THE DRAGON IN THE DRIVEWAY

St. George the Dragon Slayer has enslaved the trees and hobgoblins in the nearby Deep Woods, and it is up to Jesse Tiger, Daisy Flower and their month-old dragon, Emmy, to put things right. Second in a series that began with The Dragon in the Sock Drawer (2008), this continues the adventures of the ten-year-old cousins and their shape-changing pet. Helped by their web-based consultant Professor Andersson, Miss Alodie, a flower-loving neighbor with supernatural powers, and a handy barn full of magical tools, they enter the network of mines underlying Goldmine City, meet Her Royal Lowness Queen Hap of the Hobgoblin Hive of Hobhorn and face the Dragon Slayer in his cavern. Chronologically told, the events move quickly to a satisfying conclusion that leaves room for further adventures. The most interesting character in this traditional tale is Emmy, an enthusiastic youngster who leaps off energetically but melts down with exhaustion after setbacks or a long day. Young dragon enthusiasts may start with this adventure but will surely be eager for more. (Fantasy. 7-10)