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Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra finds refuge from his difficult childhood by imagining the adventures of a brave but clumsy knight.
This fictionalized first-person biography in verse of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra follows the early years of the child who grows up to pen Don Quixote, the first modern novel. The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel looks to his own imagination for an escape from his family's troubles and finds comfort in his colorful daydreams.
At a time when access to books is limited and imaginative books are considered evil, Miguel is inspired by storytellers and wandering actors who perform during festivals. He longs to tell stories of his own. When Miguel is nineteen, four of his poems are published, launching the career of one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language.
Award-winning author Margarita Engle's distinctive picture book depiction of the childhood of the father of the modern novel, told in a series of free verse poems, is enhanced by Raúl Colón's stunning illustrations. Back matter includes a note from both the author and illustrator as well as additional information on Cervantes and his novel Don Quixote.
This fictionalized first-person biography in verse of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra follows the early years of the child who grows up to pen Don Quixote, the first modern novel. The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel looks to his own imagination for an escape from his family's troubles and finds comfort in his colorful daydreams.
At a time when access to books is limited and imaginative books are considered evil, Miguel is inspired by storytellers and wandering actors who perform during festivals. He longs to tell stories of his own. When Miguel is nineteen, four of his poems are published, launching the career of one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language.
Award-winning author Margarita Engle's distinctive picture book depiction of the childhood of the father of the modern novel, told in a series of free verse poems, is enhanced by Raúl Colón's stunning illustrations. Back matter includes a note from both the author and illustrator as well as additional information on Cervantes and his novel Don Quixote.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Margarita Engle
64 books394 followersMargarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She lives with her husband in northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 16, 2019
Cuban-American children's author Margarita Engle spins the story of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra in this poetic picture-book biography, following the life of the celebrated 16th-century Spanish author from his young childhood through the publication of his classic work, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Detailing the hardship and poverty that Cervantes endured, because of his barber-father's gambling habit, the poems also highlight the crucial role that imagination and storytelling had in the boy's development and spiritual survival. Throughout his troubled youth, he dreamed of a brave knight, and one day he penned the story of that knight...
Having grown up adoring the story of Don Quixote - my family had an old LP of the original cast recording of the fabulous musical production, Man of La Mancha, based upon Cervantes' immortal tale, and I had all the songs memorized by the time I was eight - I was eager to see what Margarita Engle and illustrator Raúl Colón would do with their source material. Miguel's Brave Knight is a resounding success, both as an informative work and as a poetic one. I really enjoyed Engle's narrative, appreciating both her specific word use - I loved her description of pages as being door-like (no doubt both in dimension and in function!) - and her overarching themes regarding the power of daydreaming and story to sustain us during tough times. I also found Colón's artwork, created using pen and ink and watercolor, immensely appealing. I loved the pairing of realistic events from Cervantes' life with imaginary ones from his dream world, and how the two mingled and interacted on the page! The effect was incredibly rich, emphasizing the interconnected nature of thought and action, not to mention word and art.
In sum: a lovely book, one that can be read as picture-book biography and as poetry. Highly recommended to anyone looking to introduce Cervantes and his great work to young children. As for me? This was a timely reminder that I still need to read the original!
Having grown up adoring the story of Don Quixote - my family had an old LP of the original cast recording of the fabulous musical production, Man of La Mancha, based upon Cervantes' immortal tale, and I had all the songs memorized by the time I was eight - I was eager to see what Margarita Engle and illustrator Raúl Colón would do with their source material. Miguel's Brave Knight is a resounding success, both as an informative work and as a poetic one. I really enjoyed Engle's narrative, appreciating both her specific word use - I loved her description of pages as being door-like (no doubt both in dimension and in function!) - and her overarching themes regarding the power of daydreaming and story to sustain us during tough times. I also found Colón's artwork, created using pen and ink and watercolor, immensely appealing. I loved the pairing of realistic events from Cervantes' life with imaginary ones from his dream world, and how the two mingled and interacted on the page! The effect was incredibly rich, emphasizing the interconnected nature of thought and action, not to mention word and art.
