Knights in Training

The Brave Young Knight, by Karen Kingsbury, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard.  Zonderkidz, 2011.  Age/interest level, 4-7

In the spirit of Will, God’s Mighty Warrior, here’s another picture book for encouraging manly virtue in young boys.  The Brave Young Knight (no name) lives in the west village of the kingdom where he enjoys a good reputation.  Villagers expect him to do them proud: “He could run like the wind, carry a  dog under each arm, and solve the toughest puzzles.”  The King, who is apparently sonless, announces a contest to determine the fastest, strongest, and smartest young knight to be named his sucessor.  The BYK doubts he excells in all these things, but his father counsels him to “Ask God, and he will give you speed [strength, intellect].”  This comports with Ps. 25:4-5, the book’s inscription: “Show me your ways, O God . . .”  When the BYK and the other knights (from east, north, and south villages) compete, the others win every contest, but they do it by stealing, cheating, and lying.   The King takes notice, and the BYK wins for his honesty.

Nice lesson and attractive pictures, but might have been stronger if the other knights had won their events fair and square and one of them were chosen the King’s successor.  Before the final result is announced, the BYK comes to terms with losing because he knows his father loves him–a theme that’s rather undercut by the ending.  Little boys and girls are bound to lose something along the road of growing up.  Consoling ourselves with our virtues (e.g., At least I didn’t cheat!)  is small comfort, and slips as easily as breathing into pride.  But knowing our Father loves us will help sustain a lifetime of bruises and scrapes.

Also, he doesn’t do anything particularly brave . . . But that’s just me carping.

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