A Dignity of Dragons
Grade 2–4—Gorgeous mixed-media illustrations complement dozens of inventive collective nouns, among them a "bolt of hippogriffs," a "splash of mermaids," and a "dazzlement of Quetzalcoatls" as well as the eponymous "dignity of dragons." These creative descriptions comprise the only text in the book. A four-page glossary defines each fantastic creature and identifies the culture(s) of its origin. Ceccoli has created a stylized and luminous fantasyland energetically inhabited by Ogburn's enchanting bestiary. Fans of mythology and fantasy as well as budding lexophiles will savor this sophisticated picture book. A caveat for conservative collections: the mermaids, sphinx, and sirens are, collectively, a triad of the tastefully topless.—Amy Rowland, Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset, NY(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.