In sum: a lovely book, one that can be read as picture-book biography and as poetry. Highly recommended to anyone looking to introduce Cervantes and his great work to young children. As for me? This was a timely reminder that I still need to read the original!
June 7, 2017
What a brilliant and beautifully done book—wow! I love the approach Margarita Engle took in writing poems from Cervantes's perspective to show his biography and how he developed his imagination and, specifically, the character of Don Quixote. Powerful.
"So I sit still and listen
with empty hands
and a head
full of wishes."
"So I sit still and listen
with empty hands
and a head
full of wishes."
November 14, 2017
Margarita Engle writes lovely picture books in poem form in addition to her wonderful verse novels. This time, she’s chosen to tell the background story of young Cervantes as he begins to dream of a brave knight. Poem by poem, he tells his story. Hard times happen again and again to the family because Cervantes’ father gambles away what money he earns, causing them to have to flee from his debtors. One time, everything is taken away from their home, but Margarita shows young Cervantes again dreaming of his knight who will ‘right/ all the wrongs/ of this confusing/ world’. Through some helpful adults who help Cervantes learn he is a good writer, and eventually he does write the most famous story that is known as the first modern novel. I love Raul Colon’s illustrations, beautiful page by page as he shows the emotions of an erratic life, but holding true to Cervantes’ dreams of that brave knight and his horse. Colon begins with a rocking horse, moves through the dreams, ending with a gorgeous picture of Don Quixote on his steed! There are endnotes that add to the information, too.
January 25, 2018
This beautiful book combines the writing talents of the amazing Margarita Engle, and the gorgeous illustrations of Raul Colon. Each poem and illustration highlights some of the experiences of Miguel de Cervantes Saayedra as a boy. His families struggles with poverty, his father's gambling, and moving regularly caused Miguel a great deal of sorrow. But despite the difficulties, Miguel still managed to get an education and hold on to his dreams. When things looked particularly dark, Miguel liked to imagine a knight on horseback who went around trying to fix the world's wrongs. The author's and illustrator's notes at the end give insight into the Cervantes and their efforts to portray him and his famous Don Quixote. Short historical and biographical notes give added information about the man. This is a stunning book about the power of the imagination and the value of stories in helping people face the challenges around them.
January 3, 2020
This book offers a collection of poems that celebrate the challenges that Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra experienced throughout his life and the imagination that inspired a classic piece of literature.
The illustrations, rendered in pen and ink and watercolor depict an older age and the artist uses sepia tones to help create the settings. They complement the poems very nicely.
I really appreciated the author's and illustrator's notes at the end of the book, as well as the historical and biographical notes and the additional information provided about the famous book's impact on culture and literature.
interesting quote:
"No giant or dragon
is bigger or stronger
than the human imagination." (p. 1 - unpaged)
The illustrations, rendered in pen and ink and watercolor depict an older age and the artist uses sepia tones to help create the settings. They complement the poems very nicely.
I really appreciated the author's and illustrator's notes at the end of the book, as well as the historical and biographical notes and the additional information provided about the famous book's impact on culture and literature.
interesting quote:
"No giant or dragon
is bigger or stronger
than the human imagination." (p. 1 - unpaged)
February 8, 2018
I'd been wanting to read this elusive (at least, to me) picture book since its release. Thankfully, my library has a great "suggest a purchase" feature so a big shout-out to the Multnomah County Library.
Told in verse, Margarita Engle shares the early life of Don Quixote's creator. Miguel Cervantes took solace in his imagination to escape his family's troubles. Raul Colon provides fitting artwork. Notes from both the author and illustrator are included in the back as well as a mini bio of Cervantes's life and his cultural legacy.
Told in verse, Margarita Engle shares the early life of Don Quixote's creator. Miguel Cervantes took solace in his imagination to escape his family's troubles. Raul Colon provides fitting artwork. Notes from both the author and illustrator are included in the back as well as a mini bio of Cervantes's life and his cultural legacy.
July 2, 2017
What a delightful introduction into the world of Don Quixote. Told from the author's point of view, as a young child to adulthood, we see the things that might have influence Cervantes into writing this story. Told with short poems, and marvoulous pictures, the world of Don Quixote is lovingly brought to life, as they say.
