How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head

Animator and children's book author Bill Peet, whose picture-books, while very entertaining, can also be a little message-heavy - I'm looking at you, Wump World and Prewitt Peacock - really hits the mark with How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head, an endearing story of a vegetarian dragon who finally finds his place in the world. Separated from his family during the course of a long flight, Droofus the dragon crash lands in a remote location, and, having rescued a tiny grasshopper from a spider's web, decides that he can no longer eat his fellow creatures, and will subsist on grass. But although his new life (when not hiding from knights intent on beheading him) is peaceful, it is also a little boring. Until, that is, the day that he show more finally finds his calling as a farm-hand. Will all be well, or will the king's desire for a dragon head on his wall put an end to Droofus' newfound happiness?

I enjoyed the story here, and appreciated the fact that there isn't any overt didactic purpose to it - just an engaging tale that will keep young readers in suspense, as they race through, in order to find out just how Droofus loses his head. I always have a qualm or two, about stories in which animals that would normally be carnivores are depicted as vegetarians - especially when this difference indicates that they are "nicer" than others of their kind - as I think this sends children the wrong message about the natural world, and the creatures in it, and might lead to some misguided ideas about the nature of carnivorous species. But leaving that issue aside, this was just a fun little book, one I would recommend to all young readers who enjoy stories of gentle giants, sad beasts, and good "monsters." show less

Charming and clever, with lovely watercolor colors and a sweet protagonist. And "Droofus" is fun to say.

This was a nice story, certainly better than a story with a violent end. It was mild and happy and everyone, including the king who I was expecting to be lousy with greed, was reasonable and wise enough not to kill the dragon who obviously meant them no harm. I really was satisfied with the ending.

Droofus the kindly dragon has a price on his head, but the small boy who befriends him refuses to sell him to the king.

This is a story that portrays a fantasy. Dragons are not real and this book gives a friendly version of nice dragons that are helpful and kind.
The setting to the story was very detailed and gave the reader verbal illustrations that added on to the pictures. The detail with in the words and pictures gave a clearer understanding to the background and layout of the plot.

Lover the artwork by this guy.

picture books, illustrated, dragons