Shelly's Book Blog

Edith Nesbit (1858-1924) wrote this collection of eight short stories about dragons. I found myself really paying attention to each word as I read, and I realized that these stories would make great read-alouds. The stories just exude imagination, humor, and life. Also, Nesbit's British vocabulary and sensibilities added considerably to my enjoyment. I think my favorite was Chapter 2: "Uncle James, or the Purple Stranger." In this story, foods that we have to bake or cook, such as buns and cakes, grow on trees, while things that we grow, such as fruits and vegetables, must be prepared in the kitchen. Also, animals are all the wrong size so that children can take rides on guinea pigs and keep elephants for pets. Lots of fun!