Totally accessible to children, and a good reminder to adults. Quick, short read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Totally accessible to children, and a good reminder to adults. Quick, short read.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 10, 2017
In a series of poems told from first-person point of view, Margarita Engle spins out the story of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. Published in 1605, the book has had great influence on the literary world as well as adding heroes and terms to our vocabulary. Here, though, Engle carefully describes the early struggles of the future author, often unable to attend school and moving from place to place to avoid the debt collectors who wanted his father to pay the debts the older man had incurred from gambling. Each poem seems to contain yet another disappointment for the young Cervantes; yet, through it all, he manages to have hope, losing himself in dreams where a knight does battle against injustices. When a teacher arranges for four of his poems to be published, a much brighter future beckons Cervantes. As I read, I thought of how many youngsters today may find the means to self-expression and salvation through the arts, through dance, music, drama, and writing. The world would be a sadder place than Cervantes' hero as he jousted with windmills. The pen and ink and watercolor illustrations are just as impressive as the free verse poems. Both capture the essence of this determined young man, somehow managing to survive and thrive against all the odds. Back matter includes an Author's Note, an illustrator's Note, a Historical Note, a Biographical Note, and information about Don Quixote, all providing additional information about the book's subject. While youngsters will certainly not have read Cervantes' work, they may still be familiar with his protagonist's name, making this book a good introduction to the man and his writings.
February 2, 2018
First sentence: When I close my eyes, I ride up high on a horse the color of moonrise! But then I open my eyes, and all I see is Papa, selling the last of the horses from his stable--his sweet old swaybacked nag, a tired animal that would be happy to sleep all day. With eyes shut tight again, I picture a galloping steed that will carry Papa's sadness away...
Premise/plot: Miguel's Brave Knight is a nonfiction picture book biography of Miguel Cervantes written in verse.
My thoughts: I was super-excited to read this one. I have loved, loved, loved some of Margarita Engle's verse novels in the past. So I knew it would be good. But also I was interested in the subject itself. I was first introduced to Don Quixote in a college class. We were assigned several chapters of the novel, and were "treated" to a viewing of Man a La Mancha. Since then, "Impossible Dream" has never been out of my head--or heart. I have read the novel once, but I'd love to reread it again, perhaps in a new translation.
I loved this one. I did. I see the audience as being for older children--even slightly grown-up ones. I enjoyed the verse. I liked his spirit and courage. His life was hard, difficult, dreary. Yet he never gave up hoping, dreaming, believing, clinging to what might be, what could be, what should be.
Premise/plot: Miguel's Brave Knight is a nonfiction picture book biography of Miguel Cervantes written in verse.
My thoughts: I was super-excited to read this one. I have loved, loved, loved some of Margarita Engle's verse novels in the past. So I knew it would be good. But also I was interested in the subject itself. I was first introduced to Don Quixote in a college class. We were assigned several chapters of the novel, and were "treated" to a viewing of Man a La Mancha. Since then, "Impossible Dream" has never been out of my head--or heart. I have read the novel once, but I'd love to reread it again, perhaps in a new translation.
I loved this one. I did. I see the audience as being for older children--even slightly grown-up ones. I enjoyed the verse. I liked his spirit and courage. His life was hard, difficult, dreary. Yet he never gave up hoping, dreaming, believing, clinging to what might be, what could be, what should be.
October 28, 2020
Published: 2017
Narrative Poetry
Themes: Imagination, History, Family, Growing up
This book has so many amazing elements, from the illustrations, the narration and the way it all connects. I would use this book to read aloud and pause and ask students questions throughout the book. It was a bit shocking to me, it started as a fun fairytale and looking at the cover that is what I thought it would be but imagination and reality get molded together and show a tale of a boy growing up through struggle and fear. I would probably reserve this book for 3rd grade and above just because some of the concepts may be lost on younger students.
