The Reluctant Dragon – Kenneth Grahame, Illustrated by Michael Hague (1983)

This enchanting edition of Kenneth Grahame’s classic 1898 story brings to life the beloved tale of a peaceful, poetry-loving dragon who prefers tea and conversation to fiery battles. Illustrated by Michael Hague, a master of fantasy art, the book brims with lush, painterly scenes that capture the story’s warmth and wit.

Hague’s detailed, soft-focus watercolors depict the idyllic English countryside where a clever boy befriends the gentle dragon, mediating between the terrified villagers and the bumbling knight, St. George. The dragon—a charming, oversized creature with kind eyes and a fondness for sonnets—becomes a symbol of misunderstood difference, while Hague’s luminous landscapes and medieval-inspired costumes evoke a timeless fairy-tale atmosphere.

A celebration of empathy over violence, The Reluctant Dragon (originally a chapter in Grahame’s Dream Days) shines in this standalone edition. Hague’s art elevates the story’s humor and heart, making it a treasure for both children and collectors of illustrated classics.

“Not all dragons hoard gold—some collect rhymes, and change hearts instead.”