ONCE UPON A TAIL

Living in the fantastical land of La-Dee-Dah, Wallace the horse and Poppy the dragon learn to be comfortable with their preferences while still trying new things.

In the first tale, Poppy pushes back on Wallace’s assumptions about dragons (nope, they don’t all burn down forests and destroy villages) and instead soars while embracing the role of (pretend) superhero. Next, the pair compare the expected diets of dragons and horses; Poppy much prefers banana pudding over the typical dragon meal of “meat and fish and stuff,” while Wallace actually enjoys hay, apples, and carrots. They swap favorites in earnest, a taste experiment that may encourage young readers to expand their own palates. Finally, after Poppy claims to have gotten a haircut (mystifying Wallace, who can’t remember the dragon ever having had hair), both pals compliment something new about the other. The exuberant Poppy’s pink and purple design contrasts with mild-mannered Wallace’s brown fur and spots, but their friendship consistently bridges any differences. Their large, round figures, combined with a low panel count per page, makes navigation a breeze. Fourth-wall-breaking humor and concluding gags from a third character, Goat, add a touch of savvy to the odd-couple formula. Readers will come away from this story ready to tally their own superpowers, favorite foods, and fashion changes.

Bright artwork brings life to a jovial friendship of gentle contrasts and mutual appreciation.