Dennis the Dragon was first published in 1939. It is now
out of print.
Story | Background
| Thoughts | Editions
and Availability
Story
Dennis is the only dragon left in England, as all the others
have died of chest infections. He lives in a cave on the Great
West Road, and wishes that he was a man "who drove fast cars
down the Great West Road" (Dennis the Dragon, 1939:5).
When his Aunt Dulcibell leaves him a lot of money he decides to
live in London, like a man.
Background
Dennis the Dragon wall illustrated by Ruth Gervis, Noel's
sister, who had also provided the illustrations for Ballet
Shoes.
Sales of Dennis the Dragon were badly affected by the
start of the Second World War.
Thoughts
Dennis the Dragon is clearly written for a much younger
audience than most of Noel's other books for children. It is a
very short book (only 32 pages), with practically every page having
an illustration. The book also has a very clear message - that
you shouldn't try to be something you are not.
It is probably not dissimilar in style to Noel's first short
story (about a magician and a rabbit), and is quite different
from the realism of her other books for children.
Editions and Availability
UK Editions
Dennis the Dragon was published in 1939 by J. M. Dent
& Sons. It was illustrated by Ruth Gervis. It does not appear
to have been reissued at any stage.
US Editions
There does not seem to have been a US edition of Dennis the
Dragon.
Out of Print
Dennis the Dragon is out of print and extremely rare.
In February 2004, I have not been able to find any second hand
copies available through online booksellers.
