EARLY CHAPTER BOOK REVIEWS: Drag and Rex #1 & #2 by Susan Lubner & Blythe Russo
REVIEW
Drag (a dragon) and Rex (a T-rex) are roommates and best friends. As in many such early reader series, the book consists of three stories about the two friends and their adventures. Each story is divided into three short chapters. The two friends are, as one would expect, quite different but those differences make the stories feel fresh and the relationship more realistic. The delightful illustrations highlight the characters and the action and break up the text nicely. The first story follows Rex's efforts to make breakfast followed by making a cake for his friend Lilly Pop. Drag attempts to help but causes problems when he can't resist his appetite. The second story finds Drag and Rex playing in the snow. But mishaps with melting snow bears and difficulties getting dressed make things difficult. The third story sees Rex encouraging Drag to finish reading his book after he finds the character a bit scary (ironically the character in the book Drag is reading seems to be a dragon). With a solid friendship, lots of humor, and some unusual mishaps Forever Friends makes for a delightful read for young readers to read on their own or with a group. Highly recommended.
REVIEW
In this enjoyable follow-up to Forever Friends, Drag and Rex give each other gifts for Valentine's day (if Drag can avoid eating the chocolates that is), struggle to cook oodles (or is it noodles?!), and search to find what it is that Drag tied strings on his fingers to remember. As in the first book, there is lots of humor and good-natured confusion as Drag and Rex deal with life's difficulties. The two friends make for a delightful combination as Rex patiently tries to help his impulsive friend. Drag's tendency to eat anything within reach and Rex's struggle with his short arms takes advantage of the characters natural weaknesses. The way the illustrations jump off the page brings the characters to life beautifully and makes it difficult to not develop a fondness for the characters, flaws and all. A delightful early chapter book series for young readers to read on their own or as a read aloud. Highly recommended.
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