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32 pp.
| NorthSouth
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7358-4306-6$17.95
(3)
K-3
Sloppy, a muddy tree dragon, wants a hug but resists fairy child Dewdrop's suggestion that beforehand he should take his "first ever bath." Sloppy's hesitant plunge into the pond encourages five scared ducklings, and, unsurprisingly, they all enjoy the water. Crisp, clean illustrations and a cheery tone express the value of cleanliness without didactic overtones, thus conveying a satisfying tale for bathers everywhere.
32 pp.
| North-South
| February, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7358-4273-1$17.95
(4)
K-3
Tree dragon Sloppy learns that sprite Dewdrop's hugs are earned by doing nice things, not by moping or bribery. When they eventually embrace, readers may wonder why assertive, no-nonsense Dewdrop hadn't just told Sloppy "why she didn't want a hug in the first place" (Sloppy's a licker). Still, Julian's playful illustrations will have kids laughing, and the final spread is a sloppy crowd-pleaser.