The Reluctant Dragon

Long ago, a shepherd lived near some grassy hills in England with his wife and their little boy, who loved books. People called the broad grassy hills the downs, and the shepherd watched his sheep there.

His parents understood sheep and everyday work, while the boy liked to learn about wonderful creatures. He read natural history and fairy tales side by side.

One evening the shepherd found a great blue dragon resting outside a cave on the grassy hills. He had heard strange sighs and snores there for several nights.

The frightened shepherd told his family, and the boy offered to go and speak to the dragon. His father had never expected scales and claws among his sheep.

The next evening, the boy visited the cave and found that the dragon liked quiet conversation. At first the dragon worried that the visitor might throw stones at him.

The dragon enjoyed making up poetry, and the boy liked poems too, so they became friends. The dragon was delighted to find someone willing to listen.