Tuesday 25 February 2014

The Dragon's Dentist by John McLay & Martin Brown (Children's, 5 years +, 10/10E)


6th February 2014, Orion Children's, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Themes: a cranky dragon, an aspiring knight, a faithful steed, unsupportive people, courage, aiming high,
 
Content: oodles of humour, mild peril

Summary from Orion
Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey.

Harry wishes he was a knight. All his family are. So, one morning, as he sits cleaning the shields after a very muddy battle, he decides to do a great deed. He decides to capture Eric the Dragon.

Nayuleska's thoughts 
Confession time: when I read books I don't often think about the author/s and illustrator/s when I start reading. That's why when I thought I recognised the style of illustrations I hastily checked the front cover and realised it was the illustrator of Horrible Histories, Martin Brown! That's why I was in stitches on most pages because the expressions on everyone's face, especially Oats and Harry's are super expressive.

The story itself is rather a clever take on the longstanding dragon vs knight showdown. Sure, people's lack of faith in Harry until the end was predictable, but Harry has tremendous strength and resolve to pursue his dream. It was the small details like there being several well known Erics besides Eric the dragon, the flowers on Harry sister's shield which are at odds with her don't-mess-with-me attitude, and the thoroughness of Harry's preparations which make this an delightful read.

Suggested read
For another knight with a difference story check out Sir Mouse to The Rescue by Dirk Nieland and Marjolen Pottle (Children's, 5 years +, 10E/10E)
 

4 comments:

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