Using witty rhyming text and a similar soft and comforting colour palette to the one used in The Snatchabook, The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight carries a strong message not only about the importance of reading, but also the power of reading and stories and how it makes us better people, people who choose reaching out over fighting, using references to mythical and traditional “baddies” to illustrate this in a way that children will understand. This might seem a romanticized, ideologized view of reading to some and I am sure many of the blood-thirsty dictators this world has suffered over the centuries loved books and reading, but the point of such a story is to show the wonderful possibilities that reading and sharing stories can bring us. Writing a picturebook aimed at preschoolers that shows that reading and loving stories makes you better at school, or gets you a better a job might work very well, but the best way to convey such messages is to confront them within a safe and entertaining terrain with themes they will understand and want to relate to (such as a being brave), and The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight manages to do just that, conveying big ideas in a setting that is exciting and appealing for the targeted audience. Leo, the main character, is a pacifist bookworm (love him) whose parents want him to be a knight. All he wants to do is read (I get it, Leo. Here too).

Leo the mouse isn’t like other knights, he’d rather read a book than fight, much to his parents’ despair. So when an opportunity to tame a dragon arises, his parents volunteer him, hoping this is his chance to change his mind and become a ‘real’ knight. Leo reluctantly takes the challenge and along the way meets other scary creatures who need his help. Leo uses his most powerful weapon to tame them, his books, and the power of stories.Thomas Docherty’s illustrations are gorgeous – cute animals and magnificent mythical creatures. There’s lots of lovely detail too; I particularly like the breakfast table scene where the light is streaming through the stained glass windows. Next, Leo arrives in a town where a dragon has been wreaking havoc and the townsfolk are too afraid to leave their homes. The dragon spies Leo and squares up for a fight. Leo tames him and gets him to tidy up the town by – you guessed it – promising to read him a story. And, of course, the best part – in my opinion – is that the Knight doesn’t fight but instead encourages the beasts he encounters to read. And I think that is absolutely wonderful. Because in this age where technology is running fast, it’s good to remind children that a good book is also good entertainment. Plus, it’s funny because the children are reading about reading! Leo finally finds the Dragon, and it is fierce and enormous! It's true that Leo needs to read the dragons' storybook six times, but the Dragon not only quits fighting, he also helps to clean up all the mess he left in the town. The story is told in verse; the rhymes and lovely bouncy rhythm make it a delight to read aloud. There’s a warmth and gentle humour to the text too. Oh, and the dragon poo line made me laugh out loud!

The use of light is also quite striking in the book; we know how important light is in making children feel safe at night-time. In both concluding spreads of The Snatchabook and The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight, the radiance and warmth of light against darkness of the night surrounding the characters are used beautifully to convey the sense of contentment and sanctuary that reading brings: The story is told in rhyme, which I always love as I feel it engages the children more in the story. My four year old was captivated. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. For older students (KS2), hereis an idea for a writing workshop based on the story of The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight. The Storybook Knight is about a little mouse knight. However, is he isn't what you normally think of when you think of a knight. He is not much of a fighter, he is more of a reader (much to his parents dismay). So one day, his parents find an ad looking for a knight to tame a dragon and they send their son off!All in all this is a beautiful book with a magnificent and educational story trapped inside. Well worth a read and one I think adults and children will definitely enjoy together and apart. I really like how this book doesn't condone that you need to fight to be brave and to solve your problems. That you can use a book (and your smarts) and find a solution. Also, I like that it shows that books bring people (or creatures!) together! I adored the message this book gives young readers. It also let's them know there is nothing wrong with having your nose in a book. Leo's experience with his parents is something all book lovers have faced at one time or another. The Storybook Knight reminds us it is ok to be you, to do things different and above all to love reading. The rhyming text, which makes for a lovely read aloud, is where readers will find the overt messages about why reading and sharing stories is so important, but the artwork is where the covert, latent messages will be found. Two types of such messages are particularly striking in The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight: images of closeness when reading and the use of light at nighttime. Both of these are vital to children in the preschool years, both convey safety and comfort to them.

Oh man. If you are unfamiliar with the Docherty duo, get yourself acquainted now! They have to be one of the most adorable and extremely talented (and amazing) team ever. Ever! I have been completely enchanted with everything they produce since I stumbled across The Snatchabook on Netgalley a few years ago.

Closeness with a loved one when reading, also known as joint attention reading, not only brings comfort, it also helps children learn. This is emphasised greatly within the visual narrative by the fact that those Leo is joint reading with are supposedly scary beasts, highlighting further the transformative powers of book sharing. It might be because I am a huge bookworm myself, but it could also be because the artwork is gorgeous and that I really enjoyed the story itself too. And the artwork...it is gorgeous! So beautifully done. It is bright without being over whelming and it is a lot of fun to look at. It has a watercolor and ink quality to it and is just gorgeous. It really adds to the story. One day his parents send him to tame a scary dragon, armed with a shield and a sword. Leo loads lots of books too. In his way he crosses paths with a Griffin and a Troll, and both surrender to the storybooks smartly chosen by Leo, that have them as main characters. Leo is only small but has a very powerful weapon, words! And this lovely tale follows him on his mission of peace.

The Storybook Knight was written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty. It shares the story of a young gentle knight named Leo who is kind to creatures and prefers reading to any other activity.This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. One morning, Leo’s parents said They’d like to have a chat. There was nothing wrong with reading, But he couldn’t just do that! They’d seen a lovely advert