CBSE Class 10 · English · board exam 2027
Chapter 9: The Tale of Custard the Dragon — notes
The chapter’s 8 parts in the book’s order — the first idea of each and the points Medha Ma’am writes on the board — and the summary at the end. The full lesson and a check question for each part are in the app.
1. The poem is a ballad
Okay, so, let's talk about the poem's style.
- • Ballad = a song/poem that tells a story
- • This poem = humorous ballad, close to a parody
- • Usual ballads: tales of courage/heroism
- • This ballad: a coward dragon, funny twist
2. Belinda's little household
Okay, so let's meet Belinda's little household.
- • Belinda: lived in a little white house
- • Pets: Ink (black kitten), Blink (grey mouse)
- • Mustard: little yellow dog, sharp as Mustard
- • Custard: the pet dragon — but a coward
3. Custard's fierce looks vs. his fear
Okay, so let's look at how the poet describes Custard.
- • Custard's looks: big sharp teeth
- • Spikes on top, scales underneath
- • Mouth like a fireplace, chimney for a nose
- • Daggers on his toes
- • Yet: Custard cried for a nice safe cage
4. Everyone teases the coward dragon
Okay, so everyone thought Custard was a coward, and because of that, they all started teasing him.
- • Belinda tickled him unmerciful
- • Ink, Blink, Mustard called him Percival (teasing)
- • All laughed at the cowardly dragon
- • Blink's giggle: Weeck!
- • Custard again cried for a nice safe cage
5. The pirate's sudden arrival
Okay, so, listen to what happens next.
- • Nasty sound heard — Mustard growled
- • Pirate climbing in the winda
- • Pistol in left hand, pistol in right
- • Cutlass bright held in his teeth
- • Black beard, one leg of wood — meant no good
6. Who fled and who fought
Okay, so now the pirate finally shows up, and the truth comes out.
- • Belinda cried Help! Help!
- • Mustard fled with a terrified yelp
- • Ink trickled down; Blink strategically mouseholed
- • Custard jumped up, snorting like an engine
- • Custard gobbled the pirate, every bit
7. After the battle — everyone's confession
Okay, so, after Custard defeats the pirate, see how everyone reacts.
- • Belinda embraced him; Mustard licked him
- • Ink and Blink gyrated in glee
- • Mustard: I'd have been twice as brave if I hadn't been flustered
- • Ink and Blink: We'd have been three times as brave, we think
- • Custard: everybody is braver than me
8. Life goes back to normal
Okay, so look at the board.
- • Ending repeats the beginning (ballad style)
- • Belinda still lives in her little white house
- • Same pets, same wagon, same dragon
- • Custard keeps crying for a nice safe cage, even after his bravery
Summary
Okay, so let's recap the poem. It's a funny ballad about a girl called Belinda, and her pets — a kitten named Ink, a mouse named Blink, a dog named Mustard, and a dragon named Custard. Now, Custard looks fearsome — he has teeth, and spikes, and scales, and daggers. But everyone in the house called him a coward. He even cried for a nice safe cage. The others teased him for this — they called him Percival, and laughed at him. Then, one day, a dangerous pirate climbed in through the window. Belinda, Mustard, Ink and Blink — all of them got scared, and either ran away or hid. But Custard — he alone jumped up, and gobbled the pirate, every single bit. After that, the others made excuses, saying how brave they would have been. And Custard, very modestly, said that everybody is braver than him. See, the poem ends almost exactly the way it began — with Custard still crying for his nice safe cage. So, tell me — who do you think was really the bravest one in this poem?
AskMedha · Medha Ma’am — CBSE Class 10 English, Chapter 9. Written from the textbook, checked twice.
Questions parents and students ask
- How do I get the "The Tale of Custard the Dragon" notes as a PDF?
- Press "Save as PDF" — the phone’s print sheet opens; choose "Save as PDF" there. The PDF holds the notes only.
- Where are these notes written from?
- From the chapter’s own textbook text, part by part, in the book’s own terms; a second, independent model then checked every part against the book. The full lesson, a check question for each part and the practice are in the AskMedha app.
The same preparation, with Medha Ma’am — on your phone
Every question of every chapter with its model answer, practice questions in the board’s own shapes, 60 minutes of class a day, written answers marked, a test every Sunday and a WhatsApp report to parents.
Medha Ma’am is an AI teacher, not a live tutor. Every answer is checked twice; a person takes responsibility.