Oh No, Little Dragon!
“Bright 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…Details like a tiny skull stool and a Viking helmet faucet add to the viewing pleasure…the antics along the way provide amusement.”—School Library Journal,May 2012“Averbeck's artwork is…successful, especially when portraying Little Dragon's authentically toddlerlike acts of mischief and his fire-breathing talents (he's way beyond smoke rings--he can make hearts and pyramids, too)…this endearingly impish hero should find fans.”—Publishers Weekly, June 11, 2012“Averbeck brings this familiar theme of an enduring mother’s love to a new level…the full-circle narrative, with an illustration as the last word, cleverly turns a tried-and-true message on its ear. The illustrations of this endearing, whimsical blue dragon have a childlike simplicity; the flames, which look like photographed fire, lend a special effect that will ignite young listeners.”—Booklist,September 1, 2012