Mike the Knight: Meet Mike!

Simon and Schuster. 2012. ISBN;978-0-85707-680-9.
No doubt spurred on by the phenomenally successful cartoon (shown in Australia on the ABC network), Simon and Schuster have released the book Mike the Knight; Meet Mike! For those not in the know, Mike is a gallant and chivalrous young knight in training, who lives in Glendragon. Whilst his father, the King, is away fighting the good fight, young Mike is the man of the castle, who aspires to 'be a knight, do it right'.
Along with his two favourite dragon companions, Sparkie and Squirt, and armed with his Big Book for Little Knights in Training, there is no problem to big or too small for Mike. Galloping from one adventure to another with his trusty steed, Galahad the Great, Mike is a helpful and determined young knight.
This is a bold and bright book, perfectly pitched to the preschool set. Anything which encourages young men (and women) to be helpful and brave and adventurous gets a big thumbs up from me. The text is friendly and approachable, and will be sure to appeal to fans of the show and their parents and caregivers alike. The illustrations are perfectly matched to the television program, which ensures that consistency which small children find so comforting. For a commercial spin off, the writing is good, and this is an enjoyable book to read aloud.
Freya Lucas