There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight

We've all heard enough of the old lady who swallowed, well, everything! That, however, was before I found There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight (2015) written by Penny Parker Klostermann and illustrated by Ben Mantle. While the premise of the book follows a well used writing formula, the illustrations and the changes the author makes to that formula (plus a fun twist at the end!) give There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight a fresh feel. As a well read reader, I was delightfully surprised with the ending.


There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight is a fun science fiction picture book about a dragon. The dragon just happens to be hungry and eats a knight. Then the dragon has to take care of the knight's horse. And then... Well, then he goes on to swallow a squire, a cook, a lady (princess, perhaps?), a castle and a moat. All the dragon really wanted, though, was the knight! So he takes matters into his own hand and rectifies the situation in an unusual manner.

I may be reading this fun story soon to my own class of kindergartners. This would be an excellent picture book to introduce cause and effect since it tells us why he ate the horse and all the other things he ate. There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight would also be a great story to use to work on sequencing. A picture chart would probably be a fun activity for my kindergartners, placing the pictures of eaten 'items' in the order of when they got eaten!

I highly suggest this fun read. When you do read it, be sure to share it with your own young students!

Hot Rod Hamster Monster Truck Mania!

There are two reasons I picked up this book to review. The first is Cynthia Lord. I've read her books with my Battle of the Book students, and enjoyed every one of them. The second reason is the truck with the big tires. It feeds into my slight redneck tendencies that I sometimes exhibit.

Anyway, Hot Rod Hamster Monster Truck Mania! (2014), written by Cynthia Lord and illustrated by Derek Anderson, is a terrific picture book to read to young children. The book is all about a dog and hamster (all the characters are animals) going to the fair together. Hamster wants to go bigger and more thrilling with each ride. Dog, however, doesn't seem to appreciate the faster, scarier rides that Hamster is constantly seeking out. As they stroll through the fair and ride the rides, Hamster lucks upon the last 'ride' -- the ride that gives him his nickname, Hot Rod Hamster. This comes as a complete surprise to dog.

I've always enjoyed rhyming books and feel that rhyming structures are good for younger children. The best part of this book, however, is that it asks questions. That give young readers a chance to interact with the book, telling which ride, car or treat they would choose. The only problem I have with the book is that there are many character speaking balloons that don't rhyme or flow with the rhyming text. That breaks the rhythm of the story.

Regardless, I feel certain that the kindergartners I'll be working with this year will be hearing me read about the adventures of Hot Rod Hamster! Vrrooommm!