Grahame, Kenneth. The Reluctant Dragon. (75th anniversary ed.)

Grahame, Kenneth.  The Reluctant Dragon. (75th anniversary ed.)  Holiday House  2013      unp   ISBN 978-0-8234-2820-5  elem/ms     Hardback    VG  Fantasy

With the help of a bright little boy, a poetic dragon defies stereotypes in a humorous tale by the author of The Wind in the Willows, re-issued in hardcover with its original artwork for its 75th anniversary.   When it was first published, Grahame's book was unique in defying the stereotype that dragons must be violent beasts that exist only to wreak havoc until they are slain by a hero. Instead of conforming to expectations, the dragon that takes up residence just outside the village is a poet and uninterested in more vigorous and violent pursuits. The young boy who befriends him is a reader and a dreamer, and his parents, while practical sorts, are loving and supportive of his habits.  When Saint George comes to town to slay the dragon, as he is expected to do when dragons are reported, the boy must use all of his wits to arrange things so that his friend the dragon will not be slain, the saint will not lose face, and the villagers will feel safe about the dragon living so nearby.  Naturally, everything works out in the end, with a few lessons having been learned but mostly everyone retaining the flaws and foibles that made them unique characters to begin with.  Parents who read this to their children will find many opportunities to smile to themselves at lines and phrases that Grahame included, but the appeal is not limited to older readers.  Most readers, particularly those who are familiar with the works of English authors like Nesbit and Lewis will find this a familiar, pleasant story, whether they are reading it for the first time or the fiftieth, and the illustrations are those preferred by the author and suit the narrative style excellently.  For those libraries that do not already own a copy of this classic tale, this edition would make an excellent addition to the collection.

Summary: With the help of a bright little boy, a poetic dragon defies stereotypes in a humorous tale by the author of The Wind in the Willows, re-issued in hardcover with its original artwork for its 75th anniversary.      

Dragons-Fiction, Fantasy                                    --Bethany Geleskie