Dragon Girls: Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon – Maddy Mara (Scholastic, $14.99)
Reviewed by Louise Ward, Wardini Books
You may have discerned from the title that this is a book for younger readers and involves dragons and, indeed, girls.
There are many poor to average publications for emerging readers and yes,
as long as they're reading something we're happy, but this one is a good one.
Azmina has moved from the city to the countryside – we're not sure why and it doesn't matter. There's no marriage split, death in the family or other miscellaneous crisis; she's a little girl in a new town and she's off on an adventure. Azmina has a great attitude - she sits next to Willa and Naomi at school and is sure that they will become her good friends.
The story begins with Azmina in her new backyard. Mum's unpacking boxes, the autumn sun is shining and Azmina feels herself called into the forest, words of invitation forming in her mind. Off she goes and boom! she finds herself in a magical land.
