Module 3 - Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon (retold)by Margaret Hodges and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Summary - Margaret Hodges' interpretation of the story of Saint George and the Dragon (based on the story as told in Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene) is a beautifully illustrated and narrated adventure book for children. As Saint George follows Princess Una to her embattled homeland, his loyalty, bravery, and cunning are tested until his final epic battle with the dragon proves his worth as the patron saint of England.

Impressions - Hodges' story sticks to the legend of Saint George (as told by Spenser) in such a way as to draw children into the story of the knight, the princess, and the ferocious dragon, challenge their language and interpretation skills, and awe them with Hyman's beautiful illustrations. Young children will be drawn to the character of Saint George and his strength in the face of defeat, as well as to his future wife, Princess Una, is also allowed to shine in the text as an example of truth and fidelity and a worthy mate for the hero. The text is bounded extensively so as to allow the book to remain short enough to keep a child's attention, but still encompass all of the important adventure elements of the original story, so while some children may wonder what happens to some of the characters who are introduced and then never/rarely mentioned again (the dwarf and the hermit), they will often simply be swept into the battle with the dragon and move past them easily. Hodges' additions of small quotations from Spenser may seem jarring to some children (who may not understand what they are/why they are they), but they help to remind the reader that if they love the story here, there is a wider world of literature and legend for them to explore.

Reviews - In his review of the book on Best Children's Books.com(1), Steve Barancik discusses the power of the illustrations in Saint George and the Dragon and the lovely interpretation of the classic tale. While he warns parents of the density in the text language ("advanced") and the presence of "some small amount of bloody gore", he notes that the book can open children to a wider literary and historical world, which is worth delving into the other 'adult' elements.

Use - I think the book is a good introduction for mid-elementary aged children into the world of legends and myths, as well as a good picture book for a story time with younger audiences. The complexity of the language and illustrations may seem daunting at first for some children, but perseverance will allow them to feel accomplishment in the reading and grow language skills which will hold them in good stead in further selections at higher reading levels. Additionally, for children who are less drawn to literature than to art, the book can be a good bridge between the two.

(1) Barancik, S. (n.d.). Margaret Hodges' Saint George and the Dragon Caldecott Medal art by Trina Schart Hyman. Retrieved from http://www.best-childrens-books.com/saint-george-and-the-dragon.html