Spreckle's Snack Surprise by Sandra Salsbury

The story opens with the simple line, "Spreckle was hatched on a farm." A mildly confused red chicken peers back at a scaly egg, cracked to reveal a bright red creature with a yellow muzzle. The story advances and reveals Spreckle as a plump red dragon with purple wings and yellow horns, spikes, and muzzle. She loves her fuzzy family, but there's one problem: The snacks.

Farmyard snacks are boring (corn), gross (slugs), and just no good! Spreckle explores everything, from pig slop to the pig itself, from popsicles to grass. Miserable, a sulky Spreckle stomps off to sulk and is joined by her fluffy family, who comfort her during a rain storm. Resigned to no snacks (but a loving family) Spreckle is determined to try the boring corn one more time, but a fortuitous sneeze makes all the difference!

This is Salsbury's second picture book, although she has illustrated numerous titles, and while it doesn't have the smooth, practiced feel of a veteran creator her art is splendid and the story bounces along cheerfully. Kids will giggle over Spreckle and her quest for a tasty snack and the charming illustrations of farm animals and a cute, roly-poly dragon, will delight young listeners.

Verdict: A delightful addition to storytimes featuring farms, dragons, and popcorn, this is sure to be a hit with preschool audiences. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781682634820; Published July 2023 by Peachtree; Borrowed from another library in my consortium