Those irresistible besties are backDrag and Rex, introduced inForever Friends (2023), are back to being their helpful selves in the duo's second series of comical adventures. Laid-back, literal-minded Drag is a usually exasperating and very slow-on-the-uptake, fire-breathing dragon, while Rex is a practical, conservatively dressed, fastidious, square-faced, short-armed, uber-patient T. rex. Like their first outing, this offering features three stories, each comprising three short, very humorous, dialogue-laden chapters that winningly reveal the friends' quirky personalities, their mutual love and respect, and their understanding of each other's personal idiosyncrasies. In the first story, about Valentine's Day gift-giving, Rex demonstrates extreme forbearance when Drag hands him a box of "already eaten" chocolates. The second tale reveals the importance of the letter N when Drag sets out to prepare "oodles" for dinner. The final entry involves ways to help friends remember important things. This aptly named book will have young readers chuckling-and doing some face-palming. Drag and Rex are extremely charming, endearing characters whom anyone would want to have as pals, and kids will delight in joining them on their new adventures. The colorful, dynamic illustrations illuminate the friends' warm, cozy relationship.Children will eagerly await these friends' next riotous antics.(Chapter book. 6-8)

Those irresistible besties are backDrag and Rex, introduced inForever Friends (2023), are back to being their helpful selves in the duo's second series of comical adventures. Laid-back, literal-minded Drag is a usually exasperating and very slow-on-the-uptake, fire-breathing dragon, while Rex is a practical, conservatively dressed, fastidious, square-faced, short-armed, uber-patient T. rex. Like their first outing, this offering features three stories, each comprising three short, very humorous, dialogue-laden chapters that winningly reveal the friends' quirky personalities, their mutual love and respect, and their understanding of each other's personal idiosyncrasies. In the first story, about Valentine's Day gift-giving, Rex demonstrates extreme forbearance when Drag hands him a box of "already eaten" chocolates. The second tale reveals the importance of the letter N when Drag sets out to prepare "oodles" for dinner. The final entry involves ways to help friends remember important things. This aptly named book will have young readers chuckling-and doing some face-palming. Drag and Rex are extremely charming, endearing characters whom anyone would want to have as pals, and kids will delight in joining them on their new adventures. The colorful, dynamic illustrations illuminate the friends' warm, cozy relationship.Children will eagerly await these friends' next riotous antics.(Chapter book. 6-8)

Gr 1–3— Impulsive Drag and practical Rex are back in this charming, full-color illustrated first chapter book. Adorable misunderstandings abound between the dragon and dinosaur, who sometimes have to work hard to understand each other but always find a way. Valentine's Day gifts, cooking "oodles" for dinner, and memory problems are just some of the topics addressed in this collection of three stories told in short chapters. Russo's bright, engaging pencil and watercolor illustrations will delight young readers with their depictions of cozy domestic scenes featuring Drag (giant wings and all) and dapper-dressed Rex sitting by the fireplace, cooking in the kitchen, and taking walks together. The artwork, together with the sweet and funny stories, makes this series feel like an instant classic. VERDICT Recommended where the classic Rylant readers are in demand, as this series is a worthy successor.