Knighthood for Beginners (Elys Dolan Illustrated Chapter Books)

by Elys Dolan

Brilliant new young fiction from comedy genius, Elys Dolan, creator of Steven Seagull, Weasels, and Nuts in Space.
High in the mountains are the Dragon Caves, and inside the deepest, darkest dragon cave, lives the most terrible dragon. And his name is Dave.
Dave's terrible (as in rubbish) at all dragony things. So when he finds a book called Knighthood for Beginners he decides to learn how to be a knight instead.
Dave sets out on a quest with his trusty steed, Albrecht the goat (all the best horses were taken), to be brave, chivalrous, and knightly in all ways. He'll be up against Sir Gnasty, who scoffs at the idea of a very small, strangely green knight and has an absolutely massive sword.
Hilarious fiction for young readers and fans of dragons, knights, and quests!

• ISBN10: 0192746022
• ISBN13: 9780192746023
• Publish Date: 1 June 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Oxford University Press
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 208
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Knighthood for Beginners is an illustrated chapter book aimed at middle grade readers. First published in 2017, this re-release is due out 2nd July 2019 from Silver Dolphin. It's 208 pages and will be available in ebook and paperback formats.

This is an exuberantly appealing book. There are many genuinely funny moments and I really loved Small Dragon Dave and his feisty sidekick Albrecht the Goat. The author/artist Elys Dolan has a deft and sure hand with both narrative and illustration. There is a rollicking farcical quality to the narrative, but she manages to include themes of friendship, honesty, integrity, cooperation, and not least, being true to oneself. Just a wonderfully funny, uplifting, and happy book.

The inclusion of the epilogue at the end of the book with illustrated "where are they now" sidebars, and adverts just slayed me. What a wonderful imagination and sense of humour the author has!

This would be a superlative reading circle book or read-along. There is limitless potential for funny voices and sound effects whilst reading this one aloud. It would make a wonderful library book or gift for a bookish 7-11+ year old.

Five stars. I adored this book.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.