Ned the knight always does exactly what he’s told. When his parents ask him to pick up his toys, dig up the cabbages, or go to bed on time, he does it all with a smile. And when the dragon swoops into town every night, Ned always runs inside just as he’s asked. But one morning Ned says "NO!" He will not help his dad find his shield, his arrow, or his bow, and that night, he refuses to go inside. After a surprising encounter with the dragon, will he change his tune?
On sale: September 3, 2019
Age: 2-5 years
Grade: Up to Kindergarten
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9781536208139
Lucy Rowland works as a speech and language therapist for children. Her experience and passion for her work prompted her to make the leap into writing picture books. When she’s not daydreaming about story ideas, reading A. A. Milne, or thinking up new rhymes, she enjoys backpacking, baking, and long walks on the beach. Lucy Rowland lives in London.
Kate Hindley is a children’s book illustrator living and working in the U.K. She worked as a print designer before illustrating her first book, Claire Freedman’s
The Great Snortle Hunt, which was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Since then, she has illustrated a number of books, including the Smashie McPerter chapter books and
Don't Call Me Choochie Pooh! by Sean Taylor.
Children will relate to Ned's many emotions, and his "yes" and "no" responses in this rhyming story are predictable, allowing them to chime in during read-alouds. Wonderfully detailed village scenes with strong primary colors and geometric designs inspire shape recognition. Dominating her scenes, the fiery-red dragon's posture and often goofy facial expressions soften as she creates a new life with her friend...This emotionally astute tale will strike chords of recognition.
—Kirkus Reviews
It’s a vibrant little world, bright with creative coloring. After storytime, kids will race to the crayon bin to draw their own castles modeled after Hindley’s cleverly geometric designs. A visual treat.
—Booklist Online