Narrative Poetry
Themes: Imagination, History, Family, Growing up
This book has so many amazing elements, from the illustrations, the narration and the way it all connects. I would use this book to read aloud and pause and ask students questions throughout the book. It was a bit shocking to me, it started as a fun fairytale and looking at the cover that is what I thought it would be but imagination and reality get molded together and show a tale of a boy growing up through struggle and fear. I would probably reserve this book for 3rd grade and above just because some of the concepts may be lost on younger students.
October 6, 2017
Even though I’m a big fan of both Margarita Engel and Raul Colon, I had my doubts that a biography of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra would attract young readers. Why would they care about the man credited with writing the first modern novel?
In their book Miguel’s Brave Knight, Margarita uses word snippets like “If Only,” “Disaster,” or “Hoping” to title each free verse poem that tells Miguel’s story. Her fictionalized biography of a daydreamer whose gambling father keeps the family courting financial disaster doesn’t require a knowledge of Don Quixote to be interesting. Storytellers and teachers become the quiet heroes in Miguel’s life.
The cover illustration tips off the beauty that will be found inside. Raul Colon’s paintings help tell the story and create shadows of Margarita’s titles. My favorite painting illustrates the poem titled “Comfort.” A pensive dog sits beside the daydreaming boy while his imagination pictured above shows a brave knight on his steed against a starry night – a foreshadowing of the novel Cervantes will one day write.
In words and pictures, Margarita and Raul portray a time when people feared imagination enough to burn books and a boy who already knew that imagination could be saved by a brave knight. Both writer and illustrator add information at the end giving interesting personal experiences with the work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. There is also a short note about the historical setting and another about the life of Cervantes.
No longer a doubter, I see this book as one that a young reader will return to many times to read the words and savor the art, just like this older reader who wrote the review.
In their book Miguel’s Brave Knight, Margarita uses word snippets like “If Only,” “Disaster,” or “Hoping” to title each free verse poem that tells Miguel’s story. Her fictionalized biography of a daydreamer whose gambling father keeps the family courting financial disaster doesn’t require a knowledge of Don Quixote to be interesting. Storytellers and teachers become the quiet heroes in Miguel’s life.
The cover illustration tips off the beauty that will be found inside. Raul Colon’s paintings help tell the story and create shadows of Margarita’s titles. My favorite painting illustrates the poem titled “Comfort.” A pensive dog sits beside the daydreaming boy while his imagination pictured above shows a brave knight on his steed against a starry night – a foreshadowing of the novel Cervantes will one day write.
In words and pictures, Margarita and Raul portray a time when people feared imagination enough to burn books and a boy who already knew that imagination could be saved by a brave knight. Both writer and illustrator add information at the end giving interesting personal experiences with the work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. There is also a short note about the historical setting and another about the life of Cervantes.
No longer a doubter, I see this book as one that a young reader will return to many times to read the words and savor the art, just like this older reader who wrote the review.
September 17, 2018
Miguel’s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dream of DonQuixote by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Raul Colon. PICTURE BOOK Peachtree, 2017. $18. 9781561458561
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3); MS - ADVISABLE; HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Miguel de Cervantes grew up in a home with an alcoholic father, which caused difficulties for his poor family. To cope with these conditions, Miguel would imagine a brave knight who did daring deeds. The brave knight had a frumpy friend who would ride by his side and Miguel would smile as he thought of his two imaginary characters. When Miguel grew up he was encouraged by a teacher to write, and he eventually put his characters to paper using the language of common people and Don Quixote soon became a folk hero.
This is a very basic look at Miguel de Cervantes the author of Don Quixote. The text is written in poetic form and the illustrations are fantastic. At the end of the book there is more information about Cervantes. I loved this book, but I have a solid understanding of Don Quixote. Young readers who pick up this book probably won’t have the prior knowledge to connect Quixote to this story, but on its own the story is about a boy who uses his imagination to cope with disappointment and that’s a valuable lesson. This would be fun to use in a classroom alongside the telling of Don Quixote.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3); MS - ADVISABLE; HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Miguel de Cervantes grew up in a home with an alcoholic father, which caused difficulties for his poor family. To cope with these conditions, Miguel would imagine a brave knight who did daring deeds. The brave knight had a frumpy friend who would ride by his side and Miguel would smile as he thought of his two imaginary characters. When Miguel grew up he was encouraged by a teacher to write, and he eventually put his characters to paper using the language of common people and Don Quixote soon became a folk hero.
