Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Alfred's Dragon is an educational picture book for children written by Dennis Knapp and illustrated by Dirceu Veiga. Alfred’s jousting practice was suddenly interrupted by the scream of one of the serfs who were busily digging a new larder for Alfred’s father, a local lord. The young lordling rushed to the hole where the serfs had discovered the dragon. Alfred had always wanted to see one, and while there was no living dragon in the hole, there were bones and the skull of what looked like a very large dragon indeed. Olaf and Peter, the serfs, told Alfred all manner of stories about dragons. Olaf’s grandfather had seen a sleeping one once, and Peter’s aunt was almost eaten by one. Alfred loved listening to those stories and dreamed of meeting up with a dragon himself. After all, encountering a dragon was what every brave knight hoped for, but secretly Alfred was just a little bit afraid.

Dennis Knapp’s educational picture book for children, Alfred’s Dragon, is an absorbing and fun story about dragons and medieval times. His young knight, Alfred, has a marvelous adventure that challenges all his courage and the actual foe he encounters is totally unexpected. Knapp’s story educates as it entertains, giving children a sense of the medieval world, including a castle with a moat and drawbridge. He includes an appendix entitled Medieval Facts, which is filled with useful facts and definitions. Dirceu Veiga’s illustrations are marvelous! They’re boldly and brightly colored and show Alfred and his family both at the castle and at the Olde Climbing Tree, where Alfred’s dragon awaits. Alfred’s Dragon is a perfect selection for story time, but it’s also suitable for more advanced new readers to try on their own. Alfred's Dragon is most highly recommended.

Alfred’s Dragon written by medievalist and a history enthusiast Dennis Knapp is a cute story set in medieval times that follows a young boy named Alfred who loves listening to tales of dragon sightings and imagines himself as a fearless Knight. Alfred seeks a larger than life adventure fighting dragons & saving princesses. The real adventure begins when Alfred senses something strange at The Olde Climbing Tree, his favorite destination to day dream about brave knights and fierce Dragons. Can a dragon possibly exist? At the end of the story, author answers this age old question all young children have about medieval dragons.

I think it’s a perfect book to introduce kids to the life in the middle Ages. The knights, the castles, the dragons….it all adds up to a very exciting historical period. Through adventurous journey, readers are introduced to some fascinating medieval words referring to “weapons of the knight, parts of castles and medieval life in general” are embedded throughout the story in a fun way which are highlighted in bold and underlined text.  A Glossary of Medieval Terms and words are also given at the end of the book for young readers helping them to learn these words and develop a rich vocabulary.

The Illustrations are cleverly done and charming, perfect for engaging a child in the story and in the medieval culture. Fun little details are incorporated in each picture adding to the books enchanting appeal.

Alfred’s book is a fun and simple book about being brave and imagination. I recommend this book to parents, teachers, family and friends to share with their little one!

Final verdict

Overall, Alfred’s Dragon is a sweet and imaginative story that little readers will enjoy. The illustrations are fantastic! It’s entertaining for kids and adults alike. Also teaches kids to brave and imaginative. I recommend this book to parents, teachers, family and friends to share with their little one! A young knight in training, some dragons and a whole lot of humor!