PreS-Gr 2 —A unique and vibrant story sharing the yin and yang of Dragon and Phoenix. Dragon boasts how dragons are fierce and frightening, how they soar and can summon thunder, but after each sentence, it is clear that Dragon has a terrible cold. Phoenix tries to encourage Dragon to sip some ginger tea, take a scarf, eat bone broth, and rest. But tables turn when suddenly Phoenix starts to feel unwell, too. This is a great bedtime story to encourage little ones to settle down. It also is a perfect read-aloud with young listeners calling out the "Choo!" each time. An author's note explains the centuries-old history of Phoenix and Dragon and how their opposing strengths and weaknesses complement one another. While the pair is traditionally compared to a husband and wife, Cheng chose to not use pronouns "in the hopes that more people can see themselves in this dynamic relationship." Santat provides vibrant, full-page drawings of Dragon and Phoenix that bring these two characters brilliantly to life. VERDICT This picture book is a perfect model of text and illustrations coming together to produce a stunning final product for children. Highly recommended.—Heidi Dechief

Being fierce is hard when you're struggling with a cold.A serpentine scaly green dragon with a flowing orange mane and big teeth and claws fills the page. Our hero explains to Phoenix how tough and terrifying dragons are. "We take on the world with a mighty ROOOOOAAAR…CHOO!" Dragon's sneeze practically blows Phoenix out of the air. Phoenix tries to help by offering orange ginger tea, a blanket, a scarf, and bone broth soup, but Dragon is having none of it. Dragon's attempts at roaring turn into big sneezes, however-until one fiery sneeze causes an inferno that Phoenix must douse. Phoenix, whose energy is now flagging, suggests taking a nap. One more sneeze later, and Phoenix is practically drooping with fatigue as the two friends switch roles. Using a palette of greens, oranges, and golds, Santat depicts the two creatures as larger-than-life cartoons with humorously expressive features. Every page is packed with color and action, but the text feels static in comparison, perhaps because of its small size and lack of variation (a missed opportunity for a typesetting design that matches the exuberance and personality of the two characters). Nevertheless, this simple but entertaining tale will be a pleasure to read aloud. An author's note discusses the significance of the dragon and the phoenix in Chinese mythology.A funny premise, executed with verve. (Picture book. 3-7)