The paper dragon: a Raggedy Ann adventure

About this book

"The paper dragon" by Johnny Gruelle is a children's fantasy story written in the early 20th century. It follows Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy as they befriend a kindly paper dragon and help a girl named Marggy search for her missing father, while a troublesome man, Mr. Doodle, keeps getting in their way. The tale blends whimsy, gentle humor, and simple morals with episodic adventures in a fairy-tale wood.

The opening of the story introduces Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy—rag dolls with hidden wishing charms—who rescue Marggy from the lazy, bullying Mr. and Mrs. Doodle and promise to help find her father. Guided by a magically rolling red ball of yarn, they meet a comical old woman, then a hollow paper dragon who proves friendly after a brief scare. A series of slapstick tangles with Mr. Doodle ensues: cages, shrinking escapes, a “radio” box, a forgetful sock-knitter, and a Magician who demands a dragon; Raggedy Andy fetches the paper dragon using a magic wooden sword, repeatedly outwitting Mr. Doodle’s tricks (salted tails, strings, and glue). After the dragon is torn and mended, the group rides him toward their goal, briefly thwarted again by Mr. Doodle and a toll gate, but they press on down the road still searching for Marggy’s daddy.