August 1, 2006
Gr 3-5 -Digory is the laughingstock of Batty-by-Noodle because he prefers singing and exploring to fighting. When he returns from a stroll with a dragon -s tooth stuck in his hat, the villagers assume that he killed the creature to get it. The neighborhood squire is so impressed with the boy -s apparent valor that he immediately dubs him a knight and sends him off into the world to perform heroic deeds and find a princess to marry -undertakings that Digory would prefer to avoid. During his travels, he stops off at the castle of King Widget to inquire if there are any knightly tasks that need doing. While he is making himself useful around the keep, he meets Princess Enid, who shares his fondness for poetry, songs, and expeditions. When the King offers him a permanent place, Digory is elated -until he learns that he -ll have to slay the local dragon first. In this affectionate send-up of heroic fantasy, Digory is a reluctant knight who gamely tries to live up to the role of dauntless hero, while Enid is a refreshingly independent princess. The amusing black-and-white drawings add to the mock-medieval fun. The lighthearted plot and the strong underlying message about courage and individuality make this a good choice for fantasy fans." -Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2006
A series of misadventures gives introspective outcast Digory a reputation as a dragon slayer, which leads to his being knighted and befriending a princess. When Digory is sent to kill a real dragon, will he be up to the task? The humorous twist on familiar fairy-tale stereotypes, including the roles of Digory's parents and the absent-minded king, add humor to the predictable story.
(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)