When Sparks Fly by Joseph Cassis is the second book in the children's fantasy and adventure series Squire with Fire, preceded by book one, A Happy Dragon Tale. In this installment, Mackenzie and her grandfather bring out an old safe hidden away in a closet, dusting the chest it contains and opening it up to reveal its contents. As Mackenzie is shown each historical artifact from the chest, her grandfather explains their connection to the past and expands on the stories of yesteryear. As the tale unfolds, Mackenzie learns more about her namesake and the heroism displayed as their ancestors were attacked by Vikings, and the dragons who played a special role in the feud.

When Sparks Fly is a creative children's book that ties together timeless themes of bravery and teamwork. Joseph Cassis is both the author and the illustrator, mixing sketches with lifelike images in a unique artistic format that complements the narrative. I particularly enjoyed how some questions and phrases were written in larger fonts so they may stand out. The result is a multi-textual pattern that is able to piece the story together, which is occasionally a bit dense for a children's book. I loved that the book went beyond a skirmish and into the pulling together of townsfolk and even another dragon, displaying that teamwork and community are important at all times. When Sparks Fly reads perfectly well as a stand-alone but I am of the opinion that most will find greater enjoyment if it is read as a companion to the first book in the series.

If you're interested in knights and dragons, then Squire with Fire: When Sparks Fly by Joseph Cassis is the book for you. When the book begins, Mackenzie’s grandfather is taking a box of mementos out of the bedroom closet. Mackenzie and her grandfather open it to find a bag of marbles and some rocks called cherts that can produce fire. This reminds her grandfather of a story about Mackenzie’s ancestor, Squire Mackenzie, and the dragon Spitfire. When Squire Mackenzie’s castle is being threatened by Viking invaders, she must stop them, and thankfully she has a dragon on her side. But how do marbles and cherts fit into this story of heroics?

With appealing characters, interesting scenes, and well-drawn pictures, Squire with Fire: When Sparks Fly by Joseph Cassis is an enjoyable read. I love the idea of having the grandfather tell the tale to his granddaughter, as it puts the story into a more personable and relatable setting, which helps the reader get into the story more. The plot is very interesting and entertaining, with dragons and invasions, but it is also educational. I like the way that Mackenzie asks what certain words mean, since they are words that some younger readers may not be familiar with, and it is a good way of explaining what the words mean. The layout of the book is very engaging and eye-catching with colorful, well-drawn pictures, and some lines written in different fonts and font sizes that makes it likely to attract the reader's attention. The characters are instantly likable, very realistic, and the author really catches Mackenzie's childlike wonder and enthusiasm and the grandfather’s care and kindness. I enjoyed reading this book, and would definitely recommend it.