The Jungle’s Threats and Trails

My Father's Dragon

This flow traces how Wild Island’s terrain repeatedly disorients Elmer while its trails and clearings lead him toward the river and rescue.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Beach Shelter The Beach Shelter from "My Father's Dragon". First Rest on Wild Island A cautious arrival Elmer reaches the beach and hides beneath a bush to think.

The Beach Shelter from "My Father's Dragon". First Rest on Wild Island A cautious arrival Elmer reaches the beach and hides beneath a bush to think.

First Rest on Wild Island A cautious arrival Elmer reaches the beach and hides beneath a bush to think. He chooses the river as his first objective because Baby Dragon must be somewhere along its bank. Planning under uncertainty The beach offers only temporary safety. Elmer must decide how to enter a jungle he does not know.

The Mouse’s Discovery The Mouse’s Discovery from "My Father's Dragon". A Near Exposure An unexpected visitor Mouse rubs a paw against Elmer’s knapsack and mistakes the hidden boy’s presence for an extraordinary rock.

The Mouse’s Discovery from "My Father's Dragon". A Near Exposure An unexpected visitor Mouse rubs a paw against Elmer’s knapsack and mistakes the hidden boy’s presence for an extraordinary rock.

A Near Exposure An unexpected visitor Mouse rubs a paw against Elmer’s knapsack and mistakes the hidden boy’s presence for an extraordinary rock. Elmer remains still until the animal leaves. New danger The island’s small inhabitants can compromise concealment as easily as its predators. Elmer moves on before the report spreads.

The Tortoise Questions The Tortoise Questions from "My Father's Dragon". A Quick Improvisation A suspicious exchange After Elmer sneezes, Tortoises ask whether he is a monkey and what he carries.

The Tortoise Questions from "My Father's Dragon". A Quick Improvisation A suspicious exchange After Elmer sneezes, Tortoises ask whether he is a monkey and what he carries.

A Quick Improvisation A suspicious exchange After Elmer sneezes, Tortoises ask whether he is a monkey and what he carries. He agrees with their guesses rather than revealing himself. Concealment through wit The encounter is a narrow escape built from improvised answers. Elmer learns that ordinary conversation can be as risky as pursuit.

The Lost River Line The Lost River Line from "My Father's Dragon". Terrain Misleads The wrong direction Swamp mud traps Elmer’s boots, and dense vegetation hides the river.

The Lost River Line from "My Father's Dragon". Terrain Misleads The wrong direction Swamp mud traps Elmer’s boots, and dense vegetation hides the river.

Terrain Misleads The wrong direction Swamp mud traps Elmer’s boots, and dense vegetation hides the river. A sharp bend means his compass-guided course takes him farther away. The cost The landscape frustrates a plan that seems logical. Elmer’s progress requires adaptation to the island rather than faith in a straight route.

The Trail to Dragon Ferry The Trail to Dragon Ferry from "My Father's Dragon". A Signpost and a Goal Direction recovered Elmer reaches a crossroads with signs for the river’s beginning, Ocean Rocks, and Dragon Ferry.

The Trail to Dragon Ferry from "My Father's Dragon". A Signpost and a Goal Direction recovered Elmer reaches a crossroads with signs for the river’s beginning, Ocean Rocks, and Dragon Ferry.

A Signpost and a Goal Direction recovered Elmer reaches a crossroads with signs for the river’s beginning, Ocean Rocks, and Dragon Ferry. He infers that Baby Dragon may be on this side. Arrival at the bank He eventually reaches the river but does not see the dragon. The trail has brought him close to the central problem, though not yet to its solution.

before sunrise on Elmer’s first day ashore

late afternoon after Elmer sleeps in the grass

during Elmer’s first night walking the beach

after Elmer begins following the riverbank

after Elmer escapes the animal encounters