Merlin's Dragon by T.A. Barron

I like T.A. Barron's books.  They show a depth of thought and an understanding of how all things are connected without being preachy.  Also, he knows how to tell a story without having to make a 12 volume set out of it.  One of his strengths is pacing, so I was somewhat disappointed to find so little actual story in Merlin's Dragon.  He introduces a very interesting, likable character -- Basil, the...well, no one is sure exactly what Basil is, but he is little, curious, and brave.  The book takes us along on Basil's journey of discovering who -- and what -- he is.  Along the way, he meets Merlin a couple of times, but readers have to wade through a lot of description before hitting any action.  Basil's frantic journey to save Merlin from a deadly foe makes for some good reading, but it is a long reading journey to get to that point.  Those who haven't read the Tree of Avalon or Lost Years of Merlin books may get lost and discouraged along the way.  I know the story will continue, but like most introductions, this one was a slow read.