Summer heat has finally given way to autumn chill--perfect book reading weather! If you liked THE SNATCHABOOK, you'll be excited to know that the author/illustrator team has a new book.
Author: Helen Docherty
Illustrator: Thomas Docherty
Publisher: Sourcebooks, September, 2016
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Books, being true to yourself, dragons
Opening Line: "Leo was a gentle knight in thought and word and deed.
While other knights liked fighting, Leo liked to sit and read."
Synopsis: When Mom and Dad send Leo off to fight a dragon, Leo uses his own special talent instead.
What I like about this book: Children can't read too many books about nonviolent resolution. And this book adds the element of standing up to parental expectations. I'm a fan of Thomas Docherty's loose illustration style, where simple changes in the characters' eyes carry the emotion. And "trusty steed" Ned adds an unspoken wink of humor throughout the spreads. The story doesn't feel entirely new in the sense that books are a way to resolve issues, but the way Leo appeals to the "baddies" sense of vanity kept me smiling.
Resources/Activities:
- The publisher provides a 12-page educator guide at sourcebooks.com/library
- Read THE SNATCHABOOK with this one. How is the art similar? How is the story similar?
- Read this book with Mark Sperring's THE SUNFLOWER SWORD. Talk about nonviolent ways to resolve disagreements
- Read this book with Oliver Jeffers A CHILD OF BOOKS. Discuss which you prefer and why.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week.
This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Note: My review is based on a Folded and Gathered review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest
review. No other compensation was received.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade
Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Indeed I am a SNATCHABOOK fan, so intrigued to see what this book offers! Thanks for an early peek and great links.
ReplyDeleteI hoe you enjoy it!
DeleteI love the hopeful look in the dragon's eyes on the cover, so I know I'm going to be enchanted by all the illustrations that follow. A story of a knight who approaches life in his own way intrigues me. I'm looking forward to reading this tale.
ReplyDeleteHe is a nice, if rather messy dragon!
DeleteHow I agree that it is great for children in our worn torn world to see that there are other solutions to conflict besides violence.
ReplyDeleteThis shouldn't be something kids need--but it is.
DeleteSuch a great cover! I really love books that promote nonviolent solutions to conflicts! Really great share. Have you read the PB "Playing War." Think you'd really like it.
ReplyDeleteAdding your review of Playing War here! https://childrensbooksheal.com/2012/03/09/playing-war-perfect-picture-book/
DeleteHaven't seen it yet but it sounds like one to pair with this one and Sunflower Sword.
Is Leo a mouse? He's so cute! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHe IS a mouse! A whole kingdom of them. :)
DeleteSure do love this one, Wendy! The opening rhyme made me smile...and your activities/resources are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vivian! (I love the word fabulous :) )
DeleteWhat cute expressions these characters have. I love the illustrated cover and the rhyming story sounds adorable. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane! The blues and oranges on the cover are striking in contrast.
DeleteOh! The cover art is so cute - I just HAVE to get my hands on this one. Reading is such a useful weapon - er, skill - that can be used to break down barriers.
ReplyDeleteIf reading is a weapon, I'm supporting defense spending. ;)
DeleteThis book sounds awesome! :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun one (look for the dragon poop!)
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