When a dragon is discovered up on the Downs, the Boy is not in the least surprised. He's always known that cave was a dragon cave—it seems only right for a dragon to be living in it.
The Boy decides to pay a visit to the cave, and he thinks he knows just what to expect. But this particular dragon is not a bit like the ones in fairy tales.
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"Kenneth Grahame is, of course, much better known for the Wind in the Willows. This book is an almost unknown gem by comparison. Kids and adults love dragons, and this one is drawn with such humour and wit that he is totally adorable. As a child I could never get enough of this book, and my daughter and her children are the same. The language will stretch a younger child but it is refreshing to have a child's book that does not 'dumb down' the writing. The illustrations are a delight and it is a joy to share such a book with a young audience."
— Jan (5 out of 5 stars)
“A wonderful story about peace, war, and using your brain…a medieval fable with implications for the nuclear age.”
— Entertainment Weekly“Grahame [writes] expressive prose.”
— Publishers Weekly“A classic tale of loyalty and compassion.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)“The richly expressive prose of Kenneth Grahame continues to delight…full of warm colors and busy activities.”
— Language Arts" Cute and entertaining; not THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, nor much like it, but a good short read, especially for dragon-lovers. "
— Renee, 2/20/2014" This is a darling book. It's longer (we read it on a read-a-thon day) but the story is creative and funny and plus it's a great vocabulary builder. I would look for an edition with as many illustrations as possible--especially with a BLUE dragon--he's described in detail in the book, and he's BLUE!!! :) "
— Teri, 2/17/2014" I thought this book was very charming. Bea was interested while we were reading and chuckled along appropriately - but afterwards said she didn't really get it. She hasn't had a childhood rich in dragon/knight/fairytale stuff so maybe that's it? She was also really stymied by the "need" for a fight. Neither the story nor I could make it clear for her. That's a good thing overall, I guess! "
— Amy, 2/15/2014" This wonderful classic story of a passive and friendly dragon who is forced to stage a battle with the gallant Sir George to appease the complacent townsfolk is a story for all ages. This version features colorful and beautiful illustrations by Inga Moore. The original was published in 1898 in chapter book format, making this picture book an abridged tale perfect for nighttime must read. "
— Shelli, 2/13/2014" Absolutely delightful. I love this book. "
— Jax, 2/12/2014" Rereading this with my 8 year-old son. Lovely. Lots of BIG, beautiful words! "
— Nicola, 2/10/2014" The Reluctant Dragon is a delight of language and plot. The pacifist and poetical dragon, the wise and well-read boy, and the compassionate St. George come together in a small story that I love to read and hear aloud. "
— Tim, 2/7/2014" OMG, loved this. my six year old and i were reading for a library list and this story, oh this story is so witty and hilarious. i laughed many times. we are starting wind and the willows now. tickle a funny bone long forgotten, read this one. "
— Mamamaggie, 2/6/2014" I thought this book was very charming. Bea was interested while we were reading and chuckled along appropriately - but afterwards said she didn't really get it. She hasn't had a childhood rich in dragon/knight/fairytale stuff so maybe that's it? She was also really stymied by the "need" for a fight. Neither the story nor I could make it clear for her. That's a good thing overall, I guess! "
— Amy, 2/6/2014" This was a great short story. I enjoyed the cleverness of the boy, the dragon, and the knight. It's not a typical dragon bed night story. I also enjoy children's stories that are written and eloquently spoken. Kenneth Graham is masking a BIG fan out if me. "
— Khinna, 2/4/2014" Cute story, but the illustrations are what made this book enjoyable. "
— Dee, 2/4/2014Kenneth Grahame (1859–1932), Scottish-born author, was raised by his grandmother in Berkshire, England, along the banks of the Thames River. He began working at the Bank of England in 1879. As a pastime, he wrote light nonfiction and articles for newspapers. The Wind in the Willows, originally written as letters to his son, established him as a writer of children’s books and had a deep influence on fantasy literature.
Whitney Dykhouse has worked as a stage actress starring as Annie Sullivan in Master Arts Theatre’s production of The Miracle Worker. She is also an audiobook narrator and has read titles by Donna Jo Napoli and Steve Watkins.