(4) 4-6 Dragonsdale series. Illustrated by Ginny Marklew. Ambition and misunderstanding derail the relationship between dragon-crazy Cara and her quieter best friend, Breena, as they compete in dragon-riding contests. Meanwhile, Cara befriends a merboy, and her spiteful archenemy, Hortense, makes more trouble. Drake's fantasy is overly neat and precious at times but involving and heartfelt nevertheless. Sprawling illustrations threaten to overtake some of the pages.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gilly Marklew. Cara is the Dragonmaster's daughter in Drake's feudalistic fantasy society where dragons help protect human settlements from firedogs and other dangerous beasts. Though her worried father forbids it, Cara longs to be a dragonrider. The love between no-nonsense Cara and her beloved dragon Skydancer grounds a plot that rises above standard animal-adoring-girl fare to encompass rivalry, danger, and family conflict.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross