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)
"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."
“A wonderful story about peace, war, and using your brain…a medieval fable with implications for the nuclear age.”
“Grahame [writes] expressive prose.”
“A classic tale of loyalty and compassion.”
“The richly expressive prose of Kenneth Grahame continues to delight…full of warm colors and busy activities.”
" Cute and entertaining; not THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, nor much like it, but a good short read, especially for dragon-lovers. "
" 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!!! :) "
" 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! "
" 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. "
" Absolutely delightful. I love this book. "
" Rereading this with my 8 year-old son. Lovely. Lots of BIG, beautiful words! "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" 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. "
" Cute story, but the illustrations are what made this book enjoyable. "
" I was surprised at how I personally enjoyed this as I read it to the kids! It touched me in a way I can't adequately explain! "
" Xavier brought this book home from the Acton School library. I have read it over the last couple of nights. I know that my teacher friends would like this as a read-aloud lots of interesting words in this book. I also liked the illustrations as well. "
" It is the first book I read by myself. It awakened my sense of humor and it kindled my Anglophilia. "
" I found this one day in a used bookstore and have loved it ever since. It's the story of St. George and the dragon, but the dragon in this version doesn't like doing dragon-y things. Instead, he likes writing poetry. It's a short, witty, and very funny book that's great for a Saturday afternoon or to read to someone who's sick. "
" Twist for the dragon and St. George. "
" I enjoyed it! It's a really cute childrens' book. I listened to it on Librivox. (Yay Librivox!) Not the most stimulating reading, but an enjoyable mindless kind of listen. =) "
" Entertaining if not especially memorable story. In any case, be sure to get an UNABRIDGED edition! "
" Cute little book; turns the usual ideas of dragons on their heads. "
" Kenneth Grahame and Inga Moore are the most delightful combination "
" Fun, short read. Classic. "
" good for teaching "Narrative and expository "
" fake fights, crowd pleasing, dragons, poetry, friendship, St. George, refreshing old style language; kids loved it "
" Not really enough happening to hold Owen's attention, and the old-fashioned language was a further hurdle. "
" Light, enjoyable short story about a boy and a peaceful dragon, with gentle social commentary. "
" What if the dragon would really rather not fight St. George, if it's all the same to you, old boy? Thank you, Kenneth Grahame! "
" This is a wonderful dragon tale! This story is great for kids! "
" Cute story with nice language and a simple concept. The dragon is very cordial, as is the boy. The villagers sound like abusive brutes, but the boy, the dragon, and St. George find a way to trick them into accepting the dragon into their community. "
" This is a darling little book about a dragon who doesn't want to fight, a young boy who befriends him, and St. George, who's been summoned to slay him. "
" Except for a racist one-liner, this character was extremely charming and endearing. Friends and I read it to eachother around the fire last night. Wholesome. Sweet story. "
" A simple tale of a dragon who refuses to fight - even when St George is coming his way! Simply adorable. "
" Just a cute little story about a boy and a dragon. "
" Cute audio book that my son likes "
" This is awesome! I listened to it thanks to librivox.org and was totally surprised by the coolness of the story. St. George, the dragon, and the boy make this story work in ways that I can't adequately explain here. "
" The story was just OK. I had expected it to be better so that is why I gave it two starts. "
" Wonderful little fable. "
" The poet dragon warms the cockles of my heart. "
" Listened to this on librevox.org with my daughter after she read Kenny and the Dragon, we loved both books! Great children's book. "
" Wonderful little story about a boy who likes books, a dragon who likes poetry, a St George who doesn't like to kill, and friendship. "
" This was really sweet and funny; it felt familiar, I may have read it when I was little, but I don't remember for sure. "
" This edition, abridged and illustrated by Inga Moore, is fine. But imo the original, unabridged and unillustrated, is much better, richer, more sly & clever. Sorry I can't come up with more to say. "
" One of the best childrens book I own. It was written bueatifully and I love how different the illistrations are. "
" I didn't care for the audio version of this book. The narrators must have been standing in a concrete room. Stick to the paper version on this one. Your imagination will do a much better job. "
" Very clever writing and excellent vocabulary. Fun story too! "
" This is a delightful twist on the story of Saint George and the Dragon. The dragon has a charming and endearing personality. I think everyone would enjoy this story--it's a good one. "
" I think this book was alright. It just needed more to it. "
" This book was cute. Some of the language may be a little obtuse for the audience that would most enjoy it, but I till found it enjoyable. Read through in one sitting. "
" Wonderful story, wonderful illustrations by Michael Hague. If you like dragons, and I do, you will love this dragon! "
" A cute story that could be a parody of the usual dragon and knight plots. My kids really liked this and wanted to rate it a 5 (although I may have chosen a 3! LOL). It's written for children, so I let them give it the rating. ;) "
" Love the illustrations, love the text, love the dragon. Very straightforward. I absolutely can not believe I haven't heard of this story until now. 100% recommend it. "
" My boys loved it—I thought it was okay but found the writing easy to trip over when reading aloud. "
" Grahame is, of course, the Wind in the Willows author. This longer fairy tale of his is more a riff on the traditional bad-dragon fairy tale. I like Grahame's style: sort of a tripping/skipping along--almost singing. Included in lots of anthologies (such as The Victorian Fairy Tale Book) "
" A dragon enjoys laying in the sun and doesn't want to fight St. George. Now that's a good premise, isn't it? This book has a cute theme, cute illustrations and a cute ending. Kenneth Grahame really knew how to make stories for children. "
Kenneth 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.
R. F. Daley is an actor, voice-over artist, and audiobook narrator. His television credits include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Bones, Dexter, The Office, Arrested Development, Boston Public, and Spin City, among many others. He has narrated numerous audiobooks by L. Ron Hubbard and was the voice of the military adviser in the video game Civilization V.
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