The Cave of Aaaaah! Doom!

This goofy launch to the Ella and Owen series follows twin dragons as they embark on a quest to find a cure for the stubborn cold that is causing Owen to sneeze fire. During their swift-moving adventure, Ella and Owen have run-ins with ogres, sprites, a monster waffle, and an “evil vegetable wizard” with broccoli for a head. Kent, a pseudonym, keeps the silliness front and center and packs in lots of banter between the siblings: “You wanted adventure and excitement, right?” says Ella, after the two get trapped in the ogre’s cage. “I didn’t want any of those things!” wails the comparatively timid Owen. Though Owen’s sneezing troubles are eventually resolved, the story ends midkerfuffle, to be picked up in the next installment, Attack of the Stinky Fish Monster, available simultaneously. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 6–8. (Mar.)