This is a very basic look at Miguel de Cervantes the author of Don Quixote. The text is written in poetic form and the illustrations are fantastic. At the end of the book there is more information about Cervantes. I loved this book, but I have a solid understanding of Don Quixote. Young readers who pick up this book probably won’t have the prior knowledge to connect Quixote to this story, but on its own the story is about a boy who uses his imagination to cope with disappointment and that’s a valuable lesson. This would be fun to use in a classroom alongside the telling of Don Quixote.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
October 6, 2019
Genre: 3rd Poetry Book
Awards: None
Audience: I would recommend this book for upper elementary (7-8 yrs. old) and up as the words are more advanced and various themes and topics will be understood better by older children.
A. This type of poetry is narrative in form because it tells a story of young Cervantes as he grew up and dreamed about writing stories of a brave knight (later called don Quixote).
B. Within this poetry book I notice the author's use of metaphors to liken the subjects discussed to other things without using words that directly indicate the comparison. For example, in one of the poems entitled "Comfort" within this story, the author writes "But when I close my eyes, the spark of a story flares up." Likening the idea of a story to that of a flame however the author avoids using words "like" or "as" such as one would use with similes.
C. A question I would use for the CREATE level of Blooms Taxonomy would be: "Draw a picture presentation a few of the major events in young Cervantes life and also what character did he dream of writing about? Create drawings to depict these things."
- Answer: The students could draw pictures of Cervantes playing, father going to jail, family traveling, learning in school, family traveling when father returns, burning of books, the year of disasters (plague, disease, famine), further schooling, and new life as a writer. Cervantes dreamed of a brave knight he later decided to call Don Quixote.
Awards: None
Audience: I would recommend this book for upper elementary (7-8 yrs. old) and up as the words are more advanced and various themes and topics will be understood better by older children.
A. This type of poetry is narrative in form because it tells a story of young Cervantes as he grew up and dreamed about writing stories of a brave knight (later called don Quixote).
B. Within this poetry book I notice the author's use of metaphors to liken the subjects discussed to other things without using words that directly indicate the comparison. For example, in one of the poems entitled "Comfort" within this story, the author writes "But when I close my eyes, the spark of a story flares up." Likening the idea of a story to that of a flame however the author avoids using words "like" or "as" such as one would use with similes.
C. A question I would use for the CREATE level of Blooms Taxonomy would be: "Draw a picture presentation a few of the major events in young Cervantes life and also what character did he dream of writing about? Create drawings to depict these things."
- Answer: The students could draw pictures of Cervantes playing, father going to jail, family traveling, learning in school, family traveling when father returns, burning of books, the year of disasters (plague, disease, famine), further schooling, and new life as a writer. Cervantes dreamed of a brave knight he later decided to call Don Quixote.
January 30, 2018
Using poems, the author takes you through what a day in Miguel de Cervantes shoes might've been like. His dad used to gamble away his money, so Miguel was used to hard times. They would have no money and his dad even got thrown into jail.
To escape from his troubling living situation and constant moving, Miguel dreams up the knight Don Quixote. He imagines all of the heroic things he would do and all the battles he would fight. No matter what stress came Miguel's way, he would think of his knight and feel better.
In the back of the book, we're taught that Miguel de Cervantes is well known in the Spanish and Latin American culture for creating the knight Don Quixote. MIGUEL'S BRAVE KNIGHT was an interesting take on how Don Quixote was developed.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children eight and up who may be going through a hard time. Like Miguel, their imagination is strong and is a great way to cope with a difficult situations. I would also recommend it to fans of historical fiction and knights.
To escape from his troubling living situation and constant moving, Miguel dreams up the knight Don Quixote. He imagines all of the heroic things he would do and all the battles he would fight. No matter what stress came Miguel's way, he would think of his knight and feel better.
