Students can also check English Summary to revise with them during exam preparation.
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary
About the Poet Ogden Nash
Frederic Ogden Nash (1902-1971) was an American poet was an American poet famous for his light verse. He was known as the producer of humorous poetry. He received Sarah Josepha Hale Award in 1964.
| Poet Name | Ogden Nash |
| Born | 19 August 1902, Rye, New York, United States |
| Died | 19 May 1971, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Spouse | Frances Rider Leonard (m. 1931–1971) |
| Movies | The Feminine Touch, The Shining Hour, The Wizard of Oz, The Firefly, Poezija Ogdena Neša |
The Tale of Custard the Dragon Summary of the Lesson
The poem ‘The Tale of Custard the Dragon” is written in the style of a ballad—a song that tells a story. Ballads narrate tales of courage or heroism. This is a humorous ballad close to a parody.
Belinda lived in a little white house, with a little black kitten, a little grey mouse, a little yellow dog, a little red wagon, and little pet dragon. Now, the name of the little black kitten was Ink, and the little grey mouse was called Blink, and the little yellow dog was Mustard, but the dragon was a coward, and she called him Custard. Custard, the dragon had big sharp teeth, and spikes on top of him and scales underneath, mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose, and realio, trulio, daggers on his toes.
Belinda was as brave as a barrel full of bears, and Ink and Blink chased lions down the stairs, Mustard was as brave as a tiger in a rage, but Custard always acted as the weakest one.
Belinda tickled Custard ruthlessly and Ink, Blink and Mustard sarcastically called him Percival (a knight of king Arthur’s court who sought holy Grail)
Whenever Custard wanted to be put in a cage, Belinda and Blink giggled to their heart’s content, and Ink and Mustard asked him how old he was that he was scared of every little thing.
The animals encounter a pirate with guns in both hands and a knife between his teeth. When Belinda started to cry for help, all animals hid themselves. Only Custard fought the pirate and ate him up in one bite. Custard was finally appreciated and everything was normal.
But Ink, Blink and Mustard still act brave and Custard is still considered a coward and still longs for a safe cage.
