FICTION

The Knights Before Christmas

by Joan HOLUB
illus. by Scott Magoon. 32p. Henry Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780805099324. LC 2014042198.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—There is a market for spoofs of Clement Moore's poem, with pirate and cowboy versions only two of the many humorous takes on the classic. This version is as creaky as the armor of the "three knights ding-a-ling" who attempt to repel the invading Santa Claus and his eight dragons. The Adobe Photoshop cartoon illustrations have dialogue bubbles and weak jokes that don't really go anywhere.
VERDICT An additional purchase only.
Reviewed by Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Brave Knight, Polite Knight, and Silent Knight are "guarding the castle / for their illustrious king" on Christmas Eve. Too bad they didn't get the memo about Santa's visit. When the jolly old elf tries to deliver presents, these well-intentioned protectors of the castle take a defensive stance: "Dash away, dash away! / Invader, get out!" A fierce (not really) battle plays out with Santa catapulting (via a Christmas tree) sugarplums and more as he "storms" the castle. This rousing, ridiculous medieval "Night Before Christmas" parody jingles with castle- and holiday wordplay. Cheeky digital illustrations brim with good cheer. Kitty Flynn
Three knights are "guarding the castle / for their illustrious king" on Christmas Eve. When Santa tries to deliver presents, these well-intentioned protectors of the castle take a defensive stance. A fierce (not really) battle plays out with Santa catapulting sugarplums and more as he "storms" the castle. This rousing medieval "Night Before Christmas" parody jingles with wordplay. Cheeky illustrations brim with good cheer.
 , Oct 01, 2015

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