by Holly Black (Author) Ebony Glenn (Illustrator)
Full of humor, drama, and adventure, this retelling of a little-known figure of Arthurian Legend, co-written by friends Kaliis Smith and #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black, is perfect for any knight in training.
Prince Morien was brave and clever and true... The brave North African knight Morien is on a quest to find his father, who had set off on an adventure of his own and never returned. But every knight he meets wants to fight! At first, Morien is determined to best them all, until he meets some knights willing to quest with him. Together, they discover not only the importance of friendship, but also Morien's long-lost father!
WorldCat is the world's largest library catalog, helping you find library materials online.
This mythical retelling from Black (Doll Bones) and Smith (Finger and Thumb, for adults), a double authorial picture book debut, has all the jaunty verve of a contemporary Disney animated feature. Crisp, saturated digital art by Glenn (Flying High) portrays Sir Morien as both hunky and heroic. He lives in northern Africa with his princess mother, and the two take up the questing life: "They tamed a dragon in Timbuktu. They surfed with crocodiles on the Nile and vanquished every last vegetable on the dinner table." Journeying to England to track down his father, Morien's search comes up short. He finds "Nada. Zip. Zilch" in the way of filial leads, defeats everyone he encounters, misses his mom, and hates the local food. But an initially hostile Welsh countryside meetup with Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot turns salutatory: recognizing they are equals in battle, they become "a great questing team," together rescuing both Morien's dad and King Arthur from a castle prison. The story moves at a gallop and understands readers' budding sense of irreverence: "NO ONE BEAT ANYONE," says an exasperated Gawain after yet another squabbling among the pals. "IT WAS A TIE." Sir Morien and his mother are portrayed with brown skin; the remaining knights are pale-skinned. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.