Children's Book 1980s sea dragon of some kind suffers from shyness then learns his own abilities

[Laura]

A picture book likely released in early 1980s, very colourful illustrations, NOT a serendipity collection book, my dad used to read it to me so it has sentimental value. Believe the dragon was a bit of a bumbling type of character, always making mistakes, until he manages to do something that makes him see his value.

[Stephanie]

This sounds a little off the mark plot-wise, but the illustrations and time period are close so I'll mention it -- Cyrus the Unsinkable Sea Serpent by Bill Peet?