Digory the Dragon Slayer [Library Binding]

Angela McAllister (Author), Ian Beck (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2006 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Digory is an ordinary, quiet, dreamy and gentle boy. He likes playing his lute, singing songs and picnicking in the forest - quite unlike all the other boys in his village of Batty-by-Noodle. When he stumbles upon a large tooth while poking about in the sticks and nonchalantly tucks it in his hat, little does he suspect the awesome welcome he will get on his return to the village that day. Hailed as a hero for slaying a dragon (which, as we know, he never did) and hurriedly knighted for his courageous act, Digory is sent off on his deaf horse, Barley, to be a chivalrous knight and perform chivalrous deeds. Digory is not really a dragon slayer but, in spite of this fact, will he be able to live up to his name, save the day and the damsel of his dreams?

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5–Digory is the laughingstock of Batty-by-Noodle because he prefers singing and exploring to fighting. When he returns from a stroll with a dragon's tooth stuck in his hat, the villagers assume that he killed the creature to get it. The neighborhood squire is so impressed with the boy's apparent valor that he immediately dubs him a knight and sends him off into the world to perform heroic deeds and find a princess to marry–undertakings that Digory would prefer to avoid. During his travels, he stops off at the castle of King Widget to inquire if there are any knightly tasks that need doing. While he is making himself useful around the keep, he meets Princess Enid, who shares his fondness for poetry, songs, and expeditions. When the King offers him a permanent place, Digory is elated–until he learns that he'll have to slay the local dragon first. In this affectionate send-up of heroic fantasy, Digory is a reluctant knight who gamely tries to live up to the role of dauntless hero, while Enid is a refreshingly independent princess. The amusing black-and-white drawings add to the mock-medieval fun. The lighthearted plot and the strong underlying message about courage and individuality make this a good choice for fantasy fans.–Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Angela McAllister is the author of several picture books on the Bloomsbury list including the irrepressible Be Good Gordon. She lives in Hampshire. Ian Beck started work as a freelance designer and illustrator for consumer magazines and newspapers. He has designed album covers including Sir Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. Ian is well known for illustrating many wonderful and familiar nursery rhymes as well as winning gold with three of his books in the Right Start Magazine Best Toy Awards. His first novel for children 'The Secret History of Thomas Trueheart' will be published by OUP in Spring 2006. He is a fantastic addition to the Bloomsbury Children's list. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Library Binding
• Publisher: San Val (May 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417752785
• ISBN-13: 978-1417752782
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Digory finds himself in trouble and out of his depth in this engaging tale, September 14, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digory the Dragon Slayer (Paperback)

Nothing much ever happens to Digory during his forest walks until one day he finds a dragon's tooth, prompting the village to think he is a dragon slayer. When he's made a knight and sent to search other dragons to slay, Digory finds himself in trouble and out of his depth in this engaging tale.