How to Become a Knight (in Ten Easy Lessons)

Prepare the shining armor—the king’s in need of a new knight! But with Sir Simpleton “helping” Sam train in all the wrong ways, how will he EVER master the tricks of the trade?
 
Knight needed. Apply at castle. In just one week, the king intends to choose a new knight—and Sir Simpleton intends to make sure that young Sam has mastered all the skills he needs to know, from riding a big horse to rescuing a princess. Unfortunately, Sir Simpleton may not be the very best trainer: he dons a chicken suit instead of armor, fights a bored cow instead of a fiery dragon, and seeks wisdom from a bearded goat . . . instead of a wizard. Will Sam succeed in spite of his “teacher”? Kids will laugh out loud at the wildly funny illustrations—and enjoy watching a smart child outwit a delightfully silly adult.

Todd Tarpley is the author of several picture books, including Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep (Little Brown), which was selected as an ALSC Notable Book for Children, My Grandma Is a Ninja  (North-South), and Library Books Are Not for Eating (Doubleday). He lives in New York City. Follow him on tarpbooks.blogspot.com and @toddtarpley.
 
Jenn Harney is the illustrator of the Hazy Bloom chapter-book series (FSG), as well as the picture books Never Trumpet with a Crumpet (Boyds Mills Press) and Underwear (Disney-Hyperion), her author-illustrator debut. Jenn lives in Cleveland, OH, with her husband, her daughter, and corgi. Follow her on jkharney.blogspot.com and @jennharknee.