After a two week hiatus, welcome back to another Perfect Picture Book Friday, inspired by children's picture book author, Susanna Hill. Each Friday, we review a children's book of our choice and include links to crafts and other activities. Check out her comprehensive list of books categorized by subject for Teachers, Librarians and Parents here.
This week, I am reviewing a picture book from one of my favorite periods of history: Medieval Times!
It is also part of our own personal collection: Saint George and the Dragon (a retelling of a segment of Spencer's "The Faerie Queene")
Illustrated by: Trina Schwartz Hyman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: 1984
Category: Legends, Folklore
Ages: 8-12
Themes: folklore, knights, dragons, patron saint of England, Medieval Times
First lines: In the days when monsters and giants and fairy folk lived in England, a noble knight was riding across a plain. He wore heavy armor and carried an ancient silver shield marked with a Red Cross. It was dented with the blows of many battles fought long ago by other brave knights.
Why I like this book: Who doesn't like stories of a brave knight who fights off a dragon and wins his ladylove? It has all the elements of great story which has not been "dumbed down" for the younger crowd. The acrylic illustrations are gorgeously detailed and flow with the text. To top it all off, the tale has some base in history, which is icing on the cake!
Find resources and activities for St. Georges Day (a British holiday), here and here, and again, here.
The cover is absolutely beautiful. I love retold folklore, especially when it is based on history. Didn't realize it was a British holiday. Thanks for sharing the sites. Great choice today!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat! I, too was attracted to the folklore....and the illustrations!
DeleteWhat a beautiful book! And you're right-- Who doesn't like a book about knights and dragons! I'll have to check this one out! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome...enjoy the read!
DeleteLove that book! Great review.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Thanks, Debbie!
DeleteOh, what great choice, Jarm! I love this story! For some reason I'm not getting to see the cover of this version... probably some weird computer glitch from my somewhat temperamental laptop pal :) But I am definitely glad to have this one added to our list!!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...it seems to be working on my iPad. Sorry about that Susanna. I'm pleased this one will be a welcome addition to our list. It's one of my favorites, too!
DeleteA retelling of the FAERIE QUEENE? I haven't read that since college. I must say I am intrigued.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's what the inside cover indicates. I never read the original, so it's good to have this children's version to enjoy.
DeleteLoooooooove Trina Schart Hyman's work - great pick!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I can't tell which I love more...the story or the illustrations!
DeleteThis is one of my favorite picture books! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Joanne. Mine, too...that's why we own a copy!
DeleteYes! Count me in on one who loves all things Knight and dragons. Sounds like a book I have already. Will have to some hunting. I want to read this book. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you find it, Clare...it's a gem!
DeleteYou can go wrong with dragons! I am putting this on my list!
ReplyDeleteGreat, Penny...I agree!
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