The Island Expedition

My Father's Dragon

This flow tracks Elmer’s passage from secret preparation through the unfamiliar geography of Tangerina and Wild Island to the dragon’s side.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Packing for the Unknown Packing for the Unknown from "My Father's Dragon". A Child’s Expedition The supplies Elmer packs food, boots, a compass, a jackknife, and practical objects that Old Alley Cat recommends or that he finds at…

Packing for the Unknown from "My Father's Dragon". A Child’s Expedition The supplies Elmer packs food, boots, a compass, a jackknife, and practical objects that Old Alley Cat recommends or that he finds at…

A Child’s Expedition The supplies Elmer packs food, boots, a compass, a jackknife, and practical objects that Old Alley Cat recommends or that he finds at home. Improvised readiness The unusual inventory prepares him to solve problems creatively rather than fight. The knapsack becomes his portable collection of possible answers.

The Wheat Hold The Wheat Hold from "My Father's Dragon". Stowing Away Concealment Elmer hides among wheat bags to avoid being sent home. At Cranberry, he slips into a labeled grain sack when sailors begin unloading.

The Wheat Hold from "My Father's Dragon". Stowing Away Concealment Elmer hides among wheat bags to avoid being sent home. At Cranberry, he slips into a labeled grain sack when sailors begin unloading.

Stowing Away Concealment Elmer hides among wheat bags to avoid being sent home. At Cranberry, he slips into a labeled grain sack when sailors begin unloading. Arrival A sailor mistakes him for dried corn, and Elmer escapes after dark. Resourcefulness gets him to shore without revealing his purpose.

The Tangerine Shore The Tangerine Shore from "My Father's Dragon". Supplies from the Island Discovery A falling fruit wakes Elmer beneath a tangerine tree on Island of Tangerina. He gathers the fruit he can carry.

The Tangerine Shore from "My Father's Dragon". Supplies from the Island Discovery A falling fruit wakes Elmer beneath a tangerine tree on Island of Tangerina. He gathers the fruit he can carry.

Supplies from the Island Discovery A falling fruit wakes Elmer beneath a tangerine tree on Island of Tangerina. He gathers the fruit he can carry. A temporary resource The fruit sustains his walk toward the rocks, but its peel later risks exposing him. A useful supply becomes evidence of an outsider’s presence.

The Night Rocks The Night Rocks from "My Father's Dragon". Crossing the Ocean Rocks The passage Elmer follows the rocky chain toward Wild Island, leaping across gaps and navigating waves and slippery stones in rubber…

The Night Rocks from "My Father's Dragon". Crossing the Ocean Rocks The passage Elmer follows the rocky chain toward Wild Island, leaping across gaps and navigating waves and slippery stones in rubber…

Crossing the Ocean Rocks The passage Elmer follows the rocky chain toward Wild Island, leaping across gaps and navigating waves and slippery stones in rubber boots. The danger The crossing is slow and uncertain, and a sleeping whale briefly becomes an accidental stepping place. Reaching the island requires persistence more than certainty.

The Jungle Approach The Jungle Approach from "My Father's Dragon". Searching for the River The route Elmer enters the jungle, saves his food, and follows the shoreline before trying to locate the river.

The Jungle Approach from "My Father's Dragon". Searching for the River The route Elmer enters the jungle, saves his food, and follows the shoreline before trying to locate the river.

Searching for the River The route Elmer enters the jungle, saves his food, and follows the shoreline before trying to locate the river. Dense growth and a sharp bend mislead his compass-guided progress. The consequence His route brings him into the island’s animal territory before he reaches his goal. Navigation becomes a test of caution as well as direction.

the night before the ship sails

the first six days at sea

the morning after Elmer sleeps near the port

the very dark night after Elmer finds the crossing

from first light through the following night