"IF THAT BREATHES FIRE, WE'RE TOAST!"

by Jennifer J. Stewart ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 15, 1999

Tucson gives a young San Diegan a warm welcome in more ways than one in this relaxed, readable debut. Rick Morales isn't all that happy to be moving with his mother, Sylvia, to another state, but meeting Natalie, a friendly girl, and Madam [sic] Yang, a collie-sized, 500year-old dragon, soon puts him into better spirits. Madam Yang does not grant wishes (""Do I look like a genie? You've been mythinformed""), but does breathe fire, and volunteers to transport Rick, Natalie, and her little brother, Ben, into magical adventures. Weaving in a budding romance between Sylvia and a local veterinarian, Stewart decorates the plot with comic set pieces, such as an ugly pet contest and a nearly disastrous encounter between Madam Yang and Nat's deliciously princess-like cousin Olivia. Although everyone tends to take Madam Yang so much in stride that she seems more an exotic pet than an Event, the likable cast and tongue-in-cheek humor will keep readers tuming the pages.

Pub Date: May 15, 1999

ISBN: 0439174821

Page Count: 117

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1999

Categories: CHILDREN'S