Gr 2-5 Tomas "Chipstick" Liffy has agreed to help Grandad plant a garden in his backyard, but what he finds in the process is most surprising. When Tomas unearths an unidentified spiky, red fruit, the last thing he expects is for a dragon to hatch from inside. Tomas and his new friend, Flicker, get into all sorts of tricky situationsbut they learn about friendship and how to take care of those they love along the way. Shepherd delivers an outrageously funny and heartwarming story that will draw readers in and have them chuckling from beginning to end. Black-and-white illustrations by Ogilvie add to the overall Dahl-ness of this book. Young readers will laugh with Tomas and Flicker, and enjoy the heartfelt moments between Tomas and the rest of his family and friends. VERDICT This gently funny title is a must-purchase for public libraries, and a great recommendation for readers of all ages. Maryjean Riou, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

When Tomas discovers a wild-looking plant in his grandfather's garden, he takes one of its unusual fruits home. It turns out to be a pitaya, or dragon fruit, and soon a tiny dragon emerges. Tomas is astonished but quickly resolves to raise the glittering creature, Flicker, in secret. Even as it sneezes sparks, chars the drapes, and produces highly explosive excrement, Tomas manages to keep his new pet hidden, but it becomes too difficult when he realizes that the dragon fruit tree is producing more and more mythical creatures. Shepherd's inventive story takes the humorous dragon-fruit premise and spins it into a tale full of silliness and charm. It's a joy to watch Tomas navigate his new, dragon-filled world, and readers will laugh at Flicker's antics and hold their breath during close calls as Tomas' community inches closer to discovering the magical creature. Ogilvie's accompanying illustrations complement the story perfectly, including an occasional singed page or plop of dragon droppings. Readers will be eager for more.