One Day, Two Dragons

Apprehension gives way to hilarity when two dragon brothers pay a visit to the doctor for their vaccinations. While they fidget and wait to be innoculated against measles, mumps, scale rot and morning breath, the siblings share droll observations about the hospital and the nurse and receptionist who try to make the ordeal less frightening. Bertrand's text also serves as a counting reference progressing as a cumulative story--``One day two dragons caught a cab to Three Bug Street''; ``The receptionist at the desk looked about nine feet tall.'' The dragon dialogue is totally childlike and hip, while Street's ink and watercolor illustrations reflect the abundant tongue-in-cheek humor. Her human figures sometimes have heads that loom larger than life and long, rubbery limbs (all the better to guide nervous dragons with). The various numerals are cleverly worked into each spread, providing both number identification and a hide-and-seek challenge for young counters. Her tropical palette of greens, salmon and melon shades render the setting friendly and ``non-antiseptic'' for any anxious readers. A unique vehicle for genuine wit and a just-right dosage of instruction. Ages 4-7. (May)