Synopsis
At last, here is a picture book about the Good Knight and his three little dragon friends, the stars of Dutton's best-loved Easy Readers. The old wizard has asked the dragons to take care of his cats for a few days. There's just one problem: they can't read the wizard's instructions! The dragons make their best guesses. They take the cats swimming and camping, with hilarious results. Of course, it's up to the Good Knight to come to the rescue in his funniest outing yet.
Good Night, Good Knight was an ALA Notable Book and a Booklist Top 10 Easy Reader, among other honors.
About the Author: Shelley Moore Thomas lives in California.
Paul Meisel lives in Connecticut.
Children's Literature
Three happy little dragons are asked by their friend, an old, old wizard, to take care of his cats while he goes away for a few days. Since their good friend, the Good Knight, has told them that it is good to do good deeds, they are glad to do so. The wizard gives them his key and leaves them instructions. Unfortunately, they cannot read. Going only by the pictures, they take the cats for a swim instead of giving them fresh water. Of course, the cats are not happy. Then they put the cats in the cupboard instead of giving them the food in there. The thirsty, hungry, angry cats are then taken camping instead of being put to bed. Finally, the Good Knight, who has been puzzled by the supposed "instructions," sets everything right, then gives them a book about learning to read. The text offers an amusing lesson with puns included. The double-page watercolors are filled with cartoon-y dragons, cats, forests, lakes, and fairy-tale characters. The cats' antics resulting from the dragons' misunderstandings are particularly laughter-provoking.