Elmer and the Dragon

In these chapters, the author establishes her theme on The Nature of Resilience and Adventure as she describes Elmer and the dragon’s introduction to Feather Island. While Elmer “secretly hoped to find people on the island, and a boat going home, and all sorts of good things to eat” (36), he does not complain when these things do not materialize. Instead, he makes the most of his situation by exploring and foraging for supplies. The illustration at the beginning of Chapter 4 shows Elmer rounding the cliff’s steep path and encountering a wooden ladder that leads to some kind of pine forest.

By being curious and brave enough to explore the island on his own, Elmer shows his resilience in the face of uncertainty and takes on the role of provider for the dragon. Elmer’s ability to make the most of their unintended stop on Feather Island greatly helps him and the dragon, as he quickly finds food and water for them, helping them to recover from the hardships of the storm. Elmer also discovers his old friend, Flute the canary. Elmer’s genuine interest in helping Flute and the other birds also reveals his resilient mindset, as he is able to consider others’ problems and not just his own. This prompts a whole new adventure, which will bring more good things for Elmer and his friends.

Elmer’s resilience connects to the author’s theme on The Importance of Teamwork, as Elmer, the Dragon, and Flute work together to make Elmer’s visit to the island a success. For instance, when the dragon is too weak to move around and explore the island, Elmer goes hunting for food and finds some of the dragon’s favorite plants, with the dragon’s food becoming an important symbol of the dragon’s needs and Elmer’s empathy for him. By describing how Elmer was “worried about the hungry, thirsty baby dragon” (35) and collects food and water for him, the author shows that Elmer is a strong team player and loyal friend. She writes, “Elmer aimed and poured and the dragon drank. Then Elmer threw the cabbages down one by one, and the dragon caught each cabbage in the air” (36). By feeding the dragon his favorite foods, Elmer plays an important role in his recovery.

Elmer’s ability to work well with others is also evident when he meets Flute the canary and hears all about the Feather Island’s birds’ problem with curiosity. He immediately wants to help, telling Flute, “Maybe I could help King Can XI […] If he weren’t curious anymore, then nobody else would be curious to know why he’s curious, and everybody would get well” (44). Flute is open to Elmer’s idea, and by mediating his discussion with King Can XI, Flute helps Elmer earn the royal’s trust, which in turn convinces him to reveal his family secret. Flute tells the Queen and King, “I think he can help the King, perhaps […] This is my dear friend, Elmer Elevator” (46). Elmer’s desire to help Flute shows his willingness to work together with the animals for the good of all, while Flute and King Can XI’s acceptance of this help shows that they, too, understand the importance of teamwork in solving problems.

The characters’ common experiences and goals in these chapters add to the author’s theme on Bonding Through Shared Experiences. Being stranded on the island together, Elmer and the dragon rest together and enjoy the natural beauty around them. Chapter 5 begins with an illustration of them relaxing side-by-side in the forest together, presenting an easy friendship of equals. The author writes, “Elmer and the dragon rested awhile on top of the cliff, watching the waves spread out over the sand bar” (39). When Flute and Elmer return from King Can XI, Elmer is eager to reunite with his friend the dragon while Flute flies all over the island. The author writes, “Elmer and the dragon fell fast asleep while Flute went all over the island spreading the news and waiting for sundown” (50). By sharing moments of rest and relaxation together, Elmer and the dragon show their mutual trust and desire to stick together during their adventure on Feather Island.