From Publishers Weekly
Often, art as splendid as that created here by Clark ( Listen to This ; Beware of the Aunts! ) overshadows the narrative it illustrates. Not so in this case, since the late Sutcliff's deftly told tale proves as captivating and as timeless as Clark's richly hued oil pastel paintings, allegedly inspired by the work of Piero Della Francesca. These are illustrations in the best sense of the word: through their expressiveness--and careful coordination with the narrative--the story can practically be followed without benefit of text. An exquisite overall design makes this a truly elegant package--both text and paintings are set off in double-ruled borders against marbled black backgrounds; striking mosaic endpapers are echoed in spot-art designs throughout. And the story itself, though a bit long for the standard picture-book format, is a charmer. A minstrel who sings for his supper finds an unusual egg while walking on a beach. Hoping to encourage it to hatch, he plays "a tune for waking up to"; when a dragon pup emerges, the minstrel names him Lucky. As they wander from town to town, the two grow very close, and the minstrel "made the best songs he had ever made." After a scheming traveling showman steals Lucky, the minstrel is devastated, and his suppers get smaller as his songs grow sadder. A kind king and his gravely ill son play important roles in the heartwarming reunion between man and pet, in a conclusion that will elicit smiles from little ones and gratified sighs from their elders. And--from everyone--the desire to start the story all over again. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-- In this elegant picture-book fantasy, a dragon's abandoned egg is awakened to life by a minstrel's song. The young creature and the solitary young man become true friends, until the dragon pup is abducted by an evil traveling showman. In the end, they are happily reunited, and an ailing prince has been miraculously healed as well. Sutcliff has taken folkloric elements and made them into a tale that seems both timeless and fresh. She claims to know the real truth about dragons, and provides readers with enchanting variations on familiar details. Clark's glowing oil pastels truly illuminate the telling. This is a land that seems commonplace yet exotic: there are castles, inns, . . . and palm trees. The dark borders enhance the ceremonial, formal tone. Even the page layouts help express the story's nuances: small intense pictures show the hasty abduction, while a luxurious double-page spread depicts the love between the minstrel and the dragon. All in all, this is a remarkable collaboration that sophisticated readers will take to right away. It may need to be introduced to children who are not used to a graceful pace and literary style, but the effort will certainly be worthwhile, and all youngsters are sure to respond to the book's beauty and emotional power. --Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
