The Making of a Knight

by Patrick O'Brien, Patrick O'Brien (Illustrator)

Overview

Seven-year-old James wants to be a brave and noble knight like his father. He dreams of the day that he too will wear the golden spurs that symbolize knighthood. But before his dreams are realized, James must work for seven years as a page and for seven more as a squire, learning to ride, hunt, and fight.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780881063554
Publisher:	Charlesbridge
Publication date:	07/01/1998
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.10(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Patrick O'Brien was raised a Navy "brat" and moved around a lot as a child, but now he calls Baltimore, Maryland, home. He grew up drawing and painting, but did not realize that he should be an illustrator until after he graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in biology. He then attended art school at Virginia Commonwealth University and started a successful freelance career drawing storyboards for advertising agencies.
In addition to STEAM, SMOKE and STEEL, Patrick has illustrated several other children's books, including A WASP IS NOT A BEE (Holt), A PIRATE'S LIFE FOR ME, BOTTOMS UP: A BOOK ABOUT REAR ENDS (Holt), and GIGANTIC: HOW BIG WERE THE DINOSAURS (Holt).

Editorial Reviews

An excellent primer for all those eager to be a knight, even if they are 500 years too late. James is made a page at Lord Hawkes's castle when he is seven; O'Brien, in his first solo outing, explains James's duties as he gradually advances first to squiredom, and then to knighthood when he is 21. His education is sweeping, including swordplay but also music; James must learn to behave with propriety and dignityþhe can't simply study, but must embrace, the manners, rituals, and code of chivalryþand he has to display pluck and courage in both war and tournaments. O'Brien complements the story with numerous asides that lend veracity to the tale, on, for example, different types of armor donned by knights (jousting, battle, parade) and the various horses they employ (destriers, coursers, palfreys). A modest love story becomes part of the proceedings, suspended when James becomes a knight-errant. An excellent story, full of information, and the fine oil paintings bring polish to the days of James's journey and make them palpable. (Picture book. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews