Snowdragon. Andrew Breakspeare. Markham, ON: Scholastic Canada, 2005. 22 pp., cloth, $18.99. ISBN 0-439-95228-X. Preschool-grade 2 / Ages 3-7. Review by Linda Ludke. ** /4

excerpt:

Snowdragon gave a yelp and hopped and jumped with joy to see his parents again. The big dragons were just as delighted to find their little one safe. Snowdragon told his parents how Billy had helped him.

"Boy," Snowdragons' father boomed, "thank you for your kindness. How can we repay you?"

A gust of wind blows Snowdragon off his cloud, and he falls out of the sky. Golden stones tumble down, too. When Billy finds the dragon crying in a snowdrift, he offers his help. Together, they locate all the missing stones. The parents of the magical creature suddenly appear and invite Billy home with them for a visit. The two new friends have fun building cloud castles and playing with the glowing stones. Billy returns to Earth with a stone in his pocket as a keepsake of his adventure.

     The shiny, thick pages have raised details that add a tactile dimension. Children can feel embossed star designs and bumpy dragon scales. While the cover features a holographic panel and glitter, the inside illustrations are done in very muted, pale colours. The pinks, creams and yellows often fade into the white background.

     Snowdragon is a low-key, gentle fantasy. Children who dream of a dragon encounter will enjoy the theme. At times, the plot is somewhat strained, such as the final revelation that the glowing stones are actually stars. While not an essential purchase, this friendship tale does have appeal.

Recommended.

Linda Ludke is a librarian in London, ON.

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