The Sunflower Sword

 
Title The Sunflower Sword.

Author Mark Sperring.

Illustrated by Miriam Latimer.

Published by Anderson Press in 2011

Format Paperback (although also available in Hardback)

In a land filled with fire and smoke and endless fighting, where knights fight dragons, there lived a little knight who wants to be big like the others, fight like the others and have sword like the others. But his mother won't let him. Instead of a sword, she gives him a sunflower, which, as it turns out, is powerful enough to stop a war.

My review 

This book was personally picked by my Lil Monster, he was instantly attracted to the bright, colourful cover. The whole book is beautifully illustrated, the use of bright prime colours makes it very eye catching. There are nice little touches spotted about, for example on the page where the little knight gives the dragon the sunflower, the dragons tail takes the shape of a love heart and on each page a white dove appears, which you can make into a game of spot the dove. 

Although there are knights, swords and dragons pictured through out the book, the boys mish mashed outfit of cowboy boots and a colander helmet and his mums pretty modern dress and ballet pumps make it appear as though the books events are all from the little boys imagination.

This book has a lovely message, that making friends and friendships are more fun than fighting. Peace is a clear theme through out, with the appearance of the white doves on each page and the very effective replacement of swords with sunflowers.

Like most picture books it is a great one to enjoy together, you can discuss what is happening in each picture along with enjoying the sweet, fun story. On most pages the text amount is small and the lanuage is simple, printed in bold print making it a good book for some Lil Monsterz to be able to read themselves.

All in all The Sunflower Sword is a charming picture book with a lovely message. The edition me and my Lil Monster read was a library book edition but I can safely say this one will be added to our own personal collection.