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Dragon, Dragon: And Other Tales
The classic children’s collection—now available as an ebook
Four tales of fantasy by a twentieth-century literary master—selected as the 1975 New York Times Outstanding Book for Children
John Gardner’s first children’s book takes the traditional fairy tale and turns it on its head. In the title story, a meddlesome dragon meets his match. “The Tailor and the Giant” tells the story of a cowardly man who finally faces his fears. A villainous beast of burden attempts to rid himself of his master in “The Miller’s Mule.” And in “The Last Piece of Light,” a brave young chimney-sweep saves the world from darkness.
Filled with irreverent twists on the classic elements of princes and princesses, witches and wizards, and the magical realms that they inhabit, Dragon, Dragon is a collection of fun and fantastic tales to be cherished by readers of all ages.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1975
29 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
John Gardner
409 books463 followersJohn Champlin Gardner was a well-known and controversial American novelist and university professor, best known for his novel Grendel, a retelling of the Beowulf myth.
Gardner was born in Batavia, New York. His father was a lay preacher and dairy farmer, and his mother taught English at a local school. Both parents were fond of Shakespeare and often recited literature together. As a child, Gardner attended public school and worked on his father's farm, where, in April of 1945, his younger brother Gilbert was killed in an accident with a cultipacker. Gardner, who was driving the tractor during the fatal accident, carried guilt for his brother's death throughout his life, suffering nightmares and flashbacks. The incident informed much of Gardner's fiction and criticism — most directly in the 1977 short story "Redemption," which included a fictionalized recounting of the accident.
From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gar...
Gardner was born in Batavia, New York. His father was a lay preacher and dairy farmer, and his mother taught English at a local school. Both parents were fond of Shakespeare and often recited literature together. As a child, Gardner attended public school and worked on his father's farm, where, in April of 1945, his younger brother Gilbert was killed in an accident with a cultipacker. Gardner, who was driving the tractor during the fatal accident, carried guilt for his brother's death throughout his life, suffering nightmares and flashbacks. The incident informed much of Gardner's fiction and criticism — most directly in the 1977 short story "Redemption," which included a fictionalized recounting of the accident.
From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gar...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 11, 2018
So this book was good. It was cute, pretty short, and original. But it wasn't really anything more than that. So... it was just a book. A good read, not a waste of time, but not wonderful either.
August 15, 2015
I had this book as a child; the same paperback copy I have now, but I first read it from a hardcover copy from the school library. Gardner has a way with words and these are a humorous, tongue-in-cheek collection of original fairy tales. Each contains elemental tropes from the traditional fairy tales and one is even styled (very) loosely after an actual Grimm tale. But these are Gardiner's very own through and through with modern humour making them so gleefully successful. I was delighted with his writing in each story but certainly found the first two stories highly superior to the last two. Each story has two gorgeous illustrations reproduced in black and white; however, from memory I seem to recall that the hardcover had full colour illustrated panes. This book was awarded the NYT Outstanding Book for Children 1975.
1. Dragon, Dragon - Absolutely hilarious! This tale follows the usual three brothers fairy tale. Here, each, starting with the eldest who is clever, then the middle who is strong, goes off to slay the dragon and fails, until the youngest who is nervous and slender but a good boy who listens to his elders. All the usual tropes in this type of tale are used, but Gardner turns it on its head by adding hilarious humour that had me grinning the whole time. (5/5)
2. The Tailor and the Giant - Based on the Grimm tale, but really not following the plot at all. Very funny tale where the giant terrorizes the town the first Monday of every month and the tailor basically has agoraphobia and social anxiety but becomes the hero in the end. I love the writing style and the humour is tongue-in-cheek delightful. (5/5)
3. The Miller's Mule - A mule is too old to work and the miller is going to shoot him, but the mule says he will make him rich if he spares his life. However, the mule is a wicked creature who tries to get the miller killed. This one is a bit of a let down after the first too. Not really that funny, at least it falls flat for me and, I know this sounds like a foolish thing to say about silly fairytales, but this story lacks logic making it hard to get into to the magical realism. It's readable, though. I'm enjoying this author's writing. (3/5)
4. The Last Piece of Light - Quite an original fairytale with a bit of a modern feel to it at first but then we get a king and further in a prince, but settle into a Victorian feel when we meet the chimney sweep. In this story, the saviour is the Lady of the North Star who uses a female chimney sweep to become the hero and in a turn from the norm Chimorra ends up saving the Prince. A quaint feel good tale, but Gardner's humorous twist is that everyone is as dumb as a doornail. Chimorra is the only one with any bit of sense and that is even minimal as she forgets her magic words to save the world and even forgets she's forgotten! But we like Chimorra and don't feel any frustration with her as she goes through the usual fairytale tragedy upon tragedy until the happy, but, strange ending. (4/5)
