When Owen's Mom Breathed Fire
PreSchool-Grade 2–When Owens harried, grumpy mom suddenly wakes up as a dragon, he is initially pleased. Soon, however, he discovers that she has forgotten how a mother behaves. When she licks the dishes clean and puts the cornflakes away on the toilet seat, her son decides hed better take her to the doctor to see if she can be cured. The trip turns into a mini-epic adventure as Mom is mistaken for an escaped crocodile at the zoo; scares the little boys at the playground; and, to her delight and the hysteria of passersby, discovers that she can breathe fire. When the doctor cant provide any remedy, Owen turns to his grandmother for help, and she reassures him that everything will be all right in a few days. Sure enough, the next morning, a decidedly less frazzled and perfectly normal and smiling Mom greets Owen. Lindenbaums watercolor-and ink-illustrations and use of playful angles and perspectives give the art a sprightly, kinetic energy. The pink dragon with the moms topknot of hair is hilarious, and the humor will appeal to children. Owens resourcefulness in light of his mothers transformation will delight young readers, who will recognize a child coping with a parents very bad day.–Marge Loch-Wouters, Menasha Public Library, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.