After the rollicking fun and satisfying lessons learned in Giants Beware! (2012), this follow-up proves there are still plenty of adventures left to be had, as the town of Mont Petite Pierre is under siege by the ghastly gargoyles of a pompous wizard from the town's past. The indefatigable Claudette and her motley crew once again leap into slightly befuddled action to reclaim her father's magic sword from where he lost it: inside the stomach of a terrifying dragon. If the proceedings ring somewhat familiar, it's easy to overlook the unique strengths Aguirre and Rosado bring back into play, particularly the effortlessly diverse cast of characters, including a tough-as-nails paraplegic, a young boy who'd rather cook than fight, and an African knight. As well, the series manages to foreground reasoning, diplomacy, and cooperation without sparing any of the freewheeling action or dragon-vomiting humor. It's all visualized in a careening animated style that hearkens back to the best of Disney in the 1970s, before all the world's rough edges had been digitally smoothed away.

Gr 3-6 After saving her village of Mont Petit Pierre from the savage Baby-Feet Eating Giant in Giants Beware (First Second, 2012), plucky heroine Claudette sets her sights on a new threat to her friends and family. Years before, the fearsome dragon Azra the Atrocious fought with Claudette's father and swallowed not only his magic sword, Breaker, but also his legs and an arm; now Claudette is determined to get the sword back. Before she can put her plan in motion, a more immediate foe threatens her home: the evil wizard Grombach has escaped his island prison and raised an army of gargoyles to destroy the town forever. Only Breaker can save them, so Claudette's father sets off to get it back. Incensed at being left behind, it is not long before Claudette enlists the aid of her brother Gaston and her friend Marie to follow and help her dad. This volume contains many of the same elements that made its predecessor so successful. The art perfectly suits the tone and action and the story is smart and funny. The true strength of the series, however, lies in the characterization. Claudette is just the right amount of bold and daring, Gaston is insecure but stronger than he realizes, and Marie is going to make a wonderful princess someday. Along with a great supporting cast, complete with seven lovelorn princes all vying for Marie's attention, no character is left behind. Kids will eat up this installment and eagerly await the next series offering. VERDICT Dragons Beware will delight fans of the first title. Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TX