Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Welcome to our first buddy read of 2023- The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame.

Happy reading everyone!

Kenneth Grahame is one of the authors on Pat's Giants of Literature list.

I found this Rosemarie but no illustrations :(

https://readmeastoryink.com/wp-conten...

Thanks for the link, Lesle.
I'm waiting for my copy from the library to arrive at my local branch.

Rosemarie wrote: "Thanks for the link, Lesle.
I'm waiting for my copy from the library to arrive at my local branch."

I think I would like to find an actual copy.

I downloaded a copy from my Library. It's rather good so far.

I have this book but I'm in the middle of putting my house (including my personal library) back in order after having a house flood. Hopefully I'll come across it soon, as my library doesn't have it so I might be a bit late to the read. My copy has great illustrations!!

No worries about timing, Cleo. Our discussion threads never close!

Cleo wrote: "I have this book but I'm in the middle of putting my house (including my personal library) back in order after having a house flood. Hopefully I'll come across it soon, as my library doesn't have i..."

On my goodness Cleo! I hope it did not damage anything of importance.

Lesle wrote: "On my goodness Cleo! I hope it did not damage anything of importance. ..."

Unfortunately about 200 books were damaged including rare C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton hardcovers. It wasn't good. But I'm happy to report that my first reaction was grief over the lost books and I didn't even think of their value until later. It was certainly a test of my fortitude. I just look at it that it could have been worse and thankfully it wasn't.

What a shame, Cleo.

Rosemarie wrote: "What a shame, Cleo."

Thanks! It was but I'll survive. 😇

Your stronger than I would be Cleo!

I just finished reading an “Illustrated Edition” of The Reluctant Dragon on hoopla. I thought the story was entertaining but the ebook only had a few drawings in the margins. I’ve requested a hard copy from our library and I look forward to seeing gold armor and blue scales!

Annette - That’s the same edition I have! I’ll have to see if there is a hard copy available.

I’m about to DNF my audio copy. I cannot listen any more to the voices reading this story. I cannot at this stage find a e book or a hard copy. Won’t give up!

Pam wrote: "Annette - That’s the same edition I have! I’ll have to see if there is a hard copy available."

Based on things you’ve said previously, I think you are in the Albuquerque area? I am and I have one on hold at out public library. I’ll be quick at turning it around as I’ve already read it; I just want to look at the pictures!

Be careful if you use a library. I found abridged and adapted versions as well even using Grahame's name. I have two on hold which I managed because they have different illustrators. Even when I searched with title, Grahame and Shepard I got just the same set due to how they have changed the network website.

Thanks Annette! I put a hold on the physical book and it’s ready for pick up but I see that it is abridged. I found the unabridged on SimplyE. I’ll read it and follow along with the picture book.

I've just finished this version and loved it. It's a delightful story.

Rosemarie wrote: "I've just finished this version and loved it. It's a delightful story."

I just picked up mine with a big pile of books including 5 volumes of the Sagas of the Icelanders.

Rosemarie wrote: "I've just finished this version and loved it. It's a delightful story."

This is the one I ordered in hardcover!

The illustrations are delightful.

The Reluctant Dragon I finally got started. I ordered the above copy and got this one:

It's ok the illustrations are still quite enjoyable!

The story so far is quite sweet too :)

Lesle wrote: "The Reluctant Dragon I finally got started. I ordered the above copy and got this one:

It's ok the illustrations are still quite enjoyable!

Th..."

First I got a copy with the illustrations you saw, but later managed to get one with the original drawings in it.

How nice Karin I am sure they are just wonderful!

I love illustrations more now than when I was a child. It really brings the story together more completely.

I am only half way through. Been reading on my lunches.
Such a lovely story so far. dragon is nothing like a fire spitting dragon we know in other stories. He loves poetry!

The prearranged drama is set to go! Including hopefully some dragon fire.

Along with some running rampant.

That part is a lot of fun, Lesle.

Rosemarie this is the most fun I have had reading a book in a while now. Even has a bit of tension in it.

The Dragon is just like me....in retirement mode! No drama just fun,

Thank you for sharing this one with us.
If you want a read that makes you grin this is it :)

And the original illustrations are delightful!

He's my kind of dragon!

Rosemarie wrote: "He's my kind of dragon!"

Most definitely!!

Just read this in between the hefty reads and found it delightful :-)

Every time I see an image of Saint George and the dragon, I'll think of the arrangement they made in Grahame's story.

Me, too!

Very charming read Mikiko!