Ruth Chrisman Gannett – illustratör

A little boy who has always dreamed of flying stows away on a ship to Wild Island to rescue — and hopefully ride — a captive dragon. Young Elmer outwits hungry tigers, an irate gorilla, cranky crocodiles, and other animals in a charmingly illustrated Newbery honour Book that has delighted generations of readers.

A boy and a talking cat hunt for a dragon on Wild Island, encountering boars, monkeys, lions, crocodiles, a rhinoceros, and more! A Newbery Honor Book (1949).

The much-loved inspiration behind the Netflix film featuring the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, Jacob Tremblay and Gaten MatarazzoWhen Elmer Elevator hears about the baby dragon being held captive on Wild Island, he knows just what to do. First, he packs his knapsack with important supplies, like chewing gum, lollipops and lots of rubber bands. Then he stows away on a ship headed for the island. Along the way, Elmer meets many exotic animals who try to sidetrack him, but Elmer has some tricks up his sleeve … or more precisely, in his knapsack. One way or another, he will rescue the dragon! Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon contains the trilogy of classics that has been delighting children for more than seventy years, and which has inspired the Netflix film: My Father’s Dragon, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland.