Review: Lessons during a journey
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 11, 2013
According to author Joy Fridman, `I always wanted to "create worlds", and I did so with art, music, poems and now children's books. Every person that brings something new and original, from his own heart, can change the way we see things and open our eyes to new possibilities. I wish my books will reach children all over the world, make them smile and ignite their creativity.' Joy has accomplished what he set out to do in this exceptionally fine children's book. He has selected Karen Dishaw as his illustrator and the pairing is perfectly in sync with the story.Landon, we learn, lives in a faraway land and owns a powerful sword, helmet and full armor: he is a knight. One day he is off to play with his friends when he spies a fire-breathing dragon. Frightened, he runs back to his friends where he and his friend Gil have a jolly romp until Jake, from another group of young knights, makes fun of Landon's armor saying he'd never be able to face the dragon! Dejected, Landon feels alone until Dawn the hummingbird reassures him that size doesn't matter. Inspired, Landon takes off toward the dragon's den but his armor is hot and he feels he can't go further. Dawn informs him that he doesn't need armor and pecks at Landon's armor until it shatter in to colorful crystals. He takes off to the den, encounters a dark tunnel at the den, and realizing he can't see, he thinks his helmet is hampering his journey. He tosses his helmet first and then his sword and when he reaches the end of the tunnel he sees the dragon asleep - the dragon is a dragon mother and Landon happily plays with her little dragons, rewarded by the mother dragon because he is brave, coming in just his pajamas. The dragon flies with Landon and the kids back to Landon's friends. Jack an the other knights laugh at him for not having on armor until the dragon and her kids come out of the forest to play. Landon and the dragon take everyone for a flying ride: everyone can overcome hardships and challenges!The story is charming, very well written, has enough make believe yet relationship to reality that all children will love it! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 13