1. Dragon, Dragon - Absolutely hilarious! This tale follows the usual three brothers fairy tale. Here, each, starting with the eldest who is clever, then the middle who is strong, goes off to slay the dragon and fails, until the youngest who is nervous and slender but a good boy who listens to his elders. All the usual tropes in this type of tale are used, but Gardner turns it on its head by adding hilarious humour that had me grinning the whole time. (5/5)
2. The Tailor and the Giant - Based on the Grimm tale, but really not following the plot at all. Very funny tale where the giant terrorizes the town the first Monday of every month and the tailor basically has agoraphobia and social anxiety but becomes the hero in the end. I love the writing style and the humour is tongue-in-cheek delightful. (5/5)
3. The Miller's Mule - A mule is too old to work and the miller is going to shoot him, but the mule says he will make him rich if he spares his life. However, the mule is a wicked creature who tries to get the miller killed. This one is a bit of a let down after the first too. Not really that funny, at least it falls flat for me and, I know this sounds like a foolish thing to say about silly fairytales, but this story lacks logic making it hard to get into to the magical realism. It's readable, though. I'm enjoying this author's writing. (3/5)
4. The Last Piece of Light - Quite an original fairytale with a bit of a modern feel to it at first but then we get a king and further in a prince, but settle into a Victorian feel when we meet the chimney sweep. In this story, the saviour is the Lady of the North Star who uses a female chimney sweep to become the hero and in a turn from the norm Chimorra ends up saving the Prince. A quaint feel good tale, but Gardner's humorous twist is that everyone is as dumb as a doornail. Chimorra is the only one with any bit of sense and that is even minimal as she forgets her magic words to save the world and even forgets she's forgotten! But we like Chimorra and don't feel any frustration with her as she goes through the usual fairytale tragedy upon tragedy until the happy, but, strange ending. (4/5)
April 14, 2011
This book is a lot of fun! It reminds me of Fractured Fairy Tales from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. The characters don't always behave heroically, but the stories are fun and appropriate even for younger audiences.
April 25, 2021
This was my book when I was a child, and I just read it with the 9YO at bedtime over the past four evenings. The book contains four short stories - "Dragon, Dragon", "The Tailor and the Giant", "The Miller's Mule", and "The Last Piece of Light". These are fairy tales; but more modern, and told with more humor than you usually get out of a fairy tale.
When I was young, I would read "Dragon, Dragon" over and over, because it's my favorite of the four. The 9YO says his favorite is "The Tailor and the Giant." He enjoyed "The Miller's Mule" least; my least favorite is the last story, "The Last Piece of Light."
This book would be an easy read for kids age 8-12. Three and a half stars.
When I was young, I would read "Dragon, Dragon" over and over, because it's my favorite of the four. The 9YO says his favorite is "The Tailor and the Giant." He enjoyed "The Miller's Mule" least; my least favorite is the last story, "The Last Piece of Light."
This book would be an easy read for kids age 8-12. Three and a half stars.
September 11, 2023
A small children's book containing four fairy tales, or fables. Dragons, giants, wizards, silly humans. As with most of John Gardner's books, there are illustrations (by Charles Shields in this one) to show the action and please the reader. A fun read which I imagine would please kids if their parents read to them. Gardner was a versatile writer, and I'm glad to have spent a couple days with this charming little book.
July 25, 2018
Meant for children, I take it. A collection of several short, twisted fairy tales featuring a dragon, a giant, and other fairy tale tropes. There are some nice illustration as well. I liked it OK and it was a very quick read on my kindle. Nothing really outstanding but kids would probably enjoy them.
January 25, 2018
Delightful retelling of traditional European folk tales with a modern point of view. Would be great for reading aloud because it will generate questions.
January 20, 2021
A charming collection of modern fairy-tales.
April 15, 2022
I am love every little word...
September 2, 2023
These stories are fine but I'm not totally sure why they exist.
November 3, 2023
These fairy tales were very cute but overall unremarkable.
November 10, 2023
Cute and funny story.
June 11, 2016
Love fairy or folk tales? You should definitely seek out John Gardner's Dragon, Dragon and Other Tales. This book has four original stories with magical, fantastical elements. The four stories are "Dragon, Dragon," "The Tailor and the Giant," "The Miller's Mule," and "The Last Piece of Light."
I can honestly say that I enjoyed all four stories. I'm not sure which story is my most favorite and which is my least favorite. Probably my least favorite is The Tailor and The Giant. Don't expect it to have a lesson or moral, and you may find it intriguing. It's certainly a spin on the theme of courage. As for my favorite, that would probably be Dragon, Dragon or The Miller's Mule.
Dragon, Dragon features a kingdom being terrorized by dragons--or a dragon, I can't remember if there's more than one. The king offers a reward, of course he does, and one by one three sons attempt it. But who will kill the dragon? Perhaps the one that actually follows his father's advice. Just a guess!
