King Jack and the Dragon

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."