THE DRAGON IN THE CLOCK BOX

Joshua knew all about the dragon in his clock box -- when it would hatch, how it would grow, what it would look like. And of course, it all came to pass. The egg opened and a tiny pink dragon with soft wings and purple eyes began to move about. The sensible questions and curiosity of the entire family could not budge Josh from secrecy. Monosyllables and courtesy were all they got. Then one day mother finds the clock box open. ""Joshua your dragon's gone,"" she cries. ""He flew away""- comes the calm reply. ""But where could he fly to?"" from mother. ""Where dragons go""- is the patient and simple answer. The audience participates in Josh's world completely. With Josh they see the dragon, all pink and purple; even as it flies away at night. Real or imaginary? One may choose -- but Josh's confidence is a swaying factor. Kelly Oechsl's disarming pictures (2 color) and Jean Craig's child like text demand many readings by the same fascinated youngster.