Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.

The Reluctant Dragon

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

When a dragon is discovered up on the Downs, the Boy is not in the least surprised. He's always known that cave was a dragon cave—it seems only right for a dragon to be living in it.

The Boy decides to pay a visit to the cave, and he thinks he knows just what to expect. But this particular dragon is not a bit like the ones in fairy tales.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

  • Formats

  • Languages

  • Levels

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      April 12, 2004
      For this elegantly designed volume, San Souci (The Talking Eggs
      ) breathes new life into the sword-and-scales genre with a snappy adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's 1898 short story. The book stars a most unusual dragon who prefers poetry, pacifism and singalongs to murderous pillaging and destruction ("I'm too lazy to make enemies"). Jack, a shepherd's son, befriends the dragon, but his fellow villagers see the fiery beast as "an enemy of the human race" and call in Saint George. Smart-thinking Jack convinces George to talk to his friend, and together they concoct a scheme to stage a battle so the dragon can be saved. The faux fight is deliciously scary ("The dragon, enjoying the drama, reared and roared and rampaged"), but young fantasy fans will enjoy both the ruse and the happily-ever-after resolution. Matching the text's dynamism, Segal's (The Musicians of Bremen
      ) illustrations seem a happy cross between medieval manuscripts and comic book panels. Narrow rules frame each page, accentuating the oversize vertical format, while Segal's small, cartoon-like illustrations captioned with phrases from the text float in a sizable white background. The less-is-more sensibility of the design offsets the somewhat insistent message about looking beyond appearances and overcoming prejudice. San Souci's fluid storytelling gives the story a modern feel, and Jack's peaceful problem-solving sets a winning example. Ages 5-9.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      This dramatization of Grahame's story has wonderfully expressive characterizations to tickle young imaginations. There's a full gamut of sound effects and music reminiscent of phonograph records of the '50's. A young boy plays the hero, an innocent voice wiser than the eccentric adults around him. The dragon speaks his pacifist message in slow cartoon-like cadences while St. George delivers his role in a stalwart voice. The male narrator is warm and expressive as host of this appealing program. D.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Jim Weiss's narration of this beloved story is full of his distinctive style and vivid characterizations. Leave it to Weiss to enthusiastically deliver the initial background material on the setting and history of the St. George legend. He then welcomes listeners into the tale with a voice that places them right in the story. His elongated words, pauses, and emphasis focus attention on each scene--from the boy's wanderings on the downs to the negotiation between the dragon and knight and the spectacle-filled battle. Weiss portrays the boy as cheerful and optimistic, the dragon as easygoing and sensitive, and St. George as aristocratic yet diplomatic. The production concludes with Weiss's melodious rendition of a friendship song sung by the dragon and St. George. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 15, 1988
      Warm colors and visual details portray a lively medieval village and complement Grahame's expressive prose. Ages 8-11.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      February 27, 1989
      Shepard's pristine ink illustrations adorn this 1938 edition of Grahame's story. Ages 8-11.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:1010
  • Text Difficulty:6-8

Loading