Knights in Shining Armor [Paperback]

Gail Gibbons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1998 | Grade Level: P and up

A look at the life of knights in the Middle Ages and a collection of tales about their adventures.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3?A look at knighthood presented in a captivating yet understandable form for young readers. Gibbons explains the era, feudal system, castle configuration, weapons, armor, chivalry, tournaments, as well as the process for becoming a knight. The text flows smoothly and naturally for such a grand scope, making this an ideal overview for beginning researchers. Blocked, concise narratives and appropriate labeling are incorporated unobtrusively into the large, horizontal, often double-page watercolor-and-pen illustrations, allowing for group sharing. Pictorial appendixes featuring King Arthur and his knights and dragon legends invite more extensive research. A shining example of the type of nonfiction that Gibbons does so well.?Claudia Cooper, Ft. Stockton Independent School District, TX
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 4^-8. Like dinosaurs, knights, with their castles, horses, armor, and weaponry, have always been a source of fascination for children, but they haven't been explored much in books at the preschool and primary level. Gibbons gives kids the information they crave--beginning with the when and the why knights wore armor. She covers tournaments, chivalry, and what happened when a bad knight was caught. Legendary knights such as Sir Gawain and the knights of the Round Table are briefly described, as is St. George and the dragon, and Gibbons also discusses present-day knights. The watercolor-and-ink pictures are some of Gibbons' liveliest and most attractive: there's plenty of fighting, decorative clothing and heraldry, and clear labels pointing out the parts of a castle and the names of the armor pieces. Children won't want to surrender this book, so buy multiple copies. Susan Dove Lempke --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316300381
• ISBN-13: 978-0316300384
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.2 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Explore the World > Europe
  • #25 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Medieval
  • #36 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Action & Adventure

More About the Author

Gail Gibbons has published close to fifty distinguished nonfiction titles with Holiday House. According to "The Washington Post," "Gail Gibbons has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator." She lives in Vermont. Her website is www.gailgibbons.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knights in Shining Armor, October 23, 2000

By 

I M gibbons (hartwell, ga USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knights in Shining Armor (Paperback)

As an heraldic artist for over 40 years and with grandchildren becoming interested in ALL things, I found this book very helpful in passing on my interests. It has helped them to become intrigued with the Knights of the Roundtable and their play now includes slaying dragons and rescuing fair maidens.They also have started asking about the various insignia in all my books on heraldry.

The illustrations brought to life the costumes and customs of the era. The story was written simply so that any young child could readily understand what the author was saying.

Thanks to Gail Gibbons for such an interesting way for children to learn.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Historical info for kids, March 4, 2004

By 

Erika Mitchell (E. Calais, VT USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knights In Shining Armor (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

This is a history book that describes the lives of knights in the Middle Ages. The book describes how boys could become knights, what the rules of the code of honor for knights were, and what battles between knights were like. The book introduces a lot of factual material and vocabulary, but there is no plot or story line. At the end of the book, there is a short section describing some famous knights and their dragons. Personally, I found the book a bit dry, but kids who are fascinated with swords and armor may show some interest in it. The book has about 900 words.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knights and Castles, January 18, 2007

By 

M. Thomas (Suburban Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knights in Shining Armor (Paperback)

I bought this for my 6-year-old grandson, who loves to play with knights and dragons. Great pictures and lots of information presented without a lot of words. I learned a lot, too! Gail Gibbons' books are terrific!