A Knight's Bad Day (An Abbess of Wihtburh Tale) Paperback – Import, 13 February 2023

I just finished reading A Knight's Bad Day by Elaine Drew. The cover is enticing with a figure, falling into a whirlwind, maelstrom headfirst with swirling purple green and gray colors. The cover is a bit shiny, but gives a high-quality look. The drawings are amazing! I love how most of them are "full bleed" in other words they cover the entire page without any borders. Many times the action starts off the page. For example, the Knight on the horse seems as if he is riding right onto the page! It is very exciting as well as aesthetically dazzling. The drawings, really paintings, are probably the nicest I've ever seen in a picture book or graphic novel. The text goes on top of the drawings and is placed so that it is easy to read. The story is riveting, following a typical fairytale, yet with richer, more sophisticated nuances. I have read Drew's other two books, Courting Trouble and Nun Too Clever and loved the creative escapism and humor. Drew is a consummate artist and I've wanted her to illustrate her books, so A Knight's Bad Day is a real treat. Hopefully, someday she will put out illustrated editions of her older books. This is a colorful story illustrated with luscious colors and design.

I love the imagery in A Knight’s Bad Day. It is simply expressed yet sophisticated in design, color and layout. There is quite a cast of entertaining characters in this tale. Their attitudes come to life as much by pose and expression as dialogue. I enjoyed it!