The Lovereading4Kids comment
Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2013 Award winning illustrator Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations brilliantly capture the rich childhood imagination of this exciting and brave adventure starring knights and dragons and all kinds of scary monsters. Brave King Jack and his friends Zak and the baby Caspar build a mighty fort complete with throne, flag and draw bridge. They need to keep safe; giants are prowling outside and there are monstrously frightening great beasts in the woods...A glorious celebration of the joy of imaginative play.
Synopsis
King Jack and the Dragon by Peter Bently
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."
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 the Author
Other Formats
Book Info
Format
Paperback
32 pages
Interest Age: From 2
Author
Peter Bently
More books by Peter Bently
Author's Website
Publisher
Puffin an imprint of Penguin Books Ltd
Publication date
5th July 2012
ISBN
9780141328010
Categories
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