The most recommended books about knights

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106 authors created a book list connected to knights, and here are their favorite knight books.
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Book cover of The Wall in the Middle of the Book

Anne Laurel Carter Author Of What the Kite Saw

From my list on picture books on war for young and old from playful to serious.

Why am I passionate about this?

After high school, I traveled, exploring cultures beyond North America. I worked on kibbutzim in Israel for nearly two years. During the Yom Kippur War, exploding bombs drove us into underground shelters until the ceasefire. That experience made me consider the impact of war in new ways. Decades later, I wrote about the issue of "conflict" in my country: the Acadian deportation and World War Two. As a school librarian meeting Palestinian families in 2002, I decided to research and visit families in the West Bank through Christian Peacemaker Teams for my novel The Shepherdā€™s Granddaughter. A story children told me there inspired my picture book What the Kite Saw.

Anne's book list on picture books on war for young and old from playful to serious

Anne Laurel Carter Why did Anne love this book?

I love the hilarious, creative approach of this book.

In a conflict like war, one side usually believes something about the other side that is inaccurate for one reason or another. In this story, we donā€™t know why the little person on the left side believes the wall in the middle protects him from dangerous creatures on the right side. The wall is so tall he canā€™t see them. But he also doesnā€™t see the danger behind him on his side.

The ogre on the right side, whom he believes will eat him, actually saves him from danger and plucks him to safety. In the end, we love that he will now explore and enjoy playing with the creatures on the right side.

By Jon Agee,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Wall in the Middle of the Book as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

Sunday Times Culture Magazine Book of the Week;There's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero-a young knight-is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side-like an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all, an ogre who would gobble him up in a second! But our knight doesn't seem to notice the crocodile and growing sea of water that are emerging on his side. When he's almost over his head and calling for help, who will come to his rescue? An individual who isn't as dangerousā€¦


Book cover of Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King

Mark Ceilley Author Of Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale

From my list on GLBTQ+ love story picture books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I identify as a member of the GLBTQ+ community. My husband and I had a church wedding. I have written several stories that have GLBTQ+ representation and are love stories. I have also read and familiarized myself with many GLBTQ+ childrenā€™s books. 

Mark's book list on GLBTQ+ love story picture books

Mark Ceilley Why did Mark love this book?

In this follow-up to Prince and Knight by Daniel Haack, our two heroes fight a dark shadow spread over the kingdom. Their love is tested when the prince saves the knightā€™s life from beasts and monsters. When they reach the Shadow King, the cause of the darkness,  he sees the love between the prince and knight, which gives him hope for the future. He realizes that itā€™s okay to love someone of the same gender.

The book has beautiful messages of acceptance, forgiveness, and being proud of your own authentic self. The illustrations are charming, like an animated film.

By Daniel Haack, Stevie Lewis (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Prince & Knight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

This follow-up to Prince & Knight is an inclusive, modern fairy tale for young readers!

Praise for Prince & Knight:
"Victorious . . . the premier queer-friendly fairy tale." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An illuminating fairy tale for young readers to be able to see that not every prince would like to marry a princess." -School Library Journal

"A colorful and entertaining tale exploring sexuality, acceptance, and young love." -Booklist

Have you heard the thrilling tale
of the prince and his dear knight?
Their love for one another
inspired everyone in sight.

Our brave and dashing heroes, the prince andā€¦


Book cover of Once Upon a Tim

Mary DeSantis Author Of Grimmfay: The Circus of Fairy Tales and Dreams

From Mary's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Disney nut Literary analyst Story whisperer Mistress of words Fantasy author

Mary's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Mary DeSantis Why did Mary love this book?

Honestly, I laughed from beginning to end. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard reading a book.

I love fairy tales, and I love books that subvert tropes. This book did both while remaining true to the magic and wonder of the genre. This is an early middle-grade book (possibly a chapter book); thus, Iā€™m not necessarily the target audience. But even months later, I still think back on some of the jokes and smileā€”you canā€™t get better than that in terms of a good reading experience.

By Stuart Gibbs, Stacy Curtis (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Once Upon a Tim as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, 9, and 10.

What is this book about?

Join New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs in this first book in a hilarious, highly illustrated new middle grade series about a peasant boy who wants to be a knight, perfect for fans of Max & the Midknights.

Tim is just a peasant, but he dreams big. He wants more out of life than to grow up to be a woodsman like his father. Unfortunately, the only route to success in the kingdom of Wyld is to be born a prince. Still, Tim is determined. He is brave and clever and always tries to do the right thingā€”even thoughā€¦


Book cover of Eyewitness Knight: Explore the Lives of Medieval Mounted Warriors-from the Battlefield to the Banquet Table

Hope Carolle Author Of The Veil Between Worlds

From my list on surviving and thriving in Medieval England.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have loved books where the main character goes from his/her own ordinary existence into another world, with inspiration from The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, who was a tutor in English Literature. Since I love history, thereā€™s nothing more fun for me than historical time travel, and I wonder how difficult it might be for a modern woman or man, well-versed in the history and literature of the time, to navigate the customs, etiquette, language, clothing, and politics in 1344. 

Hope's book list on surviving and thriving in Medieval England

Hope Carolle Why did Hope love this book?

Are you fascinated by knights in shining armor? This is the illustrated book for you.

Yes, itā€™s a book essentially for kids, but I found it incredibly useful for my research on everything from jousting to armory, from swords to riding armed on horseback. It also has a useful timeline in the back that gives useful dates from Charlemagneā€™s use of mounted warriors to the use of squires, crusades, tournaments, and the end of the era in the 1600s.

By Christopher Gravett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Eyewitness Knight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Enter the world of chivalrous horseback warriors and learn what it takes to become a knight.

Eyewitness Knight follows the journey of a knight in making, from being a page or a squire at an early age undergoing rigorous training before making it to the ceremony of dubbing. With this book, you can learn what knights wore into battle, from heavy mail to plate armor and gauntlets. You will also enter a gallery of swords and other weapons that were an important part of a knightā€™s armory. 

Ride along with these warriors on their horses that were used not onlyā€¦


Book cover of Prince & Knight

Mark Ceilley Author Of Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale

From my list on GLBTQ+ love story picture books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I identify as a member of the GLBTQ+ community. My husband and I had a church wedding. I have written several stories that have GLBTQ+ representation and are love stories. I have also read and familiarized myself with many GLBTQ+ childrenā€™s books. 

Mark's book list on GLBTQ+ love story picture books

Mark Ceilley Why did Mark love this book?

I would highly recommend this book because it is written and illustrated as an animated fairy tale. It is a sweet and charming love story between a prince and a knight.

A prince looks for a partner, but after a dragon approaches the kingdom, the prince prepares to battle the dragon and protect his kingdom. A knight comes along who not only helps capture the dragon but saves the princeā€™s life. The two fall in love, return to the palace, get married, and live happily ever after.

By Daniel Haack, Stevie Lewis (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Prince & Knight as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

"Victorious... the premier queer-friendly fairy tale for this age set." KIRKUS REVIEWS

"An illuminating fairy tale for young readers... a great addition to any library or classroom." THE SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

Once upon a time there lived a charming prince. His parents knew he couldn't rule the kingdom alone, so the three of them set out on a long journey across the land, to find him a suitable bride. But it soon became clear that the Prince was looking for something very special, and none of the princesses were right for him.

Then, when a terrible dragon threatens the kingdom,ā€¦


Book cover of The Eight Knights of Hanukkah

Gloria Koster Author Of Dance the Hora, Isadora

From my list on lighthearted picture books with Jewish characters.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a school and public librarian as well as a writer. I also serve as a member of the Childrenā€™s Book Committee of the Bank Street College of Education. We review hundreds of books each year for consideration of a place on our list ā€“The Best Childrenā€™s Books of the YearI've chosen to recommend some lighthearted picture books with Jewish characters or themes because a number of my own books fit into this category. Mitziā€™s Mitzvah, Little Red Ruthie, and Dance the Hora, Isadora! are three of my Jewish themed books. Each of these titles has been selected by PJ Library, an organization that sends a book each month to children.

Gloria's book list on lighthearted picture books with Jewish characters

Gloria Koster Why did Gloria love this book?

So many Hanukkah books are super serious. I love the way Leslie Kimmelman cleverly uses wordplay to expand the story of the 8 nights of the holiday into something completely unexpected and uproariously funny. The book obviously references a Jewish holiday, but the story will have broad appeal to children of all religious backgrounds and children living in strictly secular households too.

By Leslie Kimmelman, Galia Bernstein (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Eight Knights of Hanukkah as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

The whole kingdom has gathered to celebrate Hanukkah--but a dastardly dragon keeps interrupting the festivities. Can the Eight Knights of Hanukkah set things right?

A Sydney Taylor Notable Book
 
It's the last night of Hanukkah and everyone is doing their part for the big celebration, but a dragon called Dreadful has other ideas. He roams the countryside, interrupting the party preparations. Lady Sadie must call upon the Eight Knights of Hanukkah to perform deeds of awesome kindness and stupendous bravery and put an end to the dragon's shenanigans.

When Dreadful eats all the special donuts the baker made, Sir Lilyā€¦


Book cover of The Knight and the Dragon

Jacky Davis and Giselle Potter Author Of Olive & Pekoe: In Four Short Walks

From my list on unlikely friendships.

Why are we passionate about this?

The subject of friendship can be explored endlessly, as every friendship is unique. I am especially drawn to stories of unlikely friendships that look at the surprising and interesting ways that we show up for one another. One of the things that I see in all of the stories that Giselle and I have chosen, is that these unusual friendships make a difficult, awkward, or downright scary world a better place to be. 

Jacky's book list on unlikely friendships

Jacky Davis and Giselle Potter Why did Jacky love this book?

More than anything I love a picture book where a princess is also a librarian. In this story, the knight and dragon learn everything from booksā€”like tail swishing and building armor, all of which lead to a big, pointless fight that leaves them bruised, burned, and battered. The librarian shows up in a book-mobile and hands the dragon and knight BBQ cookbooks. In the last illustration spread, they are shown with a hopping K& D BAR-B-Q joint. I especially enjoy how the armor and fire-breath that were previously used for fighting each other, are now used successfully for their restaurant venture. De Paolaā€™s simple and colorful watercolors bring the story to life, and show that we can all get along really well! 

By Tomie dePaola,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Knight and the Dragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

What happens when a sheepish knight and a not-so-fierce dragon fight for the very first time? Well, it's no ordinary battle since the knight has to go to the castle library to learn about dragon-fighting and the dragon must dig through his ancestor's things to find out how to fight a knight! "Spontaneity of line and feeling are backed by zesty colors and a jovial, tongue-in-cheek tone to which children can relateā€”a top springtime choice." ā€”Booklist "There's a swirl of good-humored life to the book." ā€”The New York Times Book Review


Book cover of The Wall in the Middle of the Book
Book cover of Prince & Knight: Tale of the Shadow King
Book cover of Once Upon a Tim

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