In the back of the book, we're taught that Miguel de Cervantes is well known in the Spanish and Latin American culture for creating the knight Don Quixote. MIGUEL'S BRAVE KNIGHT was an interesting take on how Don Quixote was developed.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children eight and up who may be going through a hard time. Like Miguel, their imagination is strong and is a great way to cope with a difficult situations. I would also recommend it to fans of historical fiction and knights.
March 25, 2018
Cervantes finally gets his due in this picture book biography of his childhood.
Engle's free verse poems are spare and emotion-filled. With a father who often landed in jail due to financial mismanagement and a childhood during a difficult time in Spain, it is amazing how upbeat and positive Cervantes remained throughout his life, always thinking that the future will be be better than the present. Raul Colon's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations are, as always, breathtakingly beautiful and extend the story.
Author's and Illustrator's Notes in the back of the book demonstrate the scholarship of the book by both. A Historical Note allows readers to know other luminaries who shared the same time period. A Biographical Note has enough background to support both the text of the book (his childhood) and continues into his adulthood. The book closes with a brief essay on Don Quixote's importance to western culture.
An outstanding biography about this luminary of literature. For grades K-6.
Engle's free verse poems are spare and emotion-filled. With a father who often landed in jail due to financial mismanagement and a childhood during a difficult time in Spain, it is amazing how upbeat and positive Cervantes remained throughout his life, always thinking that the future will be be better than the present. Raul Colon's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations are, as always, breathtakingly beautiful and extend the story.
Author's and Illustrator's Notes in the back of the book demonstrate the scholarship of the book by both. A Historical Note allows readers to know other luminaries who shared the same time period. A Biographical Note has enough background to support both the text of the book (his childhood) and continues into his adulthood. The book closes with a brief essay on Don Quixote's importance to western culture.
An outstanding biography about this luminary of literature. For grades K-6.
July 12, 2018
A short, free-verse style, telling of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's early life, up to when he was starting to be published. Highlights his family's struggles with poverty, the world's worries of plague and how his imagination helped him stay cheerful and hopeful through it all.
Personally, Don Quixote was not one of my favorite stories. I actually found it depressing that the main character was so thoroughly wrapped in his imaginary life that he didn't realize how people were mistreating him, but I can see how others would translate that to "right all the wrongs of this wonderful but terribly mixed-up world." In other words, this book makes the story it's about seem much better than it is and tells it's own story very well, so kudos to Ms. Engle!
Content notes: No language, sensuality or violence issues (unlike Don Quixote which has all of those in spades!); though the narrator does mention the fear of having his father imprisoned and facing a plague year, which some readers, depending on their own family situations, may be sensitive to.
November 19, 2017
This picture book biography of Miguel de Cervanes Saavedra shows his childhood in Spain. He grew up the son of a barber and surgeon. His father though had a gambling habit and was even jailed for his debts. Just as the family rebuilt after each loss, his father would once again gamble and send the family into debt and moving to a new town. Along the way, Miguel got to attend school sometimes and once he was older his writing gained some attention. Even as a child, he dreamed of fantastic stories to counter the disarray of his family. Engle writes with a natural poetry in this book, showing the brutality of life for Miguel but also the way in which his unique upbringing created his love of stories for escape. The art works to tie the entire book together, showing Miguel’s imagination and scenes from Don Quixote. A great introduction to a legendary Spanish author, this picture book is exceptional. Appropriate for ages 7-10.
January 18, 2018
A picture book biography of Miguel Cervantes, telling about his childhood to publication through free verse poems.
In Engle's telling of Cervantes' life, the focus is on how the author likely used stories to remain hopeful during times of great trouble. His dad gambled away the family's money repeatedly and Engle has Cervantes imagining a knight that would right the world's wrongs. It does a good job of conveying the gist of Don Quixote for kids while also relating some of the main points of Cervantes childhood. It's not often you get a bio of someone from over 400 years ago, so this fills a void in the children's literature realm. The language is advanced enough high school teachers introducing Cervantes' work could use this as an intro to the man and his most famous piece. There are further notes on Cervantes' in the back that provide a more detailed survey of his life (which sounds more eventful than a Robert Louis Stevenson adventure).
