Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-Lucy is a typical nine-year-old, and her mother, Liz, is a sculptor best known for her quirky ceramic dragons. Their household appears to be an average one, but when they are alone, something magical happens: their dragons come to life. They all have special abilities, and Lucy and Liz call upon their talents when they need help. Liz creates Gruffen to protect Lucy after she sees a "monster" in her bedroom. Unfortunately, he is young and inexperienced, and causes quite a commotion in the process of dealing with the mysterious entity. He is not short on heart, though, and is determined to find a solution that makes everyone happy and safe-even the "monster." Aimed at younger readers than the audience for D'Lacey's "Last Dragon Chronicles" (Scholastic), this is a cozy and safe tale with bits of humor sprinkled throughout. Line drawings add visual interest; their cartoon style also enforces the light, upbeat mood. This is not a story for readers who are looking for adventure and excitement, but it will satisfy those who want a taste of dragon lore.-Amy Holland, Hamlin Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Early chapter book readers who are fascinated with dragons and mermaids and the like will flock to this new offering, the first installment of a promising series. Lucy Pennykettle, age nine, afraid of monsters, can't sleep. So her artist mother makes her a dragon -- a guard dragon. Mrs. Pennykettle is famous for her clay dragon sculptures, but she sometimes (using clay and a few slivers from her ancient magical snowball, safely stored in the freezer) makes very special dragons, dragons that can talk and think and fly. D'Lacey employs an omniscient tone that says, I know all the mysteries of the snowball and the dragons, but I will save some of them for another time (and book). He creates a magical world, in which dragons use their "auma" to communicate with one another and go solid when nonbelievers are about, but one that is firmly grounded in the real one. There are cell phones, grouchy neighbors, and a dandy mystery that young readers will be able to solve on their own, thanks to the well-placed black-and-white illustrations. Children who love tales of talking dolls and stuffed animals will feel right at home on Wayward Crescent and will welcome the sequels to come. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Nine-year-old Lucy Pennykettle's new guard dragon, Gruffen, discovers that the terrifying monster in her bedroom is really the shadow of a small bat in need of a better home. D'Lacey has brought back Lucy and Liz from The Fire Within (2005) and its sequels for this first of a new series aimed at much younger readers. Ceramic artist Elizabeth Pennykettle makes dragon sculptures; some, she brings to life. Created with a book in his paws, young Gruffen's efforts to learn about his world through reading and exploration provide most of the narrative arc. This short chapter book has a series of conflicts that include Lucy's night fears, a neighbor's determination to get rid of the bats and the need to keep the dragon secret, but unfortunately adults resolve them all. The idea of a small guard dragon is undeniably appealing, but Stower's inferior illustrations, the flat characters, shifting story line and the too-obvious message make this a disappointment. (Fantasy. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
