The Cable Car and the Dragon

by Herb Caen, Barbara Ninde Byfield (Illustrations)

This is the rollicking tale of the adventures of Charlie, the youngest cable car. Only sixty years old, he is tired of the same old rut. One night as he's puffing himself up Nob Hill, he hears a lot of excitement down below: Chinese New year! Suddenly, Charlie takes a right turn at Jackson Street, rather than the left he has taken for sixty years, and he finds himself in the middle of the parade. There he meets a friendly dragon named Chu Chin Chow, who is bored with his job. Charlie treats Chu to a cable car ride that looks as if it will end in a disastrous plunge into the San Francisco Bay--unless a miracle occurs.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

Herbert Eugene Caen was a San Francisco humorist and journalist whose daily column of local goings-on and insider gossip, social and political happenings, and offbeat puns and anecdotes—"A continuous love letter to San Francisco" —appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle for almost sixty years (excepting a relatively brief defection to The San Francisco Examiner) and made him a household name throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

A special Pulitzer Prize called him the "voice and conscience" of San Francisco.

Reviews

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story of a very weary cable car that climbs the hills of San Francisco, then is propelled around and a downward journey occurs. In this story, the cable car is 60 years old and his name is Charlie.

On a magical night, Charlie climbs Nob hill. And instead of taking his usual route, he heads to Chinese New Year by taking a right turn on Jackson Street.

He befriends the dragon who is the center of attention. Soon Chu and Charlie take a marvelous journey.

Delightful, filled with fun, this is a book most children (and adults) will enjoy.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Cable Car and the Dragon" is an interesting (1972) children's book from Herb Caen, the celebrated SF Chronicle columnist. A cable car named Charlie and a Chinese dragon meet and have an adventure when each decide they need to break from the same old routine. Local interest; good for kids 8-10 years old.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fantasy about a cable car and a Chinese New Year dragon.

[Ivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ironically found this on the first day of Chinese New Year. Pretty simple. If I were a child, I'd like the illustrations more than the story.

[Anna Youssef]

This is a sweet book that is about friendship, and helping friends out in a time of need. It shows people that if we are kind to others, we will get the same kind of respect back. This book has beautiful illustrations, and is so much fun to look at. It also talks about San Fransisco and the history of the cable car, which is very interesting.

[superawesomekt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is very dated and doesn't age well. A rebellious cable car escapes and joins up with a dragon from Chinatown. The vintage San Francisco aspects are charming for those who know and love the city.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Signed by the author

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful little story.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

物悲しいけれど素敵な話。

総理たちを送った後、SFOのSan Francisco chronicleの土産物屋(Green Apple Booksのコーナー)で母が発見。
作者名に見覚えがあったので、家に帰って本を探して見たら、やっぱりSFのガイドと同じ作者だった！
巡り合わせって感じ。SF好きだ。