Kenny & the Dragon
Tony DiTerlizzi (illustrated by author)
Published: 22 September 2008
Simon & Schuster, hardcover, 160p.
ISBN: 9781416939771
What do you do when your new best buddy has been designated a scourge by the community and marked for imminent extermination?
Just ask Kenny Rabbit.
When the simple folks in the sleepy little village of Roundbrook catch
wind that there's a dragon running loose in the countryside, they get
the wrong idea and the stage is set for a fight to the death. So it's up
to Kenny to give his neighbors front-row seats to one of the best-known
battles in history - the legendary showdown between St. George and the
dragon - without losing a friend in the fray.
Kenneth is a little rabbit with a very big problem. His two best friends
are heading for a battle of legendary proportions - with each other! In
one corner there's Grahame, a well-read and cultured dragon, with
sophisticated tastes and no stomach for battle. In the other, there's
George, a retired knight and dragon slayer who would be content to spend
the rest of his days in his bookshop with a pipe and a good book. But
when the townsfolk catch wind there's a dragon running loose in the
countryside, and call George out of retirement, the stage is set. And
it's up to Kenny to avert disaster.
A fun-filled, thoroughly theatrical spin on a classic tale of subterfuge
and showmanship.
Found this book in a thrift shop for $1 and couldn't resist. I love all things dragons, and when it is combined with a gorgeous cover and sketch illustrations... well, I had to buy it.
The story follows the shy and introverted, Kenny, who is a bookworm at heart. He doesn't really have friends at school, and when his father comes rushing home to inform the family that a mean and vile dragon has moved into the neighbourhood what does Kenny do? He consults a book.
It is this kind of atypical behaviour in our main character that I found endearing. As a bookworm myself, I find it is a trait not often portrayed in a positive light. DiTerlizzi however, manages to make this part of the charm of the book.
Like most good children's books there is a moral, or two, that shine through and the main thoughts I took away from Kenny & the Dragon were
a) never believe everything you hear/read
b) never judge a book by it's cover
I won't go into where, or how, these morals are implied as that just might spoil the book for you. But there is a real undertone in this book that shines through and a good example to use in a discussion with children about how not to judge people, and why you shouldn't believe everything just because it is printed in a book.
As with most fantasy books there is some action - a dragon-slayer is called upon to rid the town of the vile dragon! - but rest assured, it is not scary, and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to parents of young kids.
On to the artwork. The author has generously dotted sketches throughout the book. A small character study here, a full page there. They are so adorable. Kenny, this scrawny little rabbit is so sweetly drawn that you just want to pat him (I used to have a pet rabbit and it brought back all the feels). Grahame is not your typical dragon and the dragon-slayer riding in in all his glory was just delightful.
This is my first book by Diterlizzi, and I found it to be smashing. Will definitely be checking out The Spiderwick Chronicles.
My rating:
Hope you enjoyed this review. I would love any recommendations for similar books so please leave any suggestions in the comment area below.
Until next time,
