The Ice Dragon, or Do as You Are Told
A young boy named Lavender is born with a rare condition that makes him extremely fragile and sensitive to the slightest sounds and movements. He is often misunderstood and mistreated by those around him, who do not comprehend his unique needs. One day, he discovers an ice dragon in the garden, which becomes his only friend and confidant.
By Edith Nesbit · First published 1929 · Genre: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure · 8,538 words
First lines
This is the tale of the wonders that befell on the evening of the eleventh of December, when they did what they were told not to do. You may think that you know all the unpleasant things that could possibly happen to you if you are disobedient, but there are some things which even you do not know, and they did not know them either.
Their names were George and Jane.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ice Dragon, or Do as You Are Told is listed on Textopian as a novella by Edith Nesbit, dated 1929 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Edith Nesbit
- Date: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Children's Literature, Adventure
- Length: 8,538 words
- Structure: 1 section, 150 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ice Dragon, or Do as You Are Told by Edith Nesbit
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ice Dragon, or Do as You Are Told?
- How does this novella by Edith Nesbit fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Blue Mountain by Edith Nesbit
- En Tout Cas by Edith Nesbit
- Winter by Edith Nesbit
- November by Edith Nesbit
- The Enchanted Garden by Edith Nesbit
- The Skylark by Edith Nesbit
Genres
- Fantasy — The narrative involves mythical creatures such as ice dragons and magical elements.
- Children's Literature — The story is written in a simple, engaging style suitable for young readers, and it imparts moral lessons.
- Adventure — The plot involves a journey and encounters with various challenges and dangers.
Tags
Fantasy · Children's Literature · Adventure · Fiction · Classic · Victorian Era · Imagination · Magic · Dragons · Ice · Winter · Friendship