King Jack and the Dragon Synopsis
Night is falling, bedtime is looming and playtime is nearly over ...but brave King Jack is more than a match for dragons and terrible beasties. This magical make-believe adventure, illustrated by picture book star Helen Oxenbury, is the perfect bedtime tale for little boys and brave children everywhere.
Helen Oxenbury says: "I read many texts each year and I know immediately whether I would like to illustrate them or not. King Jack was one of those instant decisions. Strong characters and a good romping story line that includes humour, adventure, fear, uncertainty, and finally, relief, comfort and security - what more could a young person ask for in a story? What more could I ask for! Peter Bently very kindly left me to illustrate his lovely story in my own way.”
Peter Bently adds: "The book was inspired by my own son Theo, who is the real "King Jack" of the story. He and his friends and his little sister Tara used to make dens in the garden and even tried sleeping out in them - with varying degrees of success! Like Jack, he often found the prospect a little less appealing once darkness had fallen and all the familiar human daytime noises had given way to the rustlings and scuttlings and squawkings of the night. Helen Oxenbury's wonderful illustrations literally drew gasps of delight when my family first saw them. They convey all the charm, innocence and imagination of childhood, and King Jack and his friends are beautifully characterised."
About This Edition
ISBN: |
9780141327594 |
Publication date: |
1st September 2011 |
Author: |
Peter Bently |
Publisher: |
Puffin Books an imprint of Penguin Books Ltd |
Format: |
Hardback |
Suitable For: |
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Other Genres: |
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Recommendations: |
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Peter Bently Press Reviews
'..this rhyming story perfectly captures the sheer energy of unsupervised play and also how quickly the mood can change. The gentle, reassuring tone coupled with Oxenbury’s gorgeously expressive illustrations make it perfect for bedtime.' Sally Morris, Mail Online
About Peter Bently
A World Book Day Author 2019
Peter Bently grew up in an army family and went to ten different schools. He studied languages at Oxford and worked as a journalist and non-fiction book editor before becoming a children's author when his own two children were very small. He is the author of more than sixty books, including King Jack and the Dragon (illustrated by Helen Oxenbury), an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
More About Peter Bently