(Picture book ages 4 to 8) Finally, a lightly Americanized version of 'Zog' hits these shores from the creators of 'The Graffalo' and other hugely popular British picture books. Needless to say, Simon wants to do right but can't always carry through. Gorbachev's soft, dreamy watercolor-and-ink illustrations are well suited to the story of Simon, whose big sister Emma offers a helpful guide to befriending-a dragon - without causing the creature offense. (Picture book ages 4 to 7) If you've never thought of dragons as especially sweet creatures, this delicious story about making friends and maintaining good manners will rid you of worn-out prejudice.

HOW TO BE FRIENDS WITH A DRAGON Written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev. A wisecracking frog, a fair damsel in disguise and a dragon that is far more ticklish than fierce also figure into the tale, which takes gleeful pleasure in upending fairy tale cliché. Quest and adventure ensue, illustrated in colorfully eclectic digital collage, when the king claims that a dark knight has stolen his crown. (Picture book ages 3 to 6) Elephant Joe and Zebra Pete are peacefully swimming in a moat (on floaties, naturally) when a cry for help rings out from the castle. ELEPHANT JOE, BRAVE KNIGHT! Written and illustrated by David Wojtowycz. The dragons may screw up the party, but this book gets everything right. (A hint: jalapeños set more than just human mouths afire.) Salmieri's pencil-and-watercolor drawings are not only a wacky delight, they're also strangely beautiful. New York Times Review What's not to love about a book with the absurdist premise that dragons love tacos - as long as they're not too spicy? Rubin and Salmieri, the team behind the equally hilarious 'Those Darn Squirrels!,' bring their kooky sensibility to this irresistible story about what can go wrong at a taco party for dragons.

Dragons like tacos book