Monday, August 3, 2015

THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT

     I have never net Penny Parker Klostermann in person. But I consider her a friend. Why? We belong to several of the same online writing groups, and the writing process is such an intimate one that it engenders feelings of camaraderie that I don't feel in other online relationships.
    My thumbs up for the title today, however, isn't because of any relationship.
     Enjoy this book because it's good fun.

Title: There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight
Author: Penny Parker Klostermann
Illustrator: Ben Mantle
Publisher: Random House
Intended Age: 3-7
Themes: Humor, Gluttony

Opening Line: There was an old dragon who swallowed a knight.
                        I don't know why he swallowed the knight.

Synopsis: A dragon swallows a succession of people and items in this cumulative tale following the structure of "There was an old woman who swallowed a fly."

Why I like this book: The rhyming text is smart and snappy. A great read-along with the refrain: "It's not polite!" The illustrations provide a cutaway view inside the dragon as each new person lands atop the others. While some younger ones may feel sorry for the knight, the illustrator cleverly provided ample warnings to him, so it feels as if the knight got what was coming to him. And all the while the faithful steed keeps "clippity, clippity" clopping--even across the endpapers.
Warning signs aplenty!

Resources/Activities: Random House provided an activity guide.
Susanna Leonard Hill reviewed this book before release in a special Perfect Picture Book Friday post.


Note: I received a review copy from Random House in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thanks for stopping by! I love to know what you think of my selections.

5 comments:

  1. Such a fun story! I know how much thought and care Penny puts into her writing, and I can't wait to see the finished product.

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    1. You are right, Carrie! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  2. Oooh, what fun to get an early preview of Penny's book! I am so looking forward to it.

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    1. Her language and Ben's deft touch make a ravenous dragon cute!

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  3. Thanks so much for your review, Wendy. I'm so glad you liked it!

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