My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett is a part of my childhood. Written by a woman between jobs and illustrated by her stepmother, My Father’s Dragon first appeared in 1948. It tells the story of Elmer Elevator, a young boy who longs to fly. One day, much to his mother’s dismay, Elmer brings home a stray cat. The cat tells Elmer of a wild island with an imprisoned dragon. Elmer packs his knapsack and runs away.
This book captivated me as a child and I love sharing it with my class. I love how the simple things in his knapsack are used to solve the most interesting dilemas. If you had to survive in a fierce jungle what kinds of things would you want in your knapsack? Visit my blog to get a simple worksheet you can use with your class.
classfreeadmin says
In middle school, my son had a school activity like this with a different book. The students were to bring in their items to share with their book clubs. In some instances, where they didn't have the special item used by a character, they made them out of clay or cardboard covered by foil. He still has his special items box three years later. I like that you have the freebie sheet they can plan on. What a great idea to take something you loved as a student and bring it to life for your own students! I am sure they love this!