Dickens & Rumi
Cover of My Father's Dragon

film

My Father's Dragon

2022

Struggling to cope after a move to the city with his mother, Elmer runs away in search of Wild Island and a young dragon who waits to be rescued. Elmer’s adventures introduce him to ferocious beasts, a mysterious island and the friendship of a lifetime.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy danger and frightening creatures may unsettle younger children, but violence is mild, the tone is family-oriented, and the story emphasizes friendship and emotional resilience. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Death of a character1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film is not built around real brands, product placement, or urging children to buy products.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The film deals with themes of loss and the hardships faced by Elmer's family, but there is no graphic death.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The language is mild and appropriate for all ages.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Ferocious beasts, dangerous island situations, separation, storms, and tense rescue scenes may frighten sensitive children.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of mild peril, creatures acting aggressively, and characters in physically dangerous situations.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces frightening creatures and difficult situations with persistence and increasingly thoughtful bravery.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative island, talking animals, dragon rescue, and inventive problem-solving strongly encourage wonder and creative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse voice cast and inclusive representation, though the setting is fantasy-based.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The narrative promotes social-emotional skills like dealing with change and building empathy.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Rescue, friendship, empathy, and cooperation are central, with characters learning to care for one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes support friendship, empathy, cooperation, perseverance, repairing family bonds, and caring for vulnerable beings.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Elmer shows determination and compassion while learning to listen, cooperate, and take responsibility for others.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in My Father's Dragon would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in My Father's Dragon, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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