Elmer and the Dragon

In her first pages the author reveals the context of her novel. By explaining how Elmer has just rescued the baby dragon from his life of captivity on Wild Island, the author helps the reader understand the importance of the characters’ adventure. She also paints their relationship as a budding friendship built on mutual respect, introducing the theme of Bonding Through Shared Experiences. The story’s first illustration captures the happy freedom of the baby dragon’s flight away from Wild Island, as it shows him gliding above the water into a cloudy sky, with a smile on his face and his rescuer Elmer on his back. Gannett thus introduces her two main characters with her narration, dialogue, and illustrations.

By explaining how Elmer felt pity for the dragon, the author establishes him as a caring and empathetic character. This is reinforced by his respectful treatment of the dragon after they land at their first stop, Tangerina Island. When the dragon thanks Elmer for his rescue, Elmer humbly responds that it is all worth it for a ride on his back. Elmer is also complimentary of the dragon; as he climbs off his back and notices the dragon’s lovely colors he tells him, “You’re beautiful!” (10). The next day, Elmer comforts the dragon when he is upset about the storm, offers him a lollipop, and helps him move to safety. Elmer’s consistent kindness shows that he is a caring hero who is eager to be friends with the baby dragon he has rescued.

The author depicts the dragon as an enormous, but adorable, creature. While he is much larger than Elmer and has a horn and long claws, the dragon is presented as non-threatening. His stripy body and sweet demeanor make him cuddly and child-like. The author describes his magical appearance, such as his “blue and yellow stripes, his red horn and eyes, his great long tail, and especially his gold-colored wings shining in the faint moonlight” (10). This description presents the dragon as a cute and approachable animal. The illustrations of the dragon eating orange peels and warming up his wings for flight also depict him as endearing and show his baby-like qualities.

Like Elmer, the dragon also has a gentle and friendly personality, and his decision to give Elmer a ride home shows his gratitude and sense of reciprocity for his new friend. Although Elmer and the dragon are different species with very different life experiences, as they share more moments together, they begin to bond more deeply as friends. By escaping Wild Island together, sharing tangerines, surviving the storm, and discovering the sandbar and island, Elmer and the dragon begin to depend on each other, and this deepens their new friendship. For instance, as they fearfully wait on the sandbar while the storm rages, Elmer comforts the dragon and offers him a lollipop, climbing down his neck to put it in his mouth. By showing the two friends bonding over good times and bad, the author establishes Elmer and the dragon’s friendship as a central part of her story.

This new friendship also connects with the author’s theme on The Importance of Teamwork. Since the dragon has an important ability that Elmer does not have—flight—he is in the perfect position to take care of his rescuer by bringing him home. Elmer and the dragon’s reciprocal relationship is demonstrated in their everyday communication and activities. For instance, when Elmer discovers tangerines on Tangerina Island, he eats the fruit and suggests that the dragon eat the peels, making sure that everyone’s needs are met. When the dragon is stiff and tired after the storm, Elmer patiently helps him warm up his body so he can get to land: “Elmer pulled very hard on the dragon’s front leg until it would bend. Then he worked on the left back leg, and the left front leg, and the right back leg, and started all over with the right front leg. At last, the dragon could turn around and walk” (30). By working as a team, Elmer and the dragon are able to better enjoy the fun parts of their adventure while also becoming more resilient in the face of its challenges.