The Knight Who Said "No!"

by Lucy Rowland (Author) Kate Hindley (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Ned the knight always does exactly what he's told. When his parents ask him to pick up his toys, dig up the cabbages, or go to bed on time, he does it all with a smile. And when the dragon swoops into town every night, Ned always runs inside just as he's asked. But one morning Ned says "NO!" He will not help his dad find his shield, his arrow, or his bow, and that night, he refuses to go inside. After a surprising encounter with the dragon, will he change his tune?

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Kirkus

Children will relate to Ned's many emotions, and his "yes" and "no" responses in this rhyming story are predictable, allowing them to chime in during read-alouds. Wonderfully detailed village scenes with strong primary colors and geometric designs inspire shape recognition. Dominating her scenes, the fiery-red dragon's posture and often goofy facial expressions soften as she creates a new life with her friend...This emotionally astute tale will strike chords of recognition.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--Ned is a tiny knight with a lot on his plate. As the only child in the whole village, Ned helps all the adults with various tasks such as picking cabbages and getting firewood. He is always accommodating and ready to pitch in. Until one day, when Ned has finally had enough. Instead of a helpful 'YES!' to any request, his answer is now an emphatic 'NO!' Meanwhile, the red dragon who threatens the town every evening has also reached her breaking point. Lonely and tired of roaring, the dragon and Ned both recognize that they are kindred spirits. Kindness and empathy spark a lasting bond and Ned finds it much more fun to share chores with a friend. While the importance of friendship is clear, subtler messages are less so. It's not clear if Ned's disobedience is intended to be negative (plain old disrespect and temper), or whether it is actually a positive (a demonstration of personal boundaries when all the adults, including Ned's parent, seem to be taking advantage of the little imp). Ned's anger and resentment seem to arise from his extreme loneliness, but as that isn't clearly stated, the message may be aided by a discussion of healthy emotional expression. The illustrations are lively and colorful. Ned is adorable in his jaunty feathered helm and pint-sized gauntlets. Colorful spreads present myriad details ready for discovery. VERDICT An enjoyable medieval romp toward a fortuitous friendship.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Lucy Rowland
Lucy Rowland is an award-winning picture book author and a children's speech and language therapist. She is the author of Rapunzel to the Rescue, illustrated by Katy Halford, Unicorns Don't Love Sparkles, illustrated by Mike Byrne, and the No Such Thing series, illustrated by Katy Halford. She lives in Gloucestershire, England, with her husband and son.

Katy Halford is the illustrator of several books for young children, including Naughty Narwhal by Emma Adams, Noodle the Doodle by Jonathan Meres, and Rapunzel to the Rescue by Lucy Rowland. As a child she would create paper houses and shops and would play for hours in these imaginary worlds, creating little stories and acting them out. Katy lives in Leicestershire, England.

Classification
-
ISBN-13
9781536208139
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
September 03, 2019
Series
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BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV002270 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical
Library of Congress categories
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