Brave Young Knight

Karen Kingbury's princess story (The Princess and the Three Knights that I blogged about on Sunday) was so well received last year that Kingsbury decided to right another story--this time about a boy protagonist.  Published by Zonderkidz on April 12, 2011, Brave Young Knight tells the tale of one knight's quest to be prince of the land. 
The other young men who compete with him cheat, steal, and lie, but the knight from the west village is diligent, honest, and kind.  Gabrielle Grimard's beautiful watercolor illustrations are medieval-like in composition and add a whimsical quality to the story.

The Brave Young Knight is a great example to your little boys (and girls) about what it truly means to be a brave knight of character and integrity.  Although these books were written with a Christian audience in mind, they contain excellent messages for children of all religious backgrounds and are not (in my opinion) overtly preachy.

 What is your favorite story about bravery and why?

The Princess and the Three Knights

The first knight stopped his horse exactly one foot from the edge of the cliff. The villagers marveled at the feat and clapped for the knight...
Measurements were taken, and indeed, the second knight had brought his steed six inches from the edge of the cliff...
As the townspeople settled down, the king turned to the third knight. "So tell me, young knight, exactly how close to the cliff can you bring the princess?"
The villagers held their breath waiting for his answer.
For a long time, the third knight looked deep into the eyes of the princess.  Then he turned back to the king.  "Your majesty, I love the princess.  She is more precious to me than anything in the kingdom." He lowered his reins.  "I wouldn't take her anywhere near that cliff."
"THAT," the king shouted, "is the right answer!"
  
Last year, Karen Kingsbury wrote a charming princess story based off of I Cor. 13: 4, 7: "Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres."  The Princess and the Three Knights (published by Zonderkids) demonstrates to readers that the best beauty lies within a person's heart.

When the king begins his search for a groom for his fair princess, the knights from all over the world come to compete.  When there are only three left, the king challenges them to one last test: how far can they take the princess on horseback toward a cliff?  Two of the knights have ulterior motives, but one of the knight's love is pure and true.  Besides doing a great job of speaking indirectly about sexual purity, The Princess and the Three Knights also sends a strong message that love always protects.

What is your favorite princess story and why?