Written by: Dan Bar-El
Illustrated by: Tim Bowers
Published by: Viking Juvenile
Published on: Feb. 7, 2012
Ages: 3+
Dan Bar-El (Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been) is back with his twist on yet another familiar story (in this case How To Train Your Dragon- but from the dragon's perspective).
Crispin Blaze is almost 7- and 7 years old is when a dragon gets his fire-breathing power. Crispin is so excited to light his birthday candles with his new power, so he is extremely disappointed when he doesn't breathe fire, but breathes whipped cream instead.
In his quest to be like everyone else, Crispin is extremely relatable- but when he has the support from his newfound knight friend (of course named George) to realize that his own talents are just what others need that he comes into his own. Even if that means breathing out marshmallows and beach balls.
Bowers' illustrations pair well with Bar-El's offbeat humour. Crispin looks like a second-grader, and his emotions are easily understood even when they are shown through his drooping wings. You will want to give him a hug, and that is much more easily done when you realize he won't burn you up. This would be a great book for the offbeat kid in your life who marches to the beat of her own drummer.
This is the thirty-fourth book I have reviewed for the Sixth Canadian Book Challenge.
Xander is in love with dragons at the moment, so I'll have to get a hold of this book - it sounds so cute.
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