Brilliant comedic writing is the jewel in Christopher Healy’s The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. The author knows exactly how to describe a scene so that the reader can envision all the comical ramifications of the situation. Couple that with witty dialogue and a clever premise–some hero-challenged Prince Charmings–and you have a fun-filled middle grade novel. The illustrations by Todd Harris sprinkled throughout the book are irresistable and whimsical. Perhaps it was the strength of all these elements that led to inflated expectations for a conclusion that wasn’t particularly memorable or on par with the beginning of the story. Nevertheless, this book would be a great read-aloud due to its narrative style and it would be an enjoyable read for boys, girls, and their parents.
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Summary of familiar fairy tale actions, such as slaying dragons, blinded by thorns, etc.; battle with an ogre (told in a comical fashion); throwing of produce during a riot; report of minions being turned into piles of smoking bacon by magic; a few fights involving swords, knocking about/unconscious, tying up, collapsing buildings; magic, etc.; zapping of characters with magic; destruction of personal property by trolls; a death by magical means.
Sex/Nudity: None
Mature Subject Matter:
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Alcohol / Drug Use:
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