Fire Truck vs. Dragon

This time, the joke is on readers: unlike the rivals in Shark vs. Train, Fire Truck and Dragon are besties ("We get along great!" says Fire Truck. "Why wouldn't we?"). Each time there's a possible confrontation involving Dragon's incendiary talents and Fire Truck's capacity to extinguish them, the result is comically companionable. Looking forward to what will happen when the two show up at the same cookout or barbecue? Dragon proudly brings homemade free-range potato salad, and a beaming Fire Truck provides "my famous firehouse beans." "Is there something more they want to see from us? Something in particular?" Dragon innocently asks after yet another potential showdown ends on a benevolent note. They finally agree to "Facing off!!" ("Who will win?" says Dragon tantalizingly), which results in a staring contest. "I thought that... would be a crowd-pleaser," says Dragon, puzzled. Frustrated expectations have seldom been so funny; Barton's misdirections are beautifully timed, and McCloskey's digitally enhanced pencil-and-watercolor drawings are bright and exuberant. And yes, fire is finally breathed and water is spurted: that's how these two multifaceted pals say goodbye. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Stimola Literary Studio. (Mar.)

PreS-Gr 2--Despite the two titular characters going head-to-head as depicted on the cover, the fire truck and the dragon are actually good friends. The title page spread reveals that the main characters are having a good laugh at the expense of a family of onlookers who have preconceived notions about what fire trucks and dragons are capable of doing. They are a winning team at campfires; with the help of his headlights and a flashlight, dragon creates a super shadow bunny on the tent wall at night. Meanwhile, both parents and baby appear baffled and disappointed that their marshmallows remain untoasted. On a hot summer day, Fire Truck provides snow cones, and on a cold, wintry night Dragon is right there with blankets. Registering the family's mounting frustration, the friends decide to give the people what they want: "Fire Truck vs. Dragon!!!" Anticipatory smiles quickly vanish as the friends face off...in a staring contest. Still, there is some redemption in the end though much is left to the imagination. The vibrant pencil-and-watercolor cartoon illustrations were edited in Photoshop and feature the radiant red truck and his bright blue friend in a variety of surprising activities; the little family's responses to them are hilarious and mirror the readers' sentiments. VERDICT This companion to Barton's Shark vs. Train is not only good fun, but also shows children that people with differences can still be friends.--Barbara Auerbach, Cairo Public Library, NY