Title: Godfrey and the Great Cathedral Robbers
Author: Maryann Sciolino
Major Themes: Cathedrals, Architecture, Donkeys, Courage, Middle Ages
Synopsis: Godfrey dreamed of helping to build a grand cathedral, but was afraid he would be too old by the time he was given permission.
We often receive emails from authors, asking if we will please review their books. Often, we end up saying no, that book probably is not a good fit for us. Also, because of where we live, we rarely receive a physical copy, and ebooks just don’t work the same way. A few weeks ago, though, we received a request that included the offer of a print book—and just happened to be on our way to the United States at the right time to receive it. So, a few days after our arrival, I started reading Godfrey and the Great Cathedral Robbers to my children for a bedtime story.
Publisher’s description:
Set in medieval England, Godfrey is a nine-year-old stonemason apprentice who dreams of building a grand cathedral. Eventually, Godfrey is given an opportunity to follow his dream but quickly finds trouble as he learns of an evil plot to sabotage the building. It’s up to Godfrey to protect the cathedral and save the town. Learn how a young boy discovers strength and wisdom while realizing his dream!
My thoughts:
Godfrey and the Great Cathedral Robbers is a very simple book. It’s not quite a picture book, even though it is the size and shape of one, but rather an early chapter book with a lot of illustrations. We did find it odd that there are blank pages throughout the book. (My children asked why, and I couldn’t give them an answer.) Each short chapter has one or two pictures.
After we finished reading this book, I asked the children what they thought of it. The youngest, as I predicted, loved it; the book was written for her age group. My 13-year-old, though he didn’t want to miss an installment, thought it was rather simplistic. I would say this is a good book to read to young children, or to hand to a child who is learning to read, and ready for something a little harder than an easy reader. It will catch the attention of children who love horses/donkeys, or those who love to read about the days of knights and ladies, although it is about building a cathedral rather than being about castles.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: On page 49, Godfrey knocked out a robber.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 5 – 8
Reading Independently—Ages 7 – 9
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
AbeBooks: View Choices on AbeBooks.com
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