The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True
By Sally Engelfried,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Perfect "knightly" read-aloud for younger children.
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What's the Story?
Undefeated Sir Gawain is King Arthur's best knight, so of course he'll accept the Green Knight's challenge, whatever it may be. However, he is not quite prepared when the knight invites Gawain to chop his head off with an axe. When Gawain obliges, the knight's disembodied head informs him that in one year's time it will be his turn to cut off Gawain's head. For the first time in his life, Sir Gawain is afraid. The court is sure that Gawain is doomed, except for King Arthur, who suggests his knights go on a quest to figure out how Gawain can prevent his awful fate.
Is It Any Good?
Although author Morris makes no secret that there is a moral to this classic tale, it is delivered with humor, sensitivity, and the occasional wink to the reader. Children will enjoy seeing the silliness that the serious knights are oblivious to, especially when Gawain plays the straight man to several absurd characters (like Sir Bredbaddle the Huntsman, who is shocked when Gawain guesses his favorite activity). Each of the 10 chapters introduces a new adventure that connects to the overarching story of the Green Knight and leads to Gawain's gradual transformation from self-satisfied Sir Gawain the Undefeated to the wiser Sir Gawain the True. The quick pace, short chapters, and occasional spot illustrations make this a perfect first chapter book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what King Arthur tales you are already familiar with. Had you ever heard of Sir Gawain?
Gawain meets all sorts of interesting characters during the year he waits to meet the Green Knight again. Who was your favorite? Why?
Sir Gawain solves a mystery at the end. What clues did he have? How do you think he figured it out?
Book Details
- Author: Gerald Morris
- Illustrator: Aaron Renier
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Adventures
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
- Publication date: April 18, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 6 - 9
- Number of pages: 128
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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