Daniel Salmieri

Bear and Wolf both go for a walk in the snow in this lovely, contemplative wintertime picture-book from author/artist Daniel Salmieri, meeting up with one another and proceeding to explore together. Smelling the wet bark of the trees, listening to the sound of snowflakes melting on their fur, pondering the frozen surface of the nearby lake, the two companions enjoy the beauty of the season together, before parting to return to their respective families. A bond has been forged, however, and show more the two will meet again, in another season...

Daniel Salmieri has illustrated quite a few popular picture-books, from Dragons Love Tacos and its sequel, to the series of stories about "Those Darn Squirrels," so it is good to see him making his debut as both author and artist in Bear and Wolf. The artwork here is lovely, with a soft-edged feeling that suites the theme of wintertime, with its vistas of falling snow, and with a color palette - grays, whites, subtle blues - that captures the season perfectly. The story is engaging, and I appreciated the theme of two very different individuals reaching out across species lines to make friends, bonding over the beauty of the natural world, but I think it's really the visuals that make this one special. Recommended to fellow winter-lovers, and to anyone looking for unusual friendship stories with a quiet, gentle feeling to them. show less

A young boy prepares a taco party for a group of dragons in this humorous picture-book, as the narrator informs him (and the reader) of the draconic love for all things taco, but hatred for all things spicy. Apparently, spicy salsa will strengthen a dragon's natural tendency toward fire, leading to sparks and smoke, if ingested. This leads to some dire consequences, when the boy overlooks the newest ingredient of the 'mild' salsa he buys. Fortunately, when his guests accidentally burn down show more his house, they are there to help him rebuild...

A great favorite at work, both with colleagues and patrons, Dragons Love Tacos is a book I have been meaning to pick up, especially since I enjoyed this author/illustrator team's Robo-Sauce. I imagine that younger children will find this one quite amusing - I know I did! - and will identify with the dragons' love of tacos. The artwork is colorful and appealing, adding greatly to the sense of fun. Recommended to children who love dragons and/or Tex-Mex food, or who enjoy stories with a somewhat silly sense of humor. show less

The irony of combining something as mundane as tacos with something as outlandish as dragons makes this book a masterpiece. Dragons really love tacos (who doesn't?), but dragons hate one certain topping: spice! One might imagine what could happen when spice meets a fire-breathing dragon's lungs...

The funny illustrations and anecdotes about dragon hobbies are engaging and endearing. I love this book!

"Dragons Love Tacos" by Adam Rubin is a delightful children's book that's both fun and quirky. The simple story centers around dragons who love tacos but can't handle spicy salsa. The vibrant illustrations capture the chaos at the taco party wonderfully. The combination of humor and a silly premise keep me entertained and made it easy to follow. It's perfect for reading aloud, thanks to its playful tone and rhythmic style, while also delivering a great message about being cautious with party show more food. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a lighthearted, laugh-filled read for younger kids! show less