Herb is a gentle dragon who prefers to eat potato leek soup rather than boar’s meat or (even worse), the knights and princesses the dragon Meathook and his gang indulge in.  At the castle however, the knights have a plan that doesn’t allow for differences: “The time has come to rid our forest of the fearful dragons who raid our castles, devour our people and eat all of the best wild boar meat!”  Bernard declared. “We must plan a great hunt.” Unfortunately, the only dragon the knights capture is Herb.  He is trussed like a chicken and taken back to the castle where he is to be fed to the alligators living in the castle moat.  This is a terrific transitional read for early readers — particularly those who may have questions about vegetarianism. Though it has the bright and beautiful illustrations a little reader might like, it is text heavy and a little scary so it is best for readers 6 to 10 years old. ~Patti