ID bill cosby/dragon picture book w/ record?

[jmika]

hello,

smoky recollections of this book have been swirling about in my head for
awhile, but I can't seem to put my finger on the details. If anyone
could provide any info, I'd very much appreciate it.

I'm not sure why I'm so positive that the book related in some way to
Bill Cosby and/or his 1970s "Fat Albert" series. Possibly he narrated
the story on what I believe was an accompanying vinyl record...? And
the drawing style in the book seemed similar to that in the "Fat Albert"
cartoons.

The tale featured a young (about 7 or 8) black girl with two long
braids. I think she began the story rather sullenly in "the real
world," but something happened to jolt her out of her self-centered
complacence, something that compelled her to journey up a dangerous
mountain toward a dragon's lair. She may have been trying to save her
younger sibling...?

Part of the story was quite frightening: I think the girl may have
nearly burned at one point. Some kind of food reference, like maybe
peas (?), also played an important role. I can't remember whether the
dragon was entirely a "bad" character, but I know that at least it
wasn't an obviously "good" one. The girl gained courage throughout the
story, but I don't even know whether she emerged triumphant; I just
assume she must have.

I would be so pleased if anyone on this newsgroup could add some info
about this elusive story.

Thanks,
mika.

[Magpie]

jmika <jm...@wam.umd.edu> wrote:
>hello,
>
>smoky recollections of this book have been swirling about in my head for
>awhile, but I can't seem to put my finger on the details. If anyone
>could provide any info, I'd very much appreciate it.

Are you sure it was Bill Cosby and not (the original) Gordon
from Sesame Street? I had a book/record in the 70's that was
about a little black girl with two braids (I can picture the
illustrations) meeting a dragon--I think there was a mountain
involved. I *loved* the record (which was I believe one of
3 released by Sesame Street at the time) but accidentally
broke it. (Sticking it around the bedpost as a steering wheel
to turn my bed into a car <blush>)

I've always regretted that and never forgot the wonderful
story/record. I think that might be the one you're looking
for???

-m

[jmika]

hi, Magpie ~

I think I sent my reply to the wrong place. Or through the wrong
channel, anyhow...so I wanted to be sure to thank you for your superior
memory ;). The more I think about it, the more it seems likely that
Gordon, and not Bill Cosby, narrated this story after all. Ah, Gordon
-- !

I am so happy that you also remember this book/record and that you got
so much joy from it! Now if I could just get my grubby fingers on a
copy...

Thanks again, so much!
Mika.

[jmika]

Magpie wrote:
Magpie & anyone else who's interested ~

hello. I just wanted to let you know that, after I asked around with
the "Gordon" info you provided, I found that there was a mid-70s Sesame
Street story record called "The Six-Button Dragon." To me, that sounds
like it could be what I was trying to recall. Does that title ring the
right bell with you?

Again, thanks for all your help!

mika.