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Dragon Slippers

Dragon Slippers
By Jessica Day George
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2007. 324 pp. Chapter book.

Jessica Day George, a Brigham Young University graduate, weaves a charming tale of lovely blue shoes, a talented seamstress named Creel, and a host of dragons in her book Dragon Slippers. The heroine of this story, Creel, is sent to the dragon's lair to secure her future and her relative's fortune. All doesn't go as planned, however...in fact, it goes a completely opposite direction! Creel is sent away with an unusual piece of the dragon's hoard--beautiful blue slippers. As she goes about her adventures, these shoes play a key role in the events that occur. Dragons, intricate embroidery, and a supremely, rottenly spoiled princess all are threaded together to create a tapestry of words that will be sure to delight.

This story definitely had a strong feel of Patricia C. Wrede's "Calling on Dragons" series. If you enjoyed those books, you will very likely love this book as well. My favorite aspect of the book was, undoubtedly, the descriptions of Creel's genius with a needle and thread. Her art is expressed through her sewing, and the imagery involved is lovely. I adore a character who is brilliant with creating masterpieces with fabric and thread--possibly because I am not at all skilled in that area. This book is a delightful read. It would serve as a great family read-aloud or a great solo read. Either way, dragon fans have yet another good book to add t0 their libraries.

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