Knights and Bikes

June 1, 2023
In a second exploit following 2021's Knights and Bikes, the rebel bikers of the Cornish isle of Penfurzy earn their knighthoods by returning the magical Pendragon Cup to its rightful ghostly owner. First, though, Nessa and Demelza--with Demelza's goose, Captain Honkers, and the ancient severed head of Penfurzy knight Sir Calenick, met in the previous episode, in tow--must fetch the cup from the reclusive Lady of the Lake, escape a mob of shocked villagers after new kid Nessa slathers the jam on her scone after rather than before the cream (an unpardonable breach in Cornwall), break into a barrow hidden beneath a closed and creepy theme park, rout a trio of pesky boys, and like challenges. They demonstrate the value of teamwork and pull off rad bike tricks as they go. Variety in the fonts used adds to the book's visual interest. The blocky figures in the frequent illustrations recall the look of those in the video game that inspired this spinoff, break up the text's short chapters and enhance the story's accessibility, and add to the humor of the hijinks. Illustrations show the locale's ethnic diversity; Demelza reads White, and Nessa was previously identified as South Asian. A free-wheeling romp with a distinctly British flavour. (map, video game sketches, excerpt from Volume 1) (Adventure. 7-10)

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August 15, 2021
Two girls bond over knights, castles, toys, and real treasure in this series opener inspired by a video game. Nine-year-old Demelza Penrose and her pet goose, Captain Honkers, live in a little camper on a caravan site owned by her father on Penfurzy Island in Cornwall, England. Demelza's life is upended when a mysterious girl called Nessa breaks in during a storm. When Demelza finds out that her father needs to sell the camper park due to declining revenues, she and Nessa spring into action to defend the property. Their discovery of Demelza's deceased mother's notebook containing clues to the legend of the Penfurzy knights and their lost treasure propels them on a series of hair-raising adventures. Fixing up a couple of old bikes to serve as steeds, the girls embark on a lengthy quest, which takes them to a junkyard in search of the Staff of Truth, up a high tor, and into a sunken castle where they engage in battle with sinister knights and discover a roomful of treasure. A satisfying plot twist ensures a happy ending for Demelza and her father and cements the girls' friendship. This is a lighthearted, swashbuckling tale in which physical bravery as well as smarts and honesty are rewarded. Expressive cartoon-style black-and-white illustrations dot the pages. Nessa is of Asian Indian descent; Demelza is cued as White. Future quests for these adventuresome girls are assured--and will be most welcome. (map) (Adventure. 8-10)

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