Picturebook Review: King Arthur's Very Great Grandson by Kenneth Kraegel

King Arthur's Very Great Grandson by Kenneth Kraegel is a great picturebook about a valiant six year old in search of adventure.. Young Henry Alfred Grummorson is the great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson of Arthur, King of Britain. In honor of his sixth birthday Henry on his own adventure. He tries to battle a dragon, a cyclops, and a griffin but no one seems to want to fight. Instead they want to play games or blow smoke rings. Desperate for his big fight Henry searches for the legendary leviathan. Could this beast give Henry the fight he is looking for, or will it show him the true prize he has gained on his quest?

King Arthur's Very Great Grandson is a great read aloud story, one on one or in large groups. The boy's words are in all caps and bold, while the illustrations are absolutely wonderful. The landscapes are very details and the look as a whole just draws you into the book. I think the idea of a boy in search of a good adventure, and a good fight, is not new. However, the outcome of finding adventure in friendship rather than a physical battle is a wonderful thing to teach children.

I highly recommend King Arthur's Very Great Grandson for school, library, and home collections. The story could be a great discussion starter on adventure, fighting, and bullies. As a bonus, the artwork and adventure can capture the imagination of the adults that might share this book right along with those of the children hearing or reading this book on their own.