Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows


Zoey & Sassafras: Dragons andMarshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay        96 pages

In this first book in the series, readers meet Zoey and her cat, Sassafras. Zoey seems to me to be approximately six or seven years old. She loves science and animals. She has a pair of Thinking Goggles that help her solve problems. Sassafras is her constant companion and BFF.

Zoey is a little worried about her mom going to a conference for a week. But in her mom’s office, she discovers a glowing photo of a purple frog! It turns out that since her mom was her age, magical creatures have been coming to their bar when they need help. Mom thought she was the only one who could see the frog, who talks and told her his name was Pip. But Zoey must have inherited her abilities as well as her curiosity and compassion.

After her mom tells her about the doorbell and what happens when it rings, Zoey and Sassafras are eager to get to work. When they answer, they see a “shimmery blue tail disappear into the forest.” Looking around, Zoey spots a green baby dragon who doesn’t feel well. She ascertains that because he breathes fire, he must be hungry. 

Using her journal and her Thinking Goggles, Zoey comes up with an experiment that should help the little creature, whom she ultimately names Marshmallow.

I like the science, the strong girl role, and the glossary in the back to help kids understand some of the terms used in the story. “Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.”

Zoey & Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows receive 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

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