I am a highly dangerous warrior!

Even though he repeatedly tells the wizard that he is a "highly dangerous warrior," a wizard's six-year-old charge fails to convince his caregiver that he can defeat the monster and save the local townspeople. The young boy leaps into action, only to retreat in terror after realizing the monster is bigger and scarier than he imagined. After thinking things through, securing a support blanket, and acknowledging he can be a good-enough warrior, he attacks and subdues the monster . . . by giving it a haircut. First-time children's author D'Apice's text is top-tier engagement for young readers, such as the all-too-familiar conversations between the exasperated wizard and a know-it-all six-year-old sidekick, and it's further elevated by Fox's colorful, detailed, and cartoonish illustrations. While some adults might be frustrated by the very tidy resolution and lack of a message, particularly when the kid disobeys the elder wizard's rules and is instantly forgiven, the comical story about determination and facing fears will entertain little ones who like funny stories about monsters and quests.

A 6-year-old feels confident in his monster-fighting abilities, but his wizard guardian isn't so sure. When an enormous, fuzzy purple monster starts terrorizing the neighbors, the boy grabs his sword and his blankie, ready to confront the foe. He might not have a plan--something his teacher has mentioned is a regular occurrence--but he's a "highly dangerous warrior!" The wizard questions this assertion, reminding the boy of his youth and certain qualities that aren't quite befitting of a warrior, like his habit of wiping boogers on the cat and making a mess when using scissors. The boy sets out anyway and soon realizes that meeting the monster face to face is scarier than expected. Once he regains his confidence, though, he finds an unexpected solution; after all, his teacher has also praised his ability to "overcome significant challenges when he sets his mind to it." This humorous story about developing new skills and autonomy while maintaining some childish tendencies is told through appealing and silly cartoon art that alternates between full-page illustrations and soft-edged panels and uses both narrative text and speech bubbles. Kids and their grown-ups will relate to the slightly contentious yet always loving relationship between the exuberant boy and the weary wizard, while the unexpected resolution with the monster could inspire creative problem-solving. The boy and the wizard are light-skinned; other human characters are diverse. An amusingly told tale of growing up.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.