The Adventures of Givret the Short (Knights' Tales Series)
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Many years ago, the storytellers say, the great King Arthur held court with his gallant Knights of the Round Table. Poor Givret, who is easily the shortest man at court, bears the brunt of their jokes. But what he lacks in stature, Givret makes up for in brains—and before he knows it, his quick thinking has landed him a place at the famous Round Table! And so beginneth the exciting and funny adventures of Sir Givret the Short, Brilliant, and Marvelous.Children's LiteratureGivret, the shortest man in King Arthur's retinue, is not even a knight and it does not seem as if he will ever become one. The object of gibes and short jokes, Givret boldly tells Arthur not to hunt for a mysterious white stag. His warning is ignored and soon Camelot is in an uproar over who will kiss the fairest lady in the land. The knights declare their own ladies are the fairest. Givret suggests they kiss their damsels to head off more distress. When King Arthur grants Givret knighthood, Givret decides to be known as Sir Givret the Short—a trait he knows he can live up to. He is given his customary three quests, none of which involve slaying a dragon. Riding through villages, he ignores taunts—"Does your father know you've pinched his armor?"—and uses cleverness rather than brute strength in the face of danger. Morris, author of the young adult "Squire's Tales" series, turns his pen to a younger audience in the second book in "The Knight's Tales." The book's theme—a man's character is not measured in inches—is admirable, but the story drags in several places. The cartoony pen-and-ink illustrations by Renier add texture, but Givret, with his Van Dyke and facial stubble, looks more like a bum than a knight. However, boys with Arthurian interests will look up to Givret. Reviewer: Candice Ransom
