HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON

With its slapstick comedy and zany adventures, this book appeals to those who like gross, disgusting things--say, your average 7-10-year-old. The likable, though timid, Hiccup must find, tame, and train a dragon to stay in his clan. Gerard Doyle is in his element--his British accent makes him sound at times like a swaggering pirate, and he also gives a variety of voices to the whole range of characters--the bullies, the boys, and their leaders. This is a story that begs to be told in an over-the-top style. The alliterative names--like Hairy Holligans--and the parodies--such as, seadragonus giganticus maximus--add to the fun, while short, clipped sentences, bard-like singing, and the story itself will appeal to children of all ages. W.L.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 07]