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Serious Trouble
More than anything, Ernest wants to be a jester so he can make people laugh. But his parents, King Olaf and Queen Olive, are serious people with a very serious problem in their a fire-breathing, people-eating, three-headed DRAGON. The last thing they feel like doing is having fun.
Can Ernest remain true to himself and save the kingdom? Find out in this sweet and silly story about the importance of following your dreams--from acclaimed picture book creator Arthur Howard.
Can Ernest remain true to himself and save the kingdom? Find out in this sweet and silly story about the importance of following your dreams--from acclaimed picture book creator Arthur Howard.
32 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 14, 2019
Ernest really wants to be a jester, but he's the prince of a serious kingdom. An encounter with a dragon tests his merry-making skills.
A fun book for a dragon-themed storytime.
A fun book for a dragon-themed storytime.
November 8, 2016
i: Serious Trouble, is about a young boy named Ernest who is a child to a king and queen. His parents explain to him that one day he will be King but he wants nothing to do with that title. He explains to them that he instead wants be a "jester" so he can make people laugh. His parents are worried about 3 dragons that have been roaming around near their castle and want someone to stop them so it does not lead to future trouble. When Ernest decides to be himself, his parents are surprised to find that he has made friends with the dragons because of his personality which then stops the dragons from attacking their castle.
ii. A major theme in this novel is about never giving up on your dreams or something you desire to be in life even when people tell you to do otherwise.
iii. I would give this book 4 stars because I thought it was interesting but needed a little bit more detail to better complete the story. I think this book would be good to read to very young children that need to learn about never giving up on their dreams while also engaging them with the fun story and funny characters.
iv. I personally liked this book because it was easy to read, had good illustrations and made the story fun while also addressing a major theme. I think that the book could have been longer and better explained some of the points behind following your dreams. However, I think it is a fun, and light read to present to younger children who enjoy listening to a fun story.
v. I recommend this book because I think it does a good job at showing a fun story can also have a deeper meaning. I think that students would enjoy this book because of its funny illustrations and great description with the main character, Ernest. I also think that this could be a good book for a child to read if they are feeling pressure from their parents to be something they are not.
ii. A major theme in this novel is about never giving up on your dreams or something you desire to be in life even when people tell you to do otherwise.
iii. I would give this book 4 stars because I thought it was interesting but needed a little bit more detail to better complete the story. I think this book would be good to read to very young children that need to learn about never giving up on their dreams while also engaging them with the fun story and funny characters.
iv. I personally liked this book because it was easy to read, had good illustrations and made the story fun while also addressing a major theme. I think that the book could have been longer and better explained some of the points behind following your dreams. However, I think it is a fun, and light read to present to younger children who enjoy listening to a fun story.
v. I recommend this book because I think it does a good job at showing a fun story can also have a deeper meaning. I think that students would enjoy this book because of its funny illustrations and great description with the main character, Ernest. I also think that this could be a good book for a child to read if they are feeling pressure from their parents to be something they are not.
July 17, 2019
The fun loving child of extremely serious monarchs, Prince Ernest would rather be a jester than a king, but when he finds himself face-to-face with the fire-breathing, people-eating, three-headed dragon threatening the kingdoms, it's no laughing matter.
August 6, 2024
For the children who can't get enough dragon stories. Uses the same trope, but very much simplified, as the wonderful The Reluctant Dragon.
September 27, 2008
King Olaf and Queen Olive are very serious people. They're not quite sure what to do with their son, Ernest, who wants to be a jester and make people laugh. They feel that there is no time for laughs with a fire-breathing, people-eating, three-headed dragon on the loose. Ernest soon encounters the three-headed dragon and deals with the situation his own way. Moral of the story: you've got to follow your dreams. Or is it? The author gives an alternate ending and lets us decide.
Fun illustrations – especially the three-headed dragon!
Fun illustrations – especially the three-headed dragon!
April 8, 2011
A very serious king and queen have a son that is the total opposite of them. Ernest, the son, wants to be funny instead of serious. This is a good book to read to students and discuss when it's appropriate to be serious and funny.
November 17, 2012
I was hoping this book would be funnier than it was....the title had potential and the first page had potential and then it got stupid. I was hoping it would be tongue and cheek but it wasn't...oh well!!
March 15, 2015
Ernest is the of a very serious king. For the king everything is very serious but for Ernest life is just fun. One day Ernest has to decide how serious he should be....
This story is fun, and students could write a third ending for the story!
This story is fun, and students could write a third ending for the story!
March 4, 2010
Cole enjoys this book, though I don't find it all that brilliant....
April 2, 2019
This book has some subtle nuggets that I think the casual reader might miss. Either way, a fun book.
January 17, 2012
This story should be dedicated to a certain someone who is much like Ernest, from a certain someone who is far too similar to the king and queen in this story.
February 16, 2013
This is cute story about going against the grain and being an individual. Thought it was entertaining though wordy.
April 5, 2013
This is a cute book! A boy who doesn't want to be a king and a mean 3 headed dragon - a great boy book for a read aloud.
January 25, 2013
comical illustrations
November 14, 2014
A great, funny story about parental expectations that my special needs students really enjoyed.
April 27, 2016
Liked the ending. Colorful illustrations.
March 26, 2017
I spent my Saturday night with friends and their children. Their oldest, Maggie, chose this one for me during my read aloud at bedtime! I love the routine and love of literacy they instill - would expect nothing less - and I always enjoy being part of it on our visits.
This book is a fun, silly read with engaging illustrations. I'm very fond of the royal dog looking similar to my own friend! Including dragons as characters is always a plus as well. I feel like this story could've included more humor - especially with the premise that Ernest didn't want to be a serious king, but a joking jester. Regardless, I enjoyed the story, read aloud, and experience with one of my favorite people!
This book is a fun, silly read with engaging illustrations. I'm very fond of the royal dog looking similar to my own friend! Including dragons as characters is always a plus as well. I feel like this story could've included more humor - especially with the premise that Ernest didn't want to be a serious king, but a joking jester. Regardless, I enjoyed the story, read aloud, and experience with one of my favorite people!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews