The Knight Who Was Afraid of the Dark (Picture Puffins) - Softcover

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Sir Fred is one knight unlucky enough to have been born in the Dark Ages. This is because even though he is a "bold and much loved" man, he has a secret: he is "knee-bumping, heart-thumping afraid of the dark." Sir Fred bravely takes the fearsome spiders out of the castle bathtub in the daytime. But at night, he sleeps with a bottle of fireflies, several bright candles, and a pet electric eel close by his bed. When the lovely Lady Wendylyn requests his company by the fountain at midnight, Sir Fred agonizes about going out in the dark. Yet he gallantly sets off into the night with his eel wrapped around his arm and a fistful of fireflies, too. The surprising and funny ending helps Sir Fred realize that the dark is not so scary when you're with someone. Complementing the humorously gentle text are Ross' comical illustrations which alternate appropriately between brightly colored days and shadowy nights. The book's equally brave hero and heroine should please those looking for strong characters of both sexes. Although the Berenstain Bears in the Dark (Random, 1982) may be the first book one reaches for when parents need help in guiding a young child through his nighttime fears, this one will be an amusing addition. --Amy Adler, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, Ohio
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

To the tune of Hazen's antic text and Ross's typically zany illustrations, true love cures gallant Sir Fred of his "knee-bumping, heart-thumping" phobia. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.