Dragon Scales and Willow Leaves
PreSchool-Grade 2.  Jonathan and Rachel, red-headed twins, embark on an adventure into the woods. Visual details predict their different viewpoints, for the boy carries a toy shield and spear while the girl carries a teddy bear. Thus, a rustling of leaves becomes an oversized and somewhat comical dragon for Jonathan while Rachel listens to a weeping willow. Loud sounds from the trees turn into an attack of forest trolls for Jonathan while Rachel smiles at the blue jays and squirrels. Jonathan returns home to a castle after his great adventure while Rachel is just happy to be welcomed to the farmhouse by her mother. This pleasant story certainly makes the point that twins can be different but it's unfortunate that the author and illustrator use gender stereotypes of daring boys and quiet girls to do it. The soft watercolor illustrations and story line will appeal to parents and teachers who are looking for an old-fashioned sensibility. Most adults, however, may question the premise.?Susan Pine, New York Public LibraryCopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.