Synopsis
When Leo's mom and dad send him off to fight a dragon, he takes a shield, a sword—and a pile of his favorite books. But can a story be as mighty as a sword?- ★★★★★
- ★★★★☆
- ★★★★☆
- ★★★★☆
- Why do you think Leo was different “in thought and word and deed”? Do you think reading and knowledge could affect your character?
- Discuss how Leo set out to tame the dragon even though he didn’t wish to do so. On his way, he could have found a nice spot to sit and read books all day but instead followed through with what his parents asked him to do.
- When Leo faces the griffin, why does he marvel at it instead of fear it? How did he know what a griffin was? Is it possible that Leo could have been afraid of the griffin had he not read about them? Can knowledge help remove fears? How?
- How does Leo know how to handle the troll? Leo is able to think quickly to remove himself from danger. Do you think reading helps with being able to think quickly in sticky situations?
- As he leaves each ‘monster’, what does he do? Generously leaves behind a parting gift.
- Do you think the ‘monsters’ changed after their visit with the Story Book Knight?
- How can a story be as mighty as a sword? Removes fears of the unknown, helps build connections, and deepens understanding of others.
Mindful Muslim Review
From the authors of The Snatchabook, this delightful story shows how a knight’s love of reading gives him strength when facing frightful encounters. It is not his use of the sword, rather his quick thinking and knowledge obtained from books, that allows him to be able to handle with ease each of the creatures he had never previously encountered. This story teaches children the importance of reading, seeking knowledge, and learning to appreciate differences, while connecting and finding common ground with one another.
Teaching Tools
Genres: Fantasy, General Fiction
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
*This review applies only to ISBN number noted above.