A Dash of Dragon

Gr 3–6—Thirteen-year-old Lailu has one mission in mind: to become the best monster cuisine chef. Her mentor takes a chance and opens a new restaurant with Lailu, hoping to bring high-quality food to the average citizen. Not only can Lailu cook but she can also capture and hunt the delicious monsters. Little does Lailu know that her mentor gambled both of their futures on the business. Lailu attempts to get them out of the mess while making friends and enemies along the way and never knowing exactly whom to trust. Throughout it all, Lailu tries her hardest to keep her goal of producing superb food in sight. This middle grade fantasy introduces an exciting world where engaging human and magical characters live together. The title tackles themes of abandonment, loneliness, risk-taking, trust, and friendship. Readers are likely to become wrapped up in Lailu's story and anxious to know what her fate will be. A few of the characters, such as the Elven mafia members, may be a bit scary for younger readers.