Have You Seen My Blankie? by Lucy Rowland (review)

When Princess Alice's blankie goes missing, she discovers it in the possession of a dragon who needs it to help him sleep in his "cold and rough" bed. He's willing to return it but misses its comfort, so what can she do? Why, embark on a quest for something just as soft and warm as the blankie! The dragon is picky—cats are too scratchy; a feather pillow makes him sneeze—but just as things seem futile, Alice's teddy bear fills the bill. Rowland's rhythmic rhyming text bounces along, emphasizing Alice's right to keep her beloved possession but showcasing the cooperation, triumphant problem-solving, and rewarding friendship that result from her willingness to help someone else. Metcalf's loose, friendly black outlines, googly eyes, and gentle mixed media stylings keep the tone light even as the story heads for potentially emotionally charged territory. The exaggerated contrast between diminutive Alice and the much larger witch, giant, and dragon emphasizes her pluck and will empower others to consider both their own rights and their ability to help others no matter what their size.