Book Review: Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninja Frogs

Title: Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninja Frogs
Author: Ursula Vernon
Pages: 208
Cybil Book #39

Book Site

From Penguin.com

Danny Dragonbreath knew girls were trouble. But the new foreign exchange student, Suki the Salamander, is beyond trouble. Not only has she reduced his best friend, Wendell, to a blithering, lovesick tadpole, but she’s apparently the object of an elaborate ninja frog kidnapping plot. Danny is never one to pass up an adventure (especially one involving ninja frogs), and so he and Wendell and Suki set out on a dangerous quest through the mythical Japanese bamboo forests to find out what these fearsome frogs want. Danny may not be able to breathe fire like a normal dragon, but he and Wendell have watched lots of kung fu movies and can totally take on a bunch of ninja frogs. Or, um, so he hopes . . .

My Thoughts

I have previously read another book in the series dealing with the Were-Weiners(book 3) and my sentiments towards that book are pretty much the same as with this book(book 2...I am reading in reverse order)

I really don't think I needed the other books for this novel to make sense. This is a novel series that does not really need each book to wrap things up. Each book stands on its own. How can one not love the concept of a dragon that can barely breath fire and an iguana who is his friend? To make it even better, there are ninja frogs and all sorts of weapons and cool other characters.

The setup for these books are essentially the same in every series, but just different characters and plot line, bu the stories move along at the same pace, system, and style. Which is perfect for a younger audience that likes that consistent tone(hello, Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew for us older people).
This book is geared for a younger audience for sure. I breezed through this book and did not really have to focus too hard to understand the plot. I can see some of my sixth grade students really gravitate towards this book. I found it funny and engaging to hold my interest despite the fact that I like more gritty novels. The images and flow of the book worked really well. The addition of the graphic novels panes helps to really keep the story moving very fast. Add in some action and some humor and you have all the ingredients for a hit series. All in all, this was just a fun read. The whole element of martial arts, ninjas, and the addition of a girl character made this book an enjoyable read.