Thomas and the Dragon Queen

Gr 3—5—In this medieval tale, pint-size Thomas, 12, finds that he has been elevated from squire to knight against all odds. To put it simply, he's too young, tiny, and inexperienced for such an important position. He can't even hold a proper sword. Yet the king has requested that he liberate the princess from the clutches of the feared dragon queen: all the big knights are off battling the enemy. Thomas sets off on old Bartholomew the donkey because he's too short for a horse. He learns that he must defeat a monster along the way, one that has sent many a good warrior to his grave. In a quest that is full of peril and adventure, Thomas must face everyone's worst nightmare: Does he have what it takes? This endearing story is both heartwarming and full of surprises. Thomas learns that a boy cannot be judged by his size or his intentions, but by the decisions he makes and the trials he must overcome. What sets this story apart from other knightly tales are the unusual size of the hero, the tools—or lack of tools—he has for fighting evil, and the delightful events awaiting him once he finds the princess. Expressive illustrations, many of them spreads, accompany each chapter. Memorable characters enrich the realm by giving purpose to the hero's ordeal. This is a must-read.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL

Despite his scrawny frame and low birth, Thomas dreams of knighthood. When a visiting knight sees promise in him, Thomas grabs onto each challenge--from taking care of his donkey to rescuing missing Princess Eleanor--with gusto. Wildish's amusing black-and-white drawings jibe well with the rollicking tone of Crum's tale featuring a hero filled with bravery, quick wits, and heart.