In this fairy tale comedy Mallory and Thompson, 16-year-old brothers, find the answer during this cleverly conceived play by skilled Children's Theatre Specialist Eugene Jackson, author of Little Red Riding Wolf.

The two brothers are twins, but their birth date is the only thing identical about them. Mallory is a good guy, and Thompson is a cheat. Their father, the King, is about to retire and it's time to name his successor. Their mother, the Queen, is pulling for Thompson because she believes his lies and falls for his trickery. And since she can talk louder and fume harder than the King, things look bad for Mallory—and the kingdom. Thompson has two other allies, the Captain of the Guard and the Sergeant. The Captian goes strictly by the rules in his Military Handbook, unless he is bribed to do otherwise. The Sergeant does whatever the Captian tells him to, but he is usually more of a hindrance than a help. However, it is not up to the King, or to the Queen, or to the Captain of the Guard to choose the next king. A magic ring will decide. The attempts of the two princes to acquire the magic ring will keep a young audience laughing.

A sublte message about the value of honesty and treating others fairly emerges from Mallory's attempt to obtain the ring while being cheated and harrassed by Thompson. Complications arise when Thompson's egotism and cowardice pit him against a mysterious, playful dragon that has been jumping rope or continually crossing the stage on roller skates or a pogo stick. Mallory wins the friendship of the dragon by fixing his broken wagon, thereby gaining the crown and the hand of Daughter Goose.

Actors may be adults or children. First produced at Wisconsin State University—Eau Claire. A Director's Script (prompt book) is available from the publisher of this play. It contains drawings of costumes and set, details on all technical aspects of staging, discussion of characterization and plot and theme, and it suggests the complete blocking and full stage directions for all movement and business.

Two acts; Set, forest opening near Mother Goose's house and throne room; Time, medieval period—or any period that had dragons.

Jackson's youth plays: Amazing Grace & Her Jellybean Tree, Bumper Snickers, Coffey Pott Meets the Wolfman, Ghoul School, Pinocchio, Rumpelstiltskin Is My Name, The Secret Garden, The Wind in the Willows