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Dragonbreath

Attack of the Ninja Frogs
by Ursula Vernon
206p. 978-0-80373-365-7.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2—4—Danny Dragonbreath's love of ninja comic books and movies not only fills his imaginative play, but also assists him when he is confronted in real life with ninja frogs that attack his friend Suki, an exchange student from Japan. This attack causes Danny and his friend Wendell to take her on a bus ride to mythological Japan to seek out Danny's wise great-grandfather to assist with their situation. The spirited illustrations, done in green and black with touches of red, capture the humor of the characters' adventures. This delightful easy chapter book could tempt reluctant readers into turning another page.—Nancy D. Tolson, Mitchell College, New London, CT
Young dragon Danny Dragonbreath's second adventure is a little convoluted (like his first). Danny loves ninja movies, and when real ninja frogs appear in pursuit of Suki the salamander, Danny and his pal Wendell (an iguana) come to the rescue. Vernon humorously intersperses main text with cartoon-panel illustrations in mostly black, white, and green as readers share Danny's daydreams and adventures.
The contrast between everyday and fantasy elements provides humor. The format—a combination of comic-book-style panels and prose, similar to the Wimpy Kid books—works remarkably well. Danny’s take on the relationship between Wendell and Suki is consistently amusing. The art is bold, simply drawn, and striking. The illustrations propel the story forward. Format and subject matter have universal appeal. A quick and satisfying read.

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