How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse

May 1, 2007
Gr 3-5-Cowell is getting a great deal of mileage from her pseudomemoirs of the delightfully alliterative Viking. She retains her touch in this latest volume, which relates Hiccups quest to find the Vegetable-That-No-One-Dares-Name, namely a potato that is the only thing that can prevent his friend Fishlegs from dying of Vorpentitis. The potato, you see, is an imaginary vegetable that comes from a place that doesnt really exist: America. When Hiccup realizes that he has only until 10 oclock the next morning to find the mythical vegetable, it is a race against time and against the wishes of his father. It also requires traveling with the charming bog-burglar Camicazi, breaking into the headquarters of Norbert the Nutjob and his Hysteric tribe, and stealing the frozen potato while they sleep, all the while trying to avoid a fearsome sea predator. The result is an irresistible concoction. As with all the Hiccup books, this one is full of amusing illustrations, clever design that includes inkblots scattered throughout the pages, and an occasional explanation of hibernating dragons and venomous vorpents. This action-filled and compelling story will draw readers along. Its a must for libraries that have the previous books in this series, which is probably most."Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ"

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