A Dignity of Dragons: Collective Nouns for Magical Beasts

Ogburn's inventive collective nouns for fantasy creatures are brought to life in Ceccoli's dreamlike mixed-media illustrations. A "vengeance" of sharp-nosed (and topless) harpies descends in a stormy tableau of sea-spray and mist, near a "tangle" of gorgons and "chord" of sirens. Other scenes feature a "flurry of yetis" chasing children on skis, and a "cleverness of were-foxes," with female human faces and bushy tails. An appended list identifies each of the creatures, briefly describing their traits and symbolic significance. Ogburn's care in choosing her nouns is apparent, as is the craft behind Ceccoli's whimsical, well-composed scenes. Ages 5–8. (May)