The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur - Paperback

by Margaret Hodges (Author), Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

The creators of the Caldecott Medal book, Saint George and the Dragon, tell the Arthurian tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney's first adventure.

The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread.

Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.

Based on an excerpt from Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur and in consultation with both the famous Caxton and Winchester texts, this enduring story of gallant knights in armor, epic battles, and quests fulfilled has broad appeal for young adventurers.

Author Biography

Margaret Hodges (1911-2005) was a distinguished children's book writer particularly known for her retelling of traditional folk tales. Her past titles include Saint George and the Dragon, The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed, and Up the Chimney. Her title Merlin and the Making of the King received many starred reviews.

One of the most distinguished and celebrated illustrators of her generation, Trina Schart Hyman (1939-2004) was awarded the Caldecott Medal for St. George and the Dragon, retold by Margaret Hodges, and Caldecott Honors for A Child's Calendar, by John Updike, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and Little Red Riding Hood. Born in Philadelphia, she lived most of her life in New Hampshire.