Can XI who is dying of an ancient disease… Curiosity.ELMER AND THE DRAGON was a fantastic read. I honestly believe that if it weren’t for the fact that you have to read the first one to understand this one, it would have won the Newberry instead. It’s really good. Easily one of my favorite children’s books I’ve reviewed recently. The only little problem I had–not even enough to take away a star–is that the point of view of the narrative changed abruptly between books. In the first one, it is written from the point of view of an unnamed narrator who consistently refers to Elmer as “my father.” But in this book, the narration is all in third person. It was a little jarring, and I think it should have been kept consistent.That’s it. That’s my only complaint. Up next is THE DRAGONS OF BLUELAND, and I can’t wait!
Do You like book Elmer And The Dragon (2007)?
This is the second book in the early readers series "My Father's Dragon". While not quite as cute and clever as the first book, this is still a fun read-aloud for bedtime. Aidan is enjoying it so much that he already asked to start the series over when we finish the third and final book. In this installment Elmer and Dragon start their journey home only to get sidetracked by a storm. They end up on the Feather Island, where they find esacaped canaries living. All the canaries are dying of the dread disease of curiousity! The illustrations are old-fashioned but extremely well done. Both Aidan and I are enjoying reading about the journey of Elmer and the baby dragon.
—Mari Anne
Remember My Father’s Dragon? Sequel!The Story.Now that he’s successfully freed the baby dragon from the mean animals that were using him as a ferry, Elmer Elevator thinks it’s time to go back home. But he has no way to leave Wild Island. Unless – unless the baby dragon could fly him home!The baby dragon is overjoyed to be helping his rescuer. But, alas!, he is a only a baby dragon and does not have all of his strength. He must stop for rest all along their journey. Will Elmer and the dragon ever make it home to Popsicornia?Discussion.I enjoyed Elmer and the Dragon more than My Father’s Dragon. Perhaps that’s because it did not present the relational tension between Elmer and his parents that My Father’s Dragon did; instead, it features an Elmer who is hurrying to get home in time for his father’s birthday!Of course, Elmer and the Dragon is still fantasy-ish. Elmer is able to converse with all of the animals (dragons, canaries, etc.), and on one island, the canaries have a monarchical government established! There is no magic or transhumanism.Conclusion. If you don’t mind human-animal conversations, then I doubt you’ll have a problem with Elmer and the Dragon. However, if you prefer to give your children only the most sober stories, then Elmer and the Dragon is not for you.Visit The Blithering Bookster to read more reviews!www.blitheringbookster.com
—Laura Verret
Summary: Elmer and Boris the dragon are stranded on a remote island inhabited only by canaries. One of them, Flute, was Elmer's pet until he escaped to Canary Island. Elmer helps Flute and the king and queen canaries to dig up a chest that the island's former human settlers left. Inside are various household items, a watch, a harmonica, and six bags of gold. The dragon flies Elmer back to his house before returning to Blueland, his own home.Response: I was surprised at the differences in this book compared to the first. It really had nothing to do with their previous adventures. I do like how this series ends a book and then picks up again exactly where the last book left off.
—Jorie Turner
