Fragile BubbleCat, of Instagram fame, learns to take risks in this quirky offering from Charmatz. Narrated by BubbleCat and accompanied by dialogue in speech balloons, the book-whose illustrations combine photographs and digital art, resulting in an animation-like vibe-opens with the bipedal translucent blue cat explaining, -There are so many things that could poke me, so I only ever stick to the safest path.- When the cautious kitty, out for a walk, inadvertently angers spiky DragonBear (depicted with thorns, twigs, and sycamore pods), fireballs fly and a chase ensues until, on the edge of a cliff, the delicate feline discovers an unexpected strength, just in time. Charmatz-s straightforward story delivers a familiar take on overcoming fear and taking chances, with a visually funny twist. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 3 As a blue catwho also happens to be made of bubblesBubbleCat must be careful at all times, skirting around everyday dangers such a heights, sticks, porcupines, and cacti. However, his most feared nemesis is the DragonBear: part dragon, part bear, part stick, but all grump and breathing fire. When BubbleCat interrupts DragonBear's painting one day, a fierce chase ensues, and BubbleCat and DragonBear both end up learning more about each other and themselves. Digital sketches overlaid on full-color photographs of landscapes make for arresting visuals in a fun, inspiring story about overcoming fears and finding exceptional friendships. VERDICT An easy addition to collections where Adam Rubin's Dragons Love Tacos and Nancy Rose's The Secret Life of Squirre ls are popular. Amanda C. Buschmann, Carroll Elem. Sch., Houston