The Making of a Knight

by Patrick O'Brien

Seven-year-old James wants to be a brave and noble knight like his father. He dreams of the day that he too will wear the golden spurs that symbolize knighthood. But before his dreams are realized, James must work for seven years as a page and for seven more as a squire, learning to ride, hunt, and fight.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Medieval, Childrens, School, Nonfiction, Medieval History

32 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1998

About the author

Patrick O'Brien has been a full-time illustrator and artist since 1985. His clients have included National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, and the Smithsonian. His art has appeared in magazines and newspapers, on posters and greeting cards, and even on billboards.

Patrick is the author and illustrator of twelve picture books for children. These are mostly non-fiction books about things like knights, pirates, ships, and dinosaurs, although he has done a couple of science-ficition books about dinosaurs in space.

In 2003 Patrick began creating oil paintings of maritime scenes. In 2010 the U.S. Naval Academy Museum mounted an exhibition featuring twenty-eight of his maritime paintings. In 2012, The National Maritime Historical Society awarded O’Brien with their Distinguished Service Award for his body of artwork. See www.PatrickOBrienStudio.com

Patrick teaches part-time in the illustration department at The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD.

Reviews

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but beautiful picture book with a linear storyline- not your typical DK style info boxes, but a short basic narrative of a knight growing up, with paintings of the story as well as of weapons and armor for the delight of boys.
The bit about his little wood sword made me check the publication date - 1998- yep, classic 90's sentimental child's toy detail there. The story is uneventful, but I like having details presented in that linear way.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this one so much that I ordered a copy to put on the magical spinning Mémé bookcase. I love it when I learn new things from a book like this one. I was impressed! If you want to understand the feudal system a bit better, this is a good choice.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot.

[sch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homeschool. Fun, with a dash of realism. Prose nothing stellar, but informative and well-illustrated.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much story in here but great information engagingly written and beautifully illustrated.

[DeNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is my 6 year old's current obsession, so it's a good thing I like it!

[PJ Wenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packs a ton of information in a 15minute book for kids. Well illustrated and well written.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and a good starting place for learning about what it took to be a medieval knight.

[Gillyweed Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect mix of storybook with historical informational graphics throughout

[Adrianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, information packed picture book with beautiful illustrations. It was a good touch to add a dog in the story.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Simple story that teaches a lot about knights

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really fun.

[Quincy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderfully illustrated picture book tells the story of a seven year old boy who dreams of becoming a knight. It teaches students about the feudal system and the process of becoming a knight by weaving together accurate historical information amidst a captivating story. The pages are filled with beautifully illustrated images that depict accurate clothing and lifestyles during the Middle Ages. It also directly teaches about different types of armor, weapons, horses ridden in those times, and other things. Students will become interested in the story, which will keep them engaged throughout the entire book, and they will walk away from reading this book with a much better understanding of knighthood during the Middle Ages.

I would recommend this book for 3rd, 4th, or 5th graders. It could potentially be adapted for 2nd graders, however, I think older elementary students would likely be able to glean the most information from it. This would be a wonderful book to use as a resource for a student wanting to learn specifically about knighthood and the process of becoming a knight. It has valuable factual information presented in an interesting way.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finished this last week and the boys really enjoyed it. We often read more than I'd planned because they wanted to hear more.

This is a very fast, very brief description of how a boy would become a knight. You follow the hero from the time he's 7 to a few years after he's knighted, in under 30 pages.

The illustrations were really nice. The characters were good. Since we'd already read A Castle Diary and a few other knight books, I didn't feel like we needed to explore it much further.

A good summary or introduction, but not the "source" you would need. Well worth a read though. You could probably finish it in a day or two; we took about a week.

[Friend of Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan (age 6.5) loved this! Beautiful illustrations show how James, sent by his family to a manor house at 7 to become a page, spends 14 years going from being a page, to a squire, to a knight, learning horsemanship, serving, reading, music, archery, sword fighting, jousting, and all the other things that were required for a knight of the 15th century. It even quotes a book from the time, called "The Babees' Book," which taught manners. For example, "Whether you spit near or far, hold your hand before your mouth to hide it." Words to live by.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming and engaging text that captivated the imagination of my five year old. The specific details of the life stages of a knight gave my children an appreciation for the path to knighthood while also entertaining them. If a family is hoping to pursue some kind of "Raising A Modern Day Knight" plan (Robert Lewis), this is a great book for wetting the appetite of young readers.

[Modboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very descriptive story of a young boy who becomes page, then squire and finally knight. It wonderfully captures the imagination and provides plenty of details on what it takes to be an honorable knight.

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this to my 5th Grade students. Was tickled at how interested they seemed to be--which is really saying something right after the holiday break. Fun story to use for discussions of historical fiction.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nicely illustrated. The story was decent as well, though could have used a bit better characterization and tension at times. I didn't care much about James. But as an exposition of the concept of Knights, it's excellent. Little factoids and side notes sprinkled throughout were a nice touch.

[Leigh Anne Hedges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations - good summary of an imaginary boy's becoming a knight

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know knights were so proud of their spurs.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and simple way to explain the process of becoming a knight. This book has great illustrations and simple explanations attached to a fun story.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys LOVE this book. Great illustrations and lots of info for knight-adoring kiddos.

[Alicia Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for children and young teens! The story is simple and the daily life in the Middle Ages is very well portrayed. Best of all, it shows it all - victory and defeat.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Facts and fiction woven together into an interesting story with very nice oil paintings.

[Kcshrader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice mix of fact and story; while my boy liked it better, there was enough to keep my girl listening. Lovely artwork, too.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son (7 yo) loves this book. Great illustrations and perfect for any child who is fascinated by knights.

[Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a sweet story and talks about being a page, squire, and then a knight.