In Engle's telling of Cervantes' life, the focus is on how the author likely used stories to remain hopeful during times of great trouble. His dad gambled away the family's money repeatedly and Engle has Cervantes imagining a knight that would right the world's wrongs. It does a good job of conveying the gist of Don Quixote for kids while also relating some of the main points of Cervantes childhood. It's not often you get a bio of someone from over 400 years ago, so this fills a void in the children's literature realm. The language is advanced enough high school teachers introducing Cervantes' work could use this as an intro to the man and his most famous piece. There are further notes on Cervantes' in the back that provide a more detailed survey of his life (which sounds more eventful than a Robert Louis Stevenson adventure).
July 27, 2023
What a beautiful and creative way to biographize Cervantes.
The book would benefit from a little more clear description of what it is. I wasn't sure until I started reading. It's the story of Cervantes's life told through a series of poems. They are easy to read and without the pretentiousness of a bunch of purple prose. This subdued artistry gives the reader a poet's impression of Cervantes; respect and honor for the legend waft humbly through the words. And the reader does get a nice synopsis of Cervantes's life.
The illustrations gave me goosebumps.
Very well done.
I suspect that the author and illustrator found that the target audience for a book like this is small (compared to big genres). It appears to be a kids' book, but children, IME, aren't usually interested in poetry. LOL. I think a lot of adults would like the book if they happened upon it, and started to read. But they'd need a catalyst to get them there.
The book would benefit from a little more clear description of what it is. I wasn't sure until I started reading. It's the story of Cervantes's life told through a series of poems. They are easy to read and without the pretentiousness of a bunch of purple prose. This subdued artistry gives the reader a poet's impression of Cervantes; respect and honor for the legend waft humbly through the words. And the reader does get a nice synopsis of Cervantes's life.
The illustrations gave me goosebumps.
Very well done.
I suspect that the author and illustrator found that the target audience for a book like this is small (compared to big genres). It appears to be a kids' book, but children, IME, aren't usually interested in poetry. LOL. I think a lot of adults would like the book if they happened upon it, and started to read. But they'd need a catalyst to get them there.
September 30, 2017
The imaginative and brilliant mind of Miguel de Cervantes created one of the greatest masterpieces of Spanish literature, Don Quixote. While many admire the brave antics of the fictional Don Quixote, few know the real story of the author who created him.
The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel de Cevantes spent much of his young life moving from place to place, fleeing the collectors after his father. Margaret Engle delves into the mind of young Miguel through fictional first person biographical verse. In doing so, she introduces the reader to thought provoking themes like poverty and censorship.
Raúl Colón's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations add depth to the life of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. A perfect way to introduce a new generation to a literary genius and maybe even inspire new writers.
Original review as it appears on my blog, Boys to Books
The son of a vagabond barber-surgeon, Miguel de Cevantes spent much of his young life moving from place to place, fleeing the collectors after his father. Margaret Engle delves into the mind of young Miguel through fictional first person biographical verse. In doing so, she introduces the reader to thought provoking themes like poverty and censorship.
Raúl Colón's pen and ink and watercolor illustrations add depth to the life of one of the greatest storytellers of all time. A perfect way to introduce a new generation to a literary genius and maybe even inspire new writers.
Original review as it appears on my blog, Boys to Books
October 14, 2017
With lyrical, poetic narrative and beautiful illustrations, this wonderful picture book tells the life story (in verse) of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. I think Cervantes’ story is relevant to kids’ lives today, because we live in such a chaotic world where young people sometimes pay the price for choices the grownups in their lives make. Cervantes’ father struggled with a gambling addiction, and as a result the family was constantly struggling to survive and had to move around a lot. Through all of this turmoil, Cervantes continued to dream and to imagine stories that would one day come to life in his writing. This is an awesome book to have as part of any classroom library.
