The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight / The Storybook Knight
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
In their favourite magazine.
A dragon needed taming!
Leo wasn’t very keen.
Join Leo the gentle knight as he sets off on his quest, armed with a pile of books…because even dragons love a good story!
The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight (UK title) / The Storybook Knight (US title) is written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty.
It was published in 2016, by Alison Green Books in the UK and Sourcebooks in the US. It has been translated into Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Hebrew, Italian, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Slovenian and Spanish.
The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight was shortlisted for the 2017 Oscar’s Book Prize, and has been read on CBeebies Bedtime Stories by award-winning film director Sam Mendes.
How to order your copy of the book:
We always recommend buying books through your nearest independent bookshop, where possible. You can also purchase a copy by following these links:
UK: Bookshop
US: Bookshop
(Disclosure: I am an author affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!)
Canada: Indigo
Australia: Dymocks
Reviews
“This is a wonderful advocate for the joys of reading together and the power of stories. Another modern classic from best selling husband and wife team, with stunning illustrations and witty rhyming text.”
– South Wales Evening Post
“By reading to the creatures he is destined to slay [Leo] creates a harmonious society and becomes a hero nevertheless. The vibrant illustrations and flawless rhyme make it an engaging picture book for children as well as a comfortable read for parents.”
– Big Issue North
“Superlative… A down-to-earth take on the fantastical, starring Leo the bibliophile mouse, who avoids unwanted combat by referring his challengers to apposite stories instead. Gently humorous, it offers miniature knights a pleasing sense of the valour of reading.”
– The Guardian
“Helen and Thomas Docherty have created a narrative which is exciting and entertaining with a big important theme at heart… 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.”
– Library Mice
“The Knight who wouldn’t Fight is a wonderful celebration of the joy and power of reading. …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! Thomas Docherty’s illustrations are gorgeous… This is a terrific picture book and one that I can see us reading again and again.”
– Get Kids into Books
Praise for The Storybook Knight :
“There are delightful spreads done in acrylic ink and watercolor that pair beautifully with the rhyming stanzas. The characters’ voices are distinct and beg to be read aloud. A recommended purchase for all collections and perfect for storytime, bedtime, or anytime.”
– School Library Journal
“The Storybook Knight is not only about the power of books, but a book that teaches children to stand up for what they love. The funny and heartwarming illustrations full of details are the perfect addition to the meaningful story.”
– The Reading Castle
“Helen Docherty’s breezy rhyming and Thomas Docherty’s lighthearted, imaginative cartooning make this a sweet, fresh take on the typical reading-is-fun tale.”
– Publishers Weekly
“In an homage to reading that also recalls The Story of Ferdinand, the power of words is extolled in rhyme… A sweet tale about the power of story, just right for nascent fans of Redwall.”
– Kirkus Reviews
“As a children’s librarian, I can’t wait to share the tale of this gentle knight… Very well done. I loved it as much as The Snatchabook.”
—Beth Nieman, Youth Services Librarian, Carlsbad Public Library (NM)
“This is absolutely a new favorite! The illustrations and flowing rhyme of the story made for a delightful and charming read! I can’t wait to share this with everyone I know!”
—Allison Dixon, Holly Springs Community Library (NC)
“This book was FABULOUS… As some may say, the pen is mightier than the sword.”
—Jessica Batten, Marion County Public Library (WV)
“The story is SO sweet and the art so FANTASTIC that I would guarantee that this is a book that will be requested again and again from the children…an all-around winner!”
—Daniel Munson, Board of Directors for Rushford Public Library (MN)
To make your own MOUSE HERO MASK based on the character of Leo, click here!
