Brave Young Knight

A quote from Psalm 25, "Show me your ways, O Lord," introduces the story of four knights from four villages vying for the honor of being "the bravest knight," in this companion to The Princess and the Three Knights. After tests of the knights' mental and physical skills, the winner will be crowned prince. While the knight from the "west" village, selected for his intelligence and kindness as much as his speed and strength, practices for each event and questions his ability to prevail, his father counsels him: "Follow God and he will help you run the race." Patchwork lawn, layered hills, and geometrical patterns on lattices, fabric, and woodwork decorate Grimard's medieval village scenes, showing both humble village huts and a turreted castle with streaming flags, while text appears against full-bleed full-page spreads of bright oranges, greens, and occasional white backdrops. Playful images add humor, such as the knight carrying armfuls of dogs to gain strength, but a lack of suspense mars the climactic scenes, as the knight's three competitors resort to trickery, while he alone honors the king's orders. A straightforward morality tale. Ages 4–7. (Apr.)