“No one knows where dragonsters come from or when they first appeared,” the story begins. It features a wealth of colorful animation, spot-on sound effects and a high level of interactivity that kids will enjoy. Unfortunately, the story itself meanders through pages, disjointed, clunky and seemingly pointless. It goes something like this: When young Cody sets out to investigate the disappearing blueberry jam and the tube of blue paint that's often missing from his dad’s easel, he unknowingly says a magic word and poof! a blue dragonster appears. From there, Cody and readers engage in interactive discovery games, guessing the dragonster’s name, finding nonblue food options and completing puzzles to enter the dragonster’s lair. Cody awakens to find a note from his new friend, and he feels good knowing it wasn't just a dream. The only comic relief is Mocha, an orange tabby that does what mischievous cats do, a bit part that gives the tiresome story a boost.
Colorful, yes. Interactive, absolutely. Captivating or original, not so much. (iPad storybook app. 4-9)
