It is Joe's birthday, and his uncle sent him an odd present- a magical looking book. Indeed it is magic. It transports the three friends back to King Arthur's time where they will battle a giant and a dragon. Most important of all, if they live, they must find a way back home. I was looking for another funny series to read aloud with my daughter and ever since reading Science Verse and Squids will be Squids, I am a Jon Scieszka fan. Since each book in the series takes place in a different historical setting, I thought it would be interesting. The story is short and humorous. The boys initially have a little trouble deciphering Old English and their encounter with the Black Knight is reminiscent of Monty Python and the Holy Grail- "None shall pass!" My favorite part: "This is like the Stone Age. Those guys at the banquet last night hadn't even heard of TV." "Gosh, what a surprise," I said. "Considering that TV won't be invented for another thousand years or so." "A thousand years?! I can't live without TV for a thousand years," said Fred. Since the three main characters are boys, and there are some really disgustingly gross parts in the book, I am guessing the audience for this series consists of boys. However, my daughter thought it was hilarious. While it is below her reading level, it is still just a funny and light read that is perfect for bedtime.

A fun, silly short novel for beginning (or struggling readers) full of Sczieska's usual absurdity. Boys will love it.