A NEWBERY HONOR BOOK When a little boy Elmer strikes up a friendship with an alley cat, he learns of a baby dragon that is being forced to serve as a ferry for the selfish animals of Wild Island. Elmer determines at once to free the dragon, and with a bit of advice from the savvy cat, he arms himself with chewing gum, lollipops, rubber bands and some other unlikely items. With these tools and his own sharp wits, Elmer is prepared to face hungry tigers, cranky crocodiles and other challenges. Both a Newbery Honor Book and an American Library Association Notable Book, this charming story has delighted generations of readers since its original publication in 1948. 'A real delight' - New Yorker