Elmer and the Dragon

“Elmer, feeling sorry for the dragon, and also hoping to fly on his back, had set off to the rescue. Now the dragon was free, and happy and grateful, and he said, ‘Elmer, you were wonderful to come all the way to Wild Island just to rescue me. I’ll never be able to thank you enough!’”

This part of the author’s opening passage establishes Elmer’s kindness and the dragon’s gratitude toward him. This summary fills in the reader on the events of the first novel while setting up Elmer and the dragon’s new adventure together.

“Elmer slid down and took off his knapsack. ‘You’re beautiful!’ he said, admiring the dragon’s blue and yellow stripes, his red horn and eyes, his great long tail, and especially his gold colored wings shining in the faint moonlight.”

The author’s descriptive imagery helps the reader envision the colorful baby dragon. The dragon is depicted as non-threatening, with Elmer’s enthusiasm for the dragon’s beauty reinforcing the idea that the dragon is a new friend, not a threat. Elmer’s kind compliment adds to the two characters’ already positive relationship.

“‘I’m kind of worried,’ said the dragon. ‘Suppose we never find it?’ ‘We’ll find it alright,’ said Elmer, who was a tiny bit worried himself. The dragon ran along the beach warming up his wings while Elmer packed sixty-nine tangerines, as many as his knapsack could hold.”

This passage adds to the author’s theme on The Nature of Resilience and Adventure, as Elmer tries to stay positive while heading out into the unknown. By showing how Elmer and the dragon prepare for their journey, the author shows that both characters do their best to have a successful trip.