From /tmp/sf.4146 Tue Aug 9 01:58:54 1994 Path: liuida!sunic!EU.net!howland.reston.ans.net!paladin.american.edu!gatech!udel!news2.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!dg-rtp!sheol!dont-reply-to-paths From: jjfink@skcla.monsanto.com (Joel Finkle) Organization: Searle R&D Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.reviews Followup-To: rec.arts.sf.written Subject: Children's SF&F: My Father's Dragon Approved: sfr%sheol@concert.net (rec.arts.sf.reviews moderator) Message-ID: <1994Apr29.201329.17934@tin.monsanto.com> Date: Fri, 29 Apr 1994 22:06:47 GMT Lines: 85 Children's Science Fiction & Fantasy -- The first in an occasional series of reviews My love of genre fiction first developed as a fifth grader as I stumbled over books, such as the Chronicles of Narnia, as I wandered around the library. Once I realized the wonderful possibilities of this kind of book, my interest in Nancy Drew disappeared forever as I systematically devoured the children's section of the local library. I also began what has become an extensive collection of children's books of my own. From the time my first son was born, I have been excited about passing on the marvels I have found in books. However, I have often been unsure of where to start, what is new and/or currently available, and how young is it possible to start with novels. I now have two sons, ages six and three, and feel that I am in a better position to answer these questions. If you are interested in reading novels to your children or just feel you may have missed something interesting as a kid, please read these brief reviews of books old and new and then find the books and start reading. A good introduction to a book with chapters and limited pictures is the three-book series by Ruth Stiles Gannett. These books run under 90 pages each and have illustrations on almost every pair of pages. These books are suitable to reading to a child around the age of 4, although older children are also likely to enjoy the stories. They are also easy enough for a fairly beginner reader who is ready to tackle a novel on their own. These books were originally published in the late 1940's, but have fairly recently re- released by Alfred A. Knopf publishers. My Father's Dragon -- This book tells the story of a boy's father when he was a boy. The thing this boy wanted most in life was to fly. One day he befriends an old cat who tells him of a baby dragon who is held captive by the animals of wild island. The boy decides to rescue the dragon so he can fly on his back. With a backpack of odds and ends, the boy stows away on a ship and starts a series of adventures that eventually allow him to rescue the dragon and fly towards home. Elmer and the Dragon -- The second book picks up where the first ended. On the way home from Wild Island, the boy (Elmer) and the dragon get lost in a storm and end up on an island inhabited by canaries which have escaped from cages. They meet King Can XI, who like all his ancestors is literally dying of curiosity because of a secret treasure only the kings know about. With the help of Elmer and the dragon, the mystery of the treasure is resolved and the pair continue back to Elmer's home. The dragon decides to head back home to Blueland to be with his family. The Dragons of Blueland -- In the third book, the dragon arrives home to find his family captured by dragon hunters. He goes back to find Elmer and get his assistance. Together the pair manage to trick the hunters and free the dragon's family. The plots of all three books are fast paced and quirky. This accompanied by some delightful illustrations by the author should be enough to keep a small child's attention. They can be read aloud all in one sitting if you and your child have the time and patience to sit through about an hour of reading. Otherwise, they are easily broken into smaller sections. The illustrations include maps which help children visualize the story better. Author: Ruth Stiles Gannett Titles: My Father's Dragon ISBN-0-394-89048-5 Elmer and the Dragon ISBN-0-394-89049-3 The Dragons of Blueland ISBN-0-394-89050-7 Sue Finkle c/o jjfink@skcla.monsanto.com %A Ruth Stiles Gannett %T My Father's Dragon %G ISBN-0-394-89048-5 %A Ruth Stiles Gannett %T Elmer and the Dragon %G ISBN-0-394-89049-3 %A Ruth Stiles Gannett %T The Dragons of Blueland %G ISBN-0-394-89050-7