Silly and cute, just as I would expect from this series. This one sees the return of Suki, Wendell's not-quite-girlfriend. ( )

A completely goofy blast of a book. ( )

Wendell is the cause of the adventure this time - he's being attacked by dream creatures, and (they discover by asking Danny's great-grandfather) is actually under threat. If the Dream Wasp's eggs hatch, Wendell will go mad. So Danny, and Suki, get to go into Wendell's brain to find and defeat the enemy. The dream-eater is a great addition to the story-world. And Wendell's library-brain is highly amusing. Nice! ( )

Somewhere between highly illustrated middle school novel and middle school graphic novel, Vernon’s Dragonbreath series is best for those readers with a well-developed sense of the bizarre and willing suspension of disbelief. Illustrated in black, white, and green, this installment features Wendell the iguana, whose dreams have been invaded by literal Night Mares and a Dream Wasp, which, if its eggs hatch, will drive him permanently mad. Luckily, his best friend Danny, a dragon, is hardly afraid of anything and willing goes into Wendell’s dreams to save him. This book may appeal to readers who are interested in fantasy and appreciate a fast-moving plot or to readers who are learning to use the graphic novel format. Don’t be surprised if some readers do not like it, but equally, do not be surprised of some readers devour the entire series. Either purchase the entire series, or none, for this reason. Illustrations are skillfully interspersed with larger-than-usual text, and sometime illustrate the text, and sometimes interact with the text. The main characters, despite being animals, are refreshingly human, and I particularly enjoyed the friendship between nerdy Wendell and school-averse Danny, who tease each other but also respect each other’s respective talents. ( )

I don't usually review sequels, but I love Ursula Vernon so much and her Dragonbreath books are always a funny read. It's a lovely thing to be tired and glum and have a new, hilarious adventure.

In this adventure, it's Wendell who's in grave danger. It's not bad enough that his mom has an unhealthy obsession with health food, that Wendell is constantly worried about school (even though he is one of the smartest students). Now he's having nightmares about it all! Wendell and Danny will have to travel back to mythical Japan to enlist the aid of Great-Grandfather Dragonbreath and Suzi, reincarnated ninja queen. Luckily, Great-Grandfather has a portal to the dream world in his refrigerator and Danny is enthusiastically ready to travel into Wendell's dreams and track down the nightmares, not to mention the even more dangerous Dream Wasp.

I love the way Ursula Vernon can be so dang funny while still making her characters act exactly as real kids (or reptiles) would. Danny's gung-ho enthusiasm and Suzi's second thoughts, not to mention Wendell's resigned attitude (except for when he finds out about the Dream Wasp eggs and faints) all keep the characters recognizable, even as they adjust to new situations and characters.

Verdict: These aren't educational (despite the publisher putting out a teacher's guide) they're just fun! The perfect thing to hand to a reluctant reader, enthusiastic reader, or anyone having a bad day. It is imperative that you have the ENTIRE series. I have just decided I cannot, personally, live without them any longer and ordered the rest of the volumes I am missing for my personal collection.

ISBN: 9780803738461; Published 2013 by Dial/Penguin; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library; Purchased for my personal collection