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Jane and the Dragon (by Martin Baynton)

common sense media says

Girl-knight story is predictable but enchanting.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that breaking out of expected roles is the challenge here. It's all positive and kid-friendly ... and not just for girls!

Positive messages: Strong girl character trades sewing needles for a armor.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
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More on Jane and the Dragon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about expectations and stereotypes. What are stereotypes, and why do we care so much about them? Have you ever wanted to do something or be something that is different from what everyone else expects?

What's the story?

What's the story?
When Jane says she wants to be a knight, everyone laughs at her, that is, except for the court jester. She does not let that stop her. Whenever she gets the chance, she practices, secretly watching and learning from the real knights. One day, she gets her chance and does the unexpected.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This cute little story matches a spunky girl character, a wistful jester, and a confused dragon with a challenging message to do the unexpected. The outcome is predictable, but it's an enchanting tale all the same. With her wild red hair billowing out from under her helmet, the armored Jane shows a kind of good-hearted, undaunted spirit that is meant to inspire. Still, she feels like just one of us. We expect her to make mistakes, get herself in trouble, and come out a hero in the end.

Author Martin Baynton hoped to "reverse the treatment of fairytale heroines," and he has succeeded with Jane. His colored-pencil drawings are soft, yet strong just like his main character. And his message is a good one.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Martin Baynton
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: February 13, 2007
Number of pages: 32
Paperback price: $4.99
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

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