Learning a new skill is hard especially for Eric who despite his best efforts can't seem to get the hang of ice-skating. With a little help from Gramps the Zamboni Driver and a little imagination, Eric finds the will to try. A Shadow under the ice turns out to be a wonderful creature which helps the boy not to be scared and learn the skills needed to accomplish his goal by turning it in to a game.
The illustrations were wonderful and the story was delightful. This book would, appeal to any child who is struggling to learn something new because with a little help from their own imaginary Ziggersnout they can accomplish anything.
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I got this book from the author Dale Rensing because I wanted to read and review it. So far I have read this book to 2 of my grandsons aged 5 and 6. They enjoyed this story and especially the dragon, Ziggersnout. The story is about a little boy named Eric that has been learning to skate but hasn't been practicing like he should. The book is well written and has a story that would appeal to ages 5-8 years old. It is written about a boy but I think girls would enjoy this as well. There is fun and some good lessons that can be had from this delightful book. My 6 year old grandson was pretty impressed by this book. Both boys have wanted me to read it again. I thought the pictures were done well and helped the story along quite nicely. Very fun read! ( )

Eric is a young boy who loves to skate. Unfortunately he didn’t pass his test and feels terrible. The rink owner encourages him to return the next week. Eric returns, and as he is skating he sees a shadow. The shadow seems to be following him. He learns from Gramps, the owner that the shadow is actually a shy water dragon named Ziggersnout. Eric begins to enjoy his skating time. Not only does he enjoy skating, he is beginning to improve. This is a book that not only encourages kids to practice at whatever sport they are into, but teaches them what the dragon really is. This was a wonderful book. I read it over several times because I enjoyed it that much. ( )

My son is a huge hockey fan and ate this book up. He learned the valuable lesson that hard work and perseverance pays off in the end. I think you have a winning book when you blend a great story with great characters and valuable lessons. 4 stars ( )