slaying dragons
Filed Under Stuff | August 18, 2009
Every day your kids go forth and slay dragons. Everything from starting school or daycare, to trying new foods, to learning to ride a bike is a feat of courage for kids, so we’ve assembled a list of books about knights and dragons to give them a boost as they bravely venture out to discover the world around them:
The Bravest Knight by Mercer Mayer
This reissued comic gem features a brave boy who apprentices to a good knight. With a faithful cat by their side, the duo fights evil dragons, a giant troll and bad knights.
Saint George and the Dragon retold by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
This is the classic legend of the young knight who had never faced a foe and did not know his own birthright but had the courage to slay a terrible dragon. The knight became England’s patron saint thanks to his bravery and a liberal dose of luck. With lyrical text based on Edmund Spenser’s epic poem The Faerie Queene and gorgeous illustrations, this is a book not to be missed.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Almost everyone in Canada know this feminist classic about young Elizabeth who rescues her beloved from a fire-spewing dragon only to decide that the ungrateful prince isn’t worthy of her affection. Fans will want to seek out the 25th anniversary edition which tells the story behind the story.
The Reluctant Dragon by Kenneth Grahame, illustrated by Inga Moore
Originally published in 1898, by the author of The Wind in the Willows, the text is long and a bit much for the preschool set. Do keep it in mind for a later birthday as the truly magnificent illustrations and the timeless tale of a poetry-loving, peace-embracing dragon who wins over a village by staging a mock battle with legendary Saint George are enchanting.
Helen Moore is a children’s librarian who is the past Chair of the Canadian Library Association Amelia Picture Book Award. She loves to bring home books from any library to share with her two young sons, ages two and four.
One Response to “slaying dragons”
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
Hello Helen, I am an Elementary School Teacher and I have recently published my first children’s story: Things We Should All Know About Dragons. The book is availeable at the website I provided as well as on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.
This is a book aimed at presenting dragons as friendly and positive and I believe your children will enjoy it immensely!
I would be most grateful if you would investigate this book!
Warm regards,
Leonard Ericks