FICTION

OH NO, Little Dragon!

by Jim AVERBECK
OH NO, Little Dragon! illus. by author. S & S/Atheneum. 40p. 2012. Tr $14.99 ISBN 978-1-4169-9545-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-4270-2.
COPY ISBN
PreS-KB—right blue Little Dragon accidentally squelches his fire in the bathtub. He vainly attempts to rekindle it with a belly rub, layering on winter clothes, and then by consuming chili peppers. Mama's reassurance that no matter what, he is the spark in her heart, causes his insides to warm into a "phoosh" of artistic flames that cover him in soot, requiring a more cautious bath. Backgrounds of outlined stone walls and curved windows serve well to feature the feisty hero and his flames, done in oil pastels on textured paper, and digitally assembled. Details like a tiny skull stool and a Viking helmet faucet add to the viewing pleasure. Although the theme of unconditional motherly love is not new, the antics along the way provide amusement.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA
Some overactive bath play results in fire-breathing Little Dragon losing his "spark." His failed attempts to revive it (bundling up in winter clothes, scarfing down chili peppers) are amusing; his means of success--getting a kiss from his mom--is perfect. Averbeck's art makes broad-lined cartoony characterizations seem like a natural fit with what looks like photos of actual flames.
Reviewed by Gay Lynn Van Vleck , May 01, 2012

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