The Reluctant Dragon is a classic English children's book, which, they say, was the first to picture a "nice" dragon. Really, why do we always think dragons are bad and that they must be killed? You cannot find two people with identical character, so dragons are very different too =)The dragon in question has never been a good fighter, and then some catastrophe happened and he found himself blocked underground, where he started to write poetry and generally was quite happy because nobody made him do anything. I'm very much like this dragon, in fact: could please nobody bother me and organize everything for me? I can be polite as a change =)
When the dragon finally comes out and tries to settle, he makes friends with a boy and they spend a very pleasant time together until people around find out and start being uneasy about having a dragon around. They even invited a hero (now, can you guess his name?=)) to deal with the dragon, and the boy has to settle everything and not be late for home. And of course he manages, because he reads a lot!
It's a very pleasant read, and I found myself laughing out loud during some dialogues between the dragon, the boy and the hero. There's a lot of mild irony, and plenty of clever observations about people's character. I'll definitely be reading something else by Grahame, as this is pure joy.
P.S. The book was found thanks to the wonderful Classic Children’s Literature Challenge event in this list, compiled by Amanda @ Simpler Pastimes. Thanks, Amanda!
Oh, I'm so glad you found something on the list you liked! It's been a long time since I read this one, but I have fond, if vague, memories of it. I've always questioned why certain animals or creatures have to always be "bad"--can't there ever be a good wolf?--which this book just reinforces. I think I'll have to revisit this sometime!
ReplyDeleteI don't know a lot of English children's literature, and I find the list very helpful! So thanks for compiling it =)
DeleteYou're welcome! I had lots of fun putting it together.
DeleteHmmm. I've never even heard of this one. Looks cute though!
ReplyDeleteAnd it is! You should read it, it's only 30 pages, but you'll enjoy it!
DeleteNever heard of this book, but now I'm curious to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Back to the Classics challenge, this looks like a fun book. I enjoy stories that show us new perspectives of characters and break stereotypes. Here's my review of Little Women for the Back to the Classics Challenge if you'd like to stop by.
ReplyDeleteJust noticed you are also doing the Classics Club and Around the World in 80 books challenges too. Here's my Classics Club book list and Around the World in 80 books reading lists and updates. Gonna stop by your challenge pages and check out your lists too.
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