Summary:  The night Balin is born in Norththumberland, the old woman of the mountain arrives and predicts greatness for the newborn!  “But wait,” the old woman exclaims!  “There’s a cloud over this!” “His greatness will bring calamity to all his companions and he will strike the dolorous stroke!” Thus begins the life and knighthood of Sir Balin, the ill-fated, alternately trying to avoid and fulfill his fate.

What I like about it:   This is another installment in “The Knights’ Tales,” a fun series for reluctant readers.  Readers will enjoy the twists and turns in the story, the wordplay, and humor, matched with clever illustrations by Aaron Renier. Gerald Morris is clever writer, who will win many fans with this series.

Who I would recommend it to:  Hook reluctant readers to this series in grades 3 to 5.  Recommended for school and public libraries!