Module 3 - Saint George and the Dragon

Summary

This book is adapted from Edmund Spencer's The Fairy Queen.  It is the tale of a nameless knight known initially as Red Cross knight who is in the service of the Fairy Queen.  She sends him on a mission to fight a dragon that is terrorizing a faraway land.  He is accompanied on his journey by Una, the princess of the land that is being terrorized by the dragon.  Upon arriving, the dragon attacks the Red Cross knight and a three day long battle begins.

Bibliography

Hodges, M. (1984).  Saint George and the Dragon.  Boston, MA:  Litle, Brown and Company.

My Impression

For the most part, I like this book, as I generally like both fairytales and tales of knights doing great deeds.  The storyline and writing was fairly good, though for young children it might be too wordy.  The artwork is what drew me to the book.  Trina Schart Hyman is an amazing illustrator.  Her illustrations are boldly colored, richly detailed and seem to fight the classical tale.  Her beautiful illustrations make the book, without them, it would not be as enjoyable.

To Read or Not to Read:  This book is worth picking up.  If anything, you can just admire Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations over and over again.

Professional Reviews

School Library Journal

“Hodges capably retells the legend of St. George and the Dragon, a popular and well-known fragment from Spenser’s Fairie Queen.  She has made it a coherent, palatable story suitable for a wide range of ages.  The action is fast-paced and immediate–George, the Red Cross Knight, sent questing by the Queen of Fairies, accompanies the princess Una back to her father’s kingdom to slay the dragon that besets it or to die in attempt.  After the traditional three attempts he succeeds, and everyone lives happily ever after.  This retelling is more than adequate, and Hyman’s illustrations are uniquely suited to this outrageously romantic and appealing legend.  Fairies and unicorns interwine with cross-emblazoned shields and red-winged angels in the borders.  The paintings are richly colored, lush, detailed and dramatic.  Hyman’s dragon is appropriately ferocious; her hero is appropriately brave; and her princess – bless her – is a redhead, not a blond.  This is beautifully crafted book, a fine combination of author and illustrator.” –Janice M. Del Negro

[Book review of the book St. George and the dragon, by M. Hodges].  (1985, January).  School Library Journal, 31(5), 76.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com.

Library Uses

This book would be a good book to use for story time.  After the story, the children could design and color a shield that they would like to use if they were to go into battle with a dragon.


Image retrieved from:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/saint-george-and-the-dragon-margaret-hodges/1102584663?ean=9780316367950