Elmer and the Dragon

In Elmer and the Dragon, Gannett details how Elmer and the dragon must be brave during their adventures. By showing how her two main characters confront and overcome different kinds of challenges, the author suggests that resilience is a key part of the nature of a successful adventurer.

At the beginning of their trip, the dragon and Elmer confront a very simple obstacle: They realize that they do not know the way home. While this worries them, they do not panic but instead seek out some help from a knowledgeable local, the seagull: “‘The seagulls will know,’ said the dragon. ‘They follow ships out to sea’” (13-14). While Elmer and the dragon are anxious about getting lost, they stay calm and think positively while following the seagull’s directions. The author writes, “‘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” (16). This conversation shows that Elmer and the dragon can take action in spite of their fear.

A more serious challenge to the pair is the enormous storm that sweeps them off-course and into the ocean. While the dragon stands in the water, it assures Elmer that it can wait for