The Runaway Dragon

September 1, 2009
Gr 5-7-This humorous adventure, a sequel to "The Runaway Princess" (Farrar, 2006), captures readers' attention from the start and doesn't let go. Meg is an unconventional princess who has a mind of her own. When her pet dragon, Laddy, flies away, she is determined to go on a quest in search of him. Her parents reluctantly agree on the condition that she takes along a coterie of friends, including a wizard, guards, and a magic scarf to protect her. The ensuing story follows a route filled with surprises and intricate twists that keep readers wondering when, and if, Meg will reach her goal. She encounters unusual characters as she traverses an enchanted forest, but her unwavering courage keeps her steadfastly focused. Coombs cleverly incorporates references to fairy tales. The group rescues Spinach, a girl with unusually long hair imprisoned in a tower, who joins the adventure. They are forced to become playthings for a giant's daughter. Malison, the witch who ensnares Meg and her people, is the personification of evil and deviousness. Meg is a likable and multidimensional figure, as are her companions. The evil characters are richly drawn as well. Patricia Wrede's fans will love this offering, as will those who enjoyed Gail Carson Levine's "Ella Enchanted" (HarperCollins, 1997)."Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2009
Grades 5-8 In this sequel to The Runaway Princess (2006), 16-year-old Princess Meg and her friends search for her missing dragon, Laddy. The quest collapses when the palace guards are transformed into squirrels, a giant kidnaps Megs friends, and she comes into the clutches of an evil sorceress. Coombs mines the tropes of folklore for her situations and characters (especially Spinach, a girl with long hair who is rescued from a tower), and fans of the first book will appreciate the strong feminist ending. Reminiscent of Mary Nortons The Borrowers (1952) and Jean Ferris Once upon a Marigold (2002), this will resonate with princess fanatics.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)