November 4, 2017
Raul Colon's art and the idealism of Don Quixote have a magnetic pull on my eyes and heart. Engle's poetry rises to the occasion, making Cervantes-the-boy an appealing and sympathetic subject for her biography. The stressful/disfunctional aspects of his youth make the backstory of his writing even more intriguing. I would have liked to see more attention paid to his warm, resourceful, imaginative mother who held the family together despite the struggles imposed on them by their gambling father. This could be compared to modern day youth/authors who escape trauma and travails by creating stories, raps, and other art to express dreams of a better life.
November 25, 2017
What a beautiful children book. Such a great introduction to the Don Quixote adventures.
Using poetic words author tells the story of Miguel De Cervantes, the author of famous Don Quixote novel. The story is told from Miguel perspective, in first person point of view.
Children learn about the struggles he and his family was going through and about Miguel love to written words. Miguel was using his imagination to make his life better.
The pictures are really gorgeous and they illustrate the text perfectly.
This is such delightful children book.
Using poetic words author tells the story of Miguel De Cervantes, the author of famous Don Quixote novel. The story is told from Miguel perspective, in first person point of view.
Children learn about the struggles he and his family was going through and about Miguel love to written words. Miguel was using his imagination to make his life better.
The pictures are really gorgeous and they illustrate the text perfectly.
This is such delightful children book.
January 25, 2018
Margarita Engle has written a historical fiction story about the childhood of the creator of the first modern novel, Miguel de Cervantes! This picture book with gorgeous illustrations by Raul Colon, will capture the interest of the young reader through the poetic prose of this award-winning author. Both author and illustrator have won the Pura Belpre among other prestigious awards. The story will engage the child as he or she learns about an important historical Spanish author through imaginative pictures and simply accurate text. This book should be in all classroom or school libraries!
November 14, 2017
The illustrations are by Raul Colon. Although they're not exactly what I think of when I think of his work, they're still amazing.
Each 2 page spread is a poem and an illustration.
The poems tell the story of Miguel Cervantes growing up and creating his knight in his head until the point where he can write down the story. Cervantes is greatly affected by his father's constant difficulties with gambling & debt.
Each 2 page spread is a poem and an illustration.
The poems tell the story of Miguel Cervantes growing up and creating his knight in his head until the point where he can write down the story. Cervantes is greatly affected by his father's constant difficulties with gambling & debt.
November 20, 2017
The life of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, is beautifully represented in illustration and verse narration in Engle and Colon's lovely book. They tell of Miguel's troubled past and the huddles he overcame to write his legendary novel. This is the perfect book for the aspiring young writers in one's life.
I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.
December 13, 2017
Written in poetic verse, this lyrical biography is a beautiful journey into the childhood life that shaped and informed author Miguel de Cervantes. Broken by failures in his family but fueled by the belief of teachers, his imagination brought us the first modern novel, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Love the gorgeous language of Margarita Engle with lines like: “When I close my eyes, I ride high / on a horse the color of moonrise.”
December 7, 2018
Margarita Engle has written a beautiful first-person fictionalized biography of Miguel Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. Each page has a poem detailing events in Miguel's early life in Spain, which was not easy. Miguel finds refuge in dreaming of a brave knight. This is an interesting story of a very famous author told in a way that is engaging and easy for young readers to understand. I would recommend this book for any classroom library.
September 10, 2021
Before reading this book, we didn't know much about the author of Don Quixote beyond a few facts. We enjoyed the narrative in verse style this book was written in (the author's novels in verse are pretty amazing). We liked the artwork, and then liked it even more when we learned that the artist was inspired by Gustave Dore who was the artist behind one of the most famous Don Quixote illustrations. Bravo!
November 14, 2023
A biography in poetry of the childhood of Cervantes, the man who wrote Don Quixote. I had no idea his father was a gambler. That was sad, but I felt it feed into his imagining a better life through a character. I really enjoyed this, great poems, great illustrations.
(Just a quick side story, a few years back on Jeopardy the final answer was Don Quixote, and I asked from another room what the answer was, and my husband said, "Don Quicks-oat." 🤦♀️ )
(Just a quick side story, a few years back on Jeopardy the final answer was Don Quixote, and I asked from another room what the answer was, and my husband said, "Don Quicks-oat." 🤦♀️ )
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