'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 23 August 2024

Review: The Very Polite Knight


Finn is a polite knight. He’s not like Walter the sneaky knight nor Boris the fierce knight nor Ethel the tough knight. 

He’s very different from the other knights. He’s…. more polite. He’s kind and caring and that’s how he approaches everything he does.

The other knights don’t see the benefit of being polite. They’d rather fight and steal and be scary. Be tough and fierce and sneaky. But when the king falls ill and needs a rare flower to cure him, the knights’ approaches are all put to the test.

Are the other knights the better knights to save the king? Or can Finn’s polite ways get him to the flower the king needs.

The Very Polite Knight is an action-packed picture book that looks at different ways to walk through life. It’s a grand exploration of taking the calmer and kinder approach.

With stunning illustrations in gorgeous green, purple and blue tones, the page turns are delightful. These are detailed illustrations, filled with special characters that fill out Finn’s world. 

There are loads of animals to spot and a bunch of cool kingdom creatures like ogres, giants and hydras. It’s a magical and whimsical adventure through a fantastical land.

The Very Polite Knight is a great book for chatting to kids about being kind and being a hero in a way that’s different to many of the stories we’re told.

Title: The Very Polite Knight
Author/Illustrator: Ian Smith
Publisher: Affirm Press, $22.99
Publication Date: 28 May 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922848314
For ages: 3 - 6 
Type: Picture Book