Children should be encouraged to read from a very young age, whether that is being read a bedtime story, shared reading or independent reading in the form of picture books progressing to chapter books. Picture books are generally bright, engaging and lots of fun whilst being short enough to keep younger readers attention and encouraging reading and language skills. The illustrations in these books not only look great but help children to understand what they are reading with visual prompts. At What’s Good To Read we are a big fans of Maverick Books and have been reading their picture and chapter books for a few years, they have some great authors within their stable, so we always look forward to one of their new books arriving. This time we received The Knight Who Might by one of my favourite children’s book authors, Lou Treleaven.
The Knight Who Might is a tale of never giving up and having a positive attitude, even when others are convinced you will fail.
The Knight Who Might desperately wants to be a knight but even with his magic horse, his magic sword and his magic helmet he never quite gets there. But The Knight Who Might is not one for giving up and perseveres, not letting falling off his horse, being able to use his sword to any great effect or even when he puts his magic helmet on backwards put him off. Whilst he is convinced he will become a knight, his magic items talk amongst themselves deciding that he will never achieve his goal.
So The Knight Who Might enters a knight competition with the belief and self-confidence that he can win, despite his magic items being less than supportive and convinced that he has no chance.
Becoming a knight is hard work and when he starts to lose faith in himself his magic horse, sword and helmet join forces to spur him on, but can he win and finally become a knight?
Overall, The Knight Who Might is a delightful story of never giving up trying to achieve your goals. With self-belief, a positive attitude and support you might just get there. And even if you don’t reach where you want to be, bravery, perseverance, trying hard and support from friends will always make you a winner.
Lou Trevelean has a great way of getting across her messages in a fun and entertaining way. Featuring clumsy knights, magic horses, swords and helmets that talk and a positive try hard attitude make The Knight Who Might an excellent story for bedtime reading or even for teachers to use in a storytime setting.
It has some beautiful illustrations by Kyle Beckett to really bring the story to life. Bold, bright and funny they really engage the reader.
The Knight Who Might is an excellent laugh out loud story that children will enjoy and take away a good message from. Whether you want to be a knight, author or something else, never give up – you may not get there but without trying and perseverance you will never find out but will feel much better for trying.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit maverickbooks.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