The Miller's Mule grew on me as I read it. It certainly kept me guessing as I read it. A miller decides to shoot his old mule; the old mule speaks--begs for his life. The miller spares his life--for better or worse. The mule promises to make him a wealthy man IF and only IF he follows his instructions carefully. The miller agrees...and it seems the mule is out to kill him in revenge....who will best who?
I can honestly say that I enjoyed all four stories. I'm not sure which story is my most favorite and which is my least favorite. Probably my least favorite is The Tailor and The Giant. Don't expect it to have a lesson or moral, and you may find it intriguing. It's certainly a spin on the theme of courage. As for my favorite, that would probably be Dragon, Dragon or The Miller's Mule.
Dragon, Dragon features a kingdom being terrorized by dragons--or a dragon, I can't remember if there's more than one. The king offers a reward, of course he does, and one by one three sons attempt it. But who will kill the dragon? Perhaps the one that actually follows his father's advice. Just a guess!
The Miller's Mule grew on me as I read it. It certainly kept me guessing as I read it. A miller decides to shoot his old mule; the old mule speaks--begs for his life. The miller spares his life--for better or worse. The mule promises to make him a wealthy man IF and only IF he follows his instructions carefully. The miller agrees...and it seems the mule is out to kill him in revenge....who will best who?
March 29, 2011
Review posted at: Over A Cuppa Tea
Date reviewed: 16th Feb 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/dragon-dragon/
Dragon Dragon by John Gardner is a collection of fairy tales/folklore that centered around dragons. It’s very well written, but I’m a little bit dis appointed because the book is too short. It’s merely 30 pages, and I couldn’t get enough of the dragon stories.
Alot of moral values are embedded in each of the stories, and this is definitely one book that you would want your children to have as a keepsake.
I wish the book is more than 30 pages, cuz I’m quite a sucker for fairy tales and adventure sort of books. I rate this book 4 out of 5, and highly recommend it to fantasy lovers who are looking for some escapism.
I received this digital ARC from Open Road via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for it and I was not compensated in any ways for it either.
Date reviewed: 16th Feb 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/dragon-dragon/
Dragon Dragon by John Gardner is a collection of fairy tales/folklore that centered around dragons. It’s very well written, but I’m a little bit dis appointed because the book is too short. It’s merely 30 pages, and I couldn’t get enough of the dragon stories.
Alot of moral values are embedded in each of the stories, and this is definitely one book that you would want your children to have as a keepsake.
I wish the book is more than 30 pages, cuz I’m quite a sucker for fairy tales and adventure sort of books. I rate this book 4 out of 5, and highly recommend it to fantasy lovers who are looking for some escapism.
I received this digital ARC from Open Road via Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review for it and I was not compensated in any ways for it either.
January 17, 2011
I would have liked for there to be more stories in this short stories book. Although none of them had a typical "happy ending", they all were very entertaining. These stories can be read by or to younger readers although I do not think they will get as much out of them as a YA reader would.
The short stories can be twisted to teach a story, or you can just read them for sheer entertainment. Although, I'm not sure how the last story, "The Last Piece of Light," teaches anything. That story I believe can have lessons taught from it, but I don't feel that was the major intention of the story.
I am definitely going to be looking for more from John Champlin Gardner. I know it was only a VERY short book, but I enjoyed every page.
The short stories can be twisted to teach a story, or you can just read them for sheer entertainment. Although, I'm not sure how the last story, "The Last Piece of Light," teaches anything. That story I believe can have lessons taught from it, but I don't feel that was the major intention of the story.
I am definitely going to be looking for more from John Champlin Gardner. I know it was only a VERY short book, but I enjoyed every page.
April 6, 2012
If you liked Dragon, Dragon (or, hell, even if you didn't) find Norton Juster's Alberic the Wise and Other Journeys, which is another small collection of three original fairy tales from another renowned author. If you're looking for more typical "wisdom", or clearer moral lessons (rather than the sorta whimsical and ambiguous wisdom of Dragon, Dragon), you'll find aplenty in Alberic The Wise. Both books are brilliant.
May 12, 2008
Since it's written by one of my favorite authors, I had bigger hopes for this series of stories. When my nephew chose a story for me to read to him, three quarters of the way through he asked politely if he could go play with his cousins. That was far more fun than listening to a story about a little miller and a fierce giant. I finished up the rest on my own and haven't got a whole lot to offer one way or another. Maybe we'll pick up on them again but he may be in high school by then.
April 12, 2008
The title dragon is great. He springs all the bear traps and lets the bears go wherever they want. He switches men's house numbers so neighbors wake up with neighbor's wives. He generally just makes a tremendous nuisance of himself. Awesome.
July 26, 2011
The four tales in this book were well-written and fun. There was nothing exceptional here, however. The title story was the best of the bunch.
August 25, 2012
Well, these were silly and cute! My niece would probably love these stories. But I'll definitely be recommending it to my youngest brother, first. :-D
March 1, 2014
Four fun fantastical and ridiculous fairy tales. Now I need to read them to my kids (no matter they are already too old).
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews