The last dragon

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

76411

Title

The last dragon

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In a whimsical tale where children believe in magic, a lonely dragon is banished by a fearful mother. When the dragon vanishes, the family discovers that adulthood has dulled their father's imagination. Guided by a wise grandmother, the children embark on a fantastical journey to rescue a princess and reunite the dragon with his lost world, exploring the enduring power of wonder against the encroaching practicality of the modern age.

Summary up to 500 words

In Dan Totheroh's *The Last Dragon*, the Baxter family faces a crisis when Mrs. Baxter, unable to comprehend the kindness of a dragon, sends the creature away. Her practical fear contrasts sharply with the children's devotion and their grandmother's enduring belief. Mr. Baxter, having lost his ability to see magic due to the demands of adult city life and the loss of a 'crystal key,' cannot perceive the dragon, leaving the children devastated as the beast departs sheepishly. That night, the dragon returns, inviting the children to join him on a journey. Dressed in steel armor alongside their grandmother, loyal dogs, and a grumpy dwarf named Crubby, the group races down the King's Great Highway into a medieval realm. They encounter a mischievous magician named Mig and a thieving dragon named Dallahan, who has been trapped in a box, shrinking him into a pathetic creature. During the journey, the youngest child, Peter, falls off the dragon and becomes lost in the 'Dark Ages.' There, he meets a traveling showman, his bear, and a gypsy girl, eventually reuniting with his family just as Dallahan is freed from his confinement. Liberated from his box, Dallahan begins to grow back into a noble dragon, vowing to do good deeds. The group faces the challenge of returning the enchanted Princess Silver Toes to her rightful place. Using the grandmother's mysterious knitting bag, they unravel the magic stone holding the princess captive. The stone crumbles, releasing Mig, the princess, and other magical elements. With the help of Grandma's yarn, they bind the stone together, freeing the princess from her enchantment and restoring her youth. After comedic mishaps and emotional reunions, the dragon and the children return home. The adventure fades as they wake in their nursery, but the experience has restored a sense of wonder. Mr. Baxter finally sees the dragon's footprint in the mud, acknowledging that while the magic world may be gone for him, the children's belief remains a powerful force. The tale concludes with the family accepting that while they cannot stay in the magic world forever, the memory of the adventure and the dragon's love endure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

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Local file path

data/epubs/pg76411.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Fantasy
• Children's Fiction