DRAGON’S BREATH

A rollicking sequel to The Frog Princess (2002) does not disappoint. Emeralda—Emma—discovers that now that she and Eadric have turned back into people again, they revert to frogginess whenever Emma sneezes. That’s only the beginning, though. Emma’s Aunt Grassina, the Green Witch, is utterly distracted by having her beloved turned into an otter by her own mother, Emma’s utterly unsuitable grandmother. Emma’s mother Chartreuse, who has no magic, needs Grassina to defend the kingdom, although she can spare time to snipe at her daughter, sister, and mother. Eadric, when he isn’t eating, gamely goes along with Emma on her quest to help Grassina reverse the spell and save the otter and the kingdom. A talking, rhyming sword, a very young dragon, and a lot of cranky old witches are a few of the delights of this tale that manages to be both fast-paced and rambling. Don’t miss the red hooded cloak lined with wolf fur among the dragon’s treasure. (Fantasy. 8-12)