100 mighty dragons all named Broccoli

A refrain-like structure and boldfaced numerals chronicle a series of dragon subtractions and additions in this mathematical word problem turned picture book. After a "tremendous wind" whisks away the first 50 of 100 mighty dragons "all named Broccoli," LaRochelle (How to Apologize) reveals the fate of the remaining half: for starters, "10 dragons sailed away on a cruise ship and became professional surfers in Hawaii. This left...// 40 mighty dragons, all named Broccoli." The remaining creatures' adventures include rocking out as a New York heavy metal band, riding a scooter in Paris, rocketing to the moon, and playing for the Green Bay Packers. Freewheeling acrylic and colored pencil illustrations by Cho (It Began with Lemonade), which portray a wide diversity of dragon types and colors, render their arrayed fates in pages that evoke a nonstop dragon party. The migrations leave one lonely, red-horned dragon dwelling in the once-bustling mountain habitat, but not for long; when she eventually emerges as a mother of dragons, a final spread reveals monikers for the 100 new youths. Comically specific outcomes and locale shout-outs make a close look of this bustling read irresistible. Human characters are portrayed with varied skin tones. Ages 3--7. (Apr.)

Addition and subtraction with cruciferous-named dragons. "High on a mountain near a deep dark cave," 100 dragons fly, swoop, play, and blow fire across the pages. Though they vary by shape, color, and size, the fiery creatures all go by the name of Broccoli. A blistering wind blows away half of the dragons, leaving 50. Soon after, 10 dragons decide to go on a cruise and become "professional surfers in Hawaii." The number of dragons rises and falls as a series of non sequitur events--and opportunities for readers to practice their addition and subtraction--continue: "5 dragons took a rocket to the moon. 2 of the dragons from West Virginia returned." The total number left is in bold within the spare narrative. While the pace and the emotional tone stay even throughout the story, Cho's colorful portrayals offer comedic magic and flair. Readers will be captivated by the antics of each Broccoli. The pudgy dragons' quirky expressions will elicit plenty of giggles. Eventually only one red Broccoli is left, solemnly retreating into the cave for the winter. It is spring that welcomes Broccoli back, followed by 100 baby dragons. This time none of the infants are named Broccoli, with only one chubby exception. (This book was reviewed digitally.) This is one entertaining and silly way to do math. (Math picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.