BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations
Book Title: Knights and Bikes
Author: Gabrielle Kent
Illustrators: Rex Crowle & Luke Newall
Publisher: Knights Of
Publication Date: August 2018
Most Suitable For: KS2
Knights and Bikes is a super-impressive adventure story from new kids on the publishing block, ‘Knights Of’, who are committed to diversity in children’s books and to including “as many perspectives as we can squeeze into the making of each book”. This was a real feel-good story that was all at once quirky, uplifting and adventurous, with a dose of 80s nostalgia thrown in for good measure.
Knights and Bikes, based on a computer game of the same name, is the story of two girls who undertake an exciting adventure on the island of Penfurzy. Demelza expects nothing exciting to happen on the island, until she meets a like-minded friend called Nessa and the pair dream up an adventure together.
Along with a pet goose called Captain Honkers, the two friends set off on their bikes on a rip-roaring quest to find the treasure that is reportedly hidden in a mystery castle by the Penfurzy Knights.
The quirky story is fast-paced and filled with action and the right amount of humour. I enjoyed the warmth portrayed in the developing friendship between Nessa and Demelza. I also really liked how the pair demonstrate bravery, adventurousness and an aptitude for problem-solving as a natural part of their personalities.
This is a stonkingly energetic adventure story that is bags of fun and an excellent debut from a publisher that the children’s book world is watching with eager eyes.
Order Knights and Bikes online or from your local bookshop or library.
Many thanks to the publisher for kindly sending me a review copy of this book.
