Readers follow a nameless yeti accompanied by a stuffed toy yeti in a simple narrative. When the winter gets rough, what is a yeti to do? Salmieri’s artwork is fitting, with a crabbed, ethereal line work reminiscent of Peter Sís, but the story does not offer it enough range. Harmless, but if there is a parable hidden in the dragon-taco tale, it is hidden in the unlit deep, and as a measure of lunacy, bridled or unbridled, it doesn’t make the leap into the outer reaches of imagination. So when the kid throws a taco party for the dragons, it seems a weak device that the clearly labeled “totally mild” salsa comes with spicy jalapenos in the fine print, prompting the dragons to burn down the house, resulting in a barn-raising at which more tacos are served. Second nature, after all, is for dragons to blow flames out their noses. As a pairing, they are fairly silly, and when the kicker comes in-that dragons hate spicy salsa, which ignites their inner fireworks-the silliness is sillier still. They love really big gigantic tacos and tiny little baby tacos as well.” The playing field is set: dragons, tacos. Rubin’s story starts with an incantatory edge: “Hey, kid! Did you know that dragons love tacos? They love beef tacos and chicken tacos. The perfect book for kids who love dragons and mild tacos. Kids won’t be dragon their feet to hear this lively pre-bedtime book. Frequent use of larger and dynamically emphasized fonts to enhance animated read-alouds and onomatopoeic words that reflect numerous sound effects add to the fun. Colorful, amusing, energetic illustrations enliven the text. This rollicking interactive book will easily engage young children, who’ll be eager to heed all the book’s comical instructions before settling in for a peaceful night. The concluding warning: “close the book very gently”…and, well, you know the rest.

What to do? “Stroke her scales?” Sing to her? Happily, a lullaby works soothing magic-and readers/listeners are urged to lie down, tuck themselves in with the dragon, and say “shhh” again. After being instructed to rock the book, readers find her awake and unamused. Subsequent loud noises, including clanging cookware and a clamorous birthday celebration, require closer scrutiny of the snoozing dragon.

Thankfully, it doesn’t, but the following page turn requires that readers say “Shhh!” three times to ensure the dragon’s continued slumber. Turning the first page bangs the door shut so thunderously the noise surely might rouse her. “ THE most rascally dragon” has just fallen asleep, and loud page swishes and other cacophony could waken her.

Wake the dragon