The Laughing Dragon

New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971 Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. 1971. Hardcover. First Edition (A-3.71 [RZ]). Weekly Reader Children's Book Club Edition. Book is tight, square, and unmarked. Book Condition: Good +; bumping to head and tail; scattered edge bumps; light soiling to boards with small stains to top of front board. No DJ. Pictorial laminate boards and spine with black lettering on the spine and front board. Unpaginated (32 pp by count) 4to. Enjoying the last few days of summer,The Emperor of Japan was about to eat his morning egg when suddenly out jumped a little smiling dragon. He seemed very friendly, so the Emperor decided to call him Hojo and keep him as the Imperial Pet. Hojo soon became a great favorite with everyone by making himself useful around the palace. He made delicious soups, had a very light hand with pastry, and the Emperor loved his pancakes. In addition he was always gay and cheerful, could sing, play chess, enjoy a joke, and his hot breath kept the palace warm, which was a great comfort to the Emperor who suffered from cold feet. This was great but every time Hojo laughed, which he did a lot, he shot out a scorching hot flame which almost burned down the palace. For this, he is exiled and luckily meets a wise old turtle named George who teaches him the ancient art of self-control which comes in very handy when the Emperor needs some warmth and snow removal. A clean very presentable copy. No international sales.