Elmer and the Dragon

Elmer and the Dragon (1950) is the second novel in Ruth Stiles Gannett’s My Father’s Dragon series for middle grade children. In the story, nine-year-old protagonist Elmer Elevator has just rescued a dragon from his life as a prisoner on Wild Island. Elmer asks the dragon for help getting home, and the dragon agrees. The two new friends set off on an adventure over the ocean. Along the way, they stop at Feather Island, where they discover a community of canaries and their treasure chest. Elmer and the dragon help the canaries dig up the treasure, making friends and discovering riches for all, before returning to Elmer’s home in Popsicornia. The novel explores themes of The Nature of Resilience and Adventure, The Importance of Teamwork, and Bonding Through Shared Experiences.

This guide uses the 1977 Random House paperback.

Plot Summary

In Chapter 1, “Tangerina,” Elmer has just rescued the baby dragon from his captivity on Wild Island. The two agree to spend the night on Tangerina Island before leaving for Elmer’s home the next day. In Chapter 2, “Storm,” Elmer and the dragon are excited to fly over the ocean toward Elmer’s homeland of Popsicornia but are scared when they encounter a huge storm that forces the dragon to make a crash landing in the ocean. In Chapter 3, “The Sand Bar,” Elmer and the Dragon discover that they are staying on a sand bar attached to a small, green island. Elmer comforts the baby dragon, who is exhausted from his journey, and lets him rest while he sets off to explore this tiny, mysterious island.

In Chapter 4, “The Island,” Elmer explores the island and discovers planted trees and a little brook with skunk cabbages. He realizes that humans must have settled the island at some point. He brings the dragon skunk cabbages and fresh water to help him recover. In Chapter 5, “Flute, the Canary,” Elmer is surprised to encounter his old pet canary, Flute. His bird explains that this is Feather Island, where all escaped pet birds live with other canaries. Unfortunately, he and all the other birds are suffering from a disease: They are “dying” of curiosity, just like their leader, King Can. Elmer offers to help. In Chapter 6, “King Can XI,” Elmer and Flute walk to the island’s tallest tree to meet King Can. At sunset, King Can reluctantly agrees to tell Elmer and Flute what he is so curious about.

In Chapter 7, “The Secret,” King Can reveals his family secret to Elmer, the dragon, and Flute. He shares that there is a treasure chest under his tree, and he is dying of curiosity to know what is inside. Elmer offers to help him dig up the treasure and relieve his curiosity. In Chapter 8, “Treasure,” Flute gathers all the island’s canaries to watch the treasure chest opening. Elmer and the dragon dig out the chest and discover an assortment of objects, including bags of gold coins and a gold watch. A delighted King Can gifts Elmer some of the gold and everyone celebrates. In Chapter 9, “Farewell,” Elmer and the baby dragon pack up and thank the birds for their visit. They fly away, hoping to get to Popsicornia soon, since it is Elmer’s father’s birthday.

In Chapter 10, “Elmer Flies Home,” the dragon drops Elmer off at a wharf near his home, and the two friends agree to meet up again someday. Elmer returns home to his relieved parents. He wishes his father a happy birthday, giving him the gold coins he found on Feather Island.