If That Breathes Fire, We're Toast!

By Jennifer J. Stewart

Book Overview

Rick is not happy when he and his mother move from San Diego, where he had friends, to Arizona, where he knows no one. He dreads a long, boring summer, until the day Madame Yang arrives on the scene.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823414302
• ISBN13: 9780823414307
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A Fresh, Funny Story for Kids of All Ages

There has never been a dragon like Madam Yang, and I can't believe there ever will be again. Such verve, such attitude, such sense of humor (even when she's overdosed on toasted marshmellows!) She has to be the most believable and likeable dragon in storytelling history. There's more going on in this book, too. Rick, who has lost his dad, has to move from San Diego to Tucson, Arizona, and make a place for himself in the desert. This is a book that honors those tough transitions, and recognizes that a little bit of magic makes them easier. Bedtime reading or car trips, this is a don't-miss. Five Stars!

Dragon Fires Imagination

This book is a winner. The author captures the real-life worries and joys of her young hero, and authentically portrays the scene in Tucson, Arizona. Like the runaway best sellers in the Harry Potter series, this book puts imaginative adventure in a totally believeable context. Young readers, like my grandchildren, are going to want to read more about Rick and his adventures.

Clever and fun!

Do you like dragons? You'll love Madam Yang, who serves as a quasi-fairy godmother (the kind who breathes fire down your shorts) to Rick. This is a zany fantasy book, chockfull of adventures and humor. A great gift book for a reluctant reader -- hard to put down. The book is set in my hometown, Tucson, AZ, lots of wild, wild west.

So much fun

At 47, I'm a little out of the age bracket of this book, but I still thought it was fun. Having lived in Tucson for 13 years and loved every minute of it, the references to living the local life there were very pleasant. Plus, the author is a good storyteller, and the characters were well drawn, especially the "green" one.If not for the "Tucson" purchase circle, I would have never found this book, but I'm certainly glad I did. I notice the title has been high on the Tucson favorites list for quite a while. I think I will order some for my nephews back east.

Great book for kids!

What a fun book! I read the book to my 2 boys ages 5 and 7. We live in Tucson. Their grandparents live in Tucson, AZ 85749 (where the story takes place). They think it happened at their grandparents house! The book uses vivid descriptions that my boys could visualize. They couldn't wait until the next evening to read the next chapter. Madam Yang has a great sense of humor. She takes Rick and Natalie on exciting adventures that children will love to read (or listen to). What a great 1st book for author Jennifer Stewart!