The Tale of Custard the Dragon

One of Ogden Nash's classic light verse poems paired with whimsical illustrations by Lynn Munsinger. This book brings to life the silliness of the original poem as readers become familiar with the unlikely hero that is Custard the cowardly dragon. Custard's bravery is short-lived and Belinda's other pets really think they could have done better in hindsight (but readers know better) the illustrations add details to the already fun to read poem. This is one that kids of all ages are likely to enjoy.

I saw this in the store and had to pick it up. Ogden Nash had a real ear for language, I tell you. The story flows along at a nice, bouncy, evocative pace, and the illustrations complement it nicely.

A few reviewers elsewhere have commented that they find the non-dragon characters mean-spirited - they "tickle Custard unmerciful", "rudely call him Percival", and after the danger is past and gone (gotta love a book where a dragon eats a pirate!) they declare that THEY were really braver than Custard after all!

I see the point, though I see their teasing as more familial than mean-spirited. However, if this is a concern to you, you should definitely read the poem before buying the book - it's easy enough to find on Google.

This is an oldie, but a goodie. Originally written by Ogden Nash in 1936, this 1995 edition when illustrations by Munsinger is a delightful read. The rhyming pattern is different but with some practice could be smooth as butter. Plus, I think the story of how brave everyone is but the big giant dragon is a nice change of pace. I loved this story. It ages well. It could get a new illustrator and be an entirely new read for a new generation, and it should be. Maybe in 10 years when it enters the public domain.

An adorable story about a "realio, trulio little pet dragon" who isn't as brave as everyone else - until, that is, a pirate comes in the window. The rhyming is as charming as Nash always is, and his attention to rhythm is much better than usual! The illustrations by Linell are expressive and childlike.

Belinda has four pets: a dog, a mouse, a cat, and a dragon. Belinda and her dog, cat, and mouse claim that they are very brave. They all make fun of Custard, the dragon, for being so scary. However, when a pirate climbs through Belinda's window everyone, except for Custard, runs and hides. After Custard ate the pirate everyone makes excuses as to why they ran. Eventually things go back to normal. Belinda, the dog, cat, and mouse all are saying how brave they are and how scary Custard is. This would be a great story to read to students about being brave.

Belinda lived in a house with a pet cat called ink a mouse called blink her dog called mustard and her pet dragon called custard. Now they were all so brave except for custard who just cried for a cage. One day a pirate appeared and the only one to keep his cool was custard who just ate up the pirate. afterwards custard went back to crying for a cage. This poem is about being brave when you usually aren't.

The classic poem by Ogden Nash from 1936, with fresh playful illustrations by Lynn Munsinger. Good fun!