The Storybook Knight

Written by Helen Docherty · Illustrated by Thomas Docherty

A knight is sent on a quest to tame a dragon, but instead of fighting, he uses his love of reading to solve problems and make friends.

5.9/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,193 ratings

32 pages· 683 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Leo, a gentle knight who prefers books over battles, is sent to confront a dragon. Armed with a shield, sword, and his favorite tales, Leo faces a challenge: can the power of stories triumph over might? As he embarks on this adventure, Leo discovers that even dragons might be captivated by a good story. Will his love for reading prove to be the ultimate weapon? Dive into this enchanting tale where bravery and imagination collide, and find out if stories can indeed conquer all.

"Leo was a gentle knight in thought and word and deed. While other knights liked fighting, Leo liked to sit and read."

— from the book

From the publisher

Even dragons love a good story…

Leo was a gentle knight

in thought and word and deed.

While other knights liked fighting,

Leo liked to sit and read…

When Leo’s mom and dad pack 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?

At a glance

Format
Pages: 32
Words: 683
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD550L

Themes & topics

Books about knights Books about kindness Books about dragons Books about books and reading Books about books and libraries

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

He doesn't have to fight at all.
He's left in peace - to read

One morning, Leo's parents said
They'd like to have a chat

How about a story
With some pictures of you in it?

Good to know

Stories behind the story

What inspired Helen to write The Storybook Knight?

Tom (Thomas Docherty) came up the idea of a knight who doesn’t want to fight, and he passed it on to me develop the story. Being a bit of a bookworm, I decided to give our knight, Leo, a similar passion, and to tame the fearsome creatures he meets with stories instead. I thought it would be funny to give him pushy parents who aren’t too comfortable with the fact that their only son is into books rather than more ‘manly’ pursuits like fighting...so they decide to send him off a quest to tame a dragon. But of course, they are eventually won over once they see how effective his strategy is!

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.9

out of 7

6.5

“Told in perfect rhyme and gorgeously illustrated, this is a fantastic book about a young knight who draws on street smarts, common courtesy, books and a little kindness to brave the monsters he encounters, rather than fighting. I really like that he goes about what his parents ask him to do (even though it's not to his taste!) with his own unique style and that his parents, in turn, are able to embrace his preferences as he demonstrates their true value. Books and reading can indeed be a powerful weapon and tool!”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one