Review: Here Be Dragons

Here Be Dragons is a charming medieval fantasy picturebook about a clueless knight and his intelligent steed, who are on a quest to find and slay a mighty dragon. This book will have readers in stitches as they follow the knight through his misadventures, as he fails to recognise all of the clues that a dragon is nearby.

Susannah Lloyd is in top form in this enchanting picturebook – the main character’s dialogue contrasts sharply with Paddy Donnelly’s beautiful illustrations to amusing effect, showing just how oblivious the knight really is. Lloyd’s use of old-fashioned terminology sets the tone of the story and adds a performative quality to the book.

Paddy Donnelly’s illustrations are atmospheric and eye-catching, drawing the reader right into the action and beautiful setting of the story. Donnelly creates an artful panorama across each double-page spread, at the same time including little details that further highlight the innocence of the intrepid yet unobservant knight.

Donnelly also imbues the illustrations with a warm sense of humour, including little jokes in each picture. For example, at the beginning of the book there is a drawing of ‘Ye Olde SHOPPE For the Gullible and Rich’ and its many wares of questionable quality, such as ‘Genuine’ Dragon Maps.

Endearing and highly entertaining at every turn of the page, Here Be Dragons promises a rip-roaring bedtime adventure for parents and their little ones.

Here Be Dragons will be released on 2nd February 2021 – you can preorder a copy here:

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Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for providing me with an advance review copy of this book.