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My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Armed with pluck and a pocketful of cleverness, a young adventurer sets sail for a far-off island to help a dragon in need. Whimsical, brave, and boundlessly charming, My Father's Dragon is a timeless voyage for curious hearts.
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In My Father's Dragon, did you enjoy ...
... the clear rescue quest and clever problem-solving?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
If you loved following Elmer Elevator’s straight-ahead mission to free the baby dragon—and the way he uses everyday items from his backpack to outwit the animals on Wild Island (like organizing that crocodile bridge with lollipops)—you’ll savor Dorothy’s focused journey to see the Wizard. In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy’s goal stays crystal clear as she gathers friends and solves problems with quick thinking, much like Elmer’s cheerful, resourceful approach.
... the playful, clever humor in Elmer’s encounters?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Enjoyed how Elmer keeps outfoxing creatures—turning tense moments on Wild Island into funny ones with lollipops, hair ribbons, and gum? The Phantom Tollbooth serves up that same witty, inventive spirit. Milo’s trip through Dictionopolis and Digitopolis is packed with wordplay and laugh-out-loud problem-solving, echoing the light, jokey tone of Elmer’s animal run-ins and his delightfully absurd solutions.
... the warm, optimistic feel of the adventure?
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Janet Song
If the sunny, can-do mood of My Father’s Dragon won you over—Elmer never loses heart, even while sneaking across Wild Island to free the dragon—then you’ll love Minli’s hopeful quest to change her family’s fortune. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon radiates the same gentle optimism, with kind helpers, brave choices, and a satisfying, heart-bright ending that feels as uplifting as the dragon’s rescue.
... the whimsical talking-animals adventure?
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
If the charm for you was the light, anything-can-happen magic—talking creatures, a baby dragon in chains, and a boy who turns crocodiles into a bridge with treats—then James and the Giant Peach is a perfect fit. James teams up with chatty insect companions inside a giant peach, and their buoyant, fantastical journey captures the same breezy, imaginative fun as Elmer’s escapade across Wild Island.
... the straightforward, breezy storytelling?
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
If you enjoyed the clean, easy-to-follow storytelling and quick pace—Elmer slipping from one clever fix to the next until the baby dragon is free—you’ll appreciate the smooth, simple prose of The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Ralph’s friendship with Keith and his zippy adventures on the toy motorcycle deliver that same accessible, page-turning feel without getting bogged down, just like Elmer’s nimble trek on Wild Island.
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