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(RAW Rating: 3.5) - Dream With Your Heart Apr 14, 2009
SIR NICK OF TYME was first drafted and created in the form of a coloring book. But, illustrator Kevin Dove wanted to capture childrens attention and teach them to keep their dreams. Thus, he crafted a book with dramatic illustrations and a simple but captivating story.
The story takes place in the Middle Ages, in a province called Tyme. Nick, the son of a baker, was destined to live the life of a chef. Although he accepted his destiny, like every young boy he dreamed of being a knight.
Now a young man, Nick has become his father, the business is thriving, but his heart is heavy; after all, he is just a baker. Then the king issues a challenge to all the bakers in Tyme, and Nick is the only one brave enough to step forward. This giant step will prove to be his greatest asset and will confirm that a true knight is ruled by his heart. Nick does not use a sword, but he still saves the day. SIR NICK OF TIME is perfect for very young children; it is warm and interesting, and will maintain their attention. It touches their basic innocence.
Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Sir Nick of Tyme Nov 17, 2008
This children's book is beautifully illustrated and quickly captures the attention of any child. The story is funny and has a message that will be easily understood. Makes a wonderful gift.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 3 1/2* Nick as Knight Oct 25, 2008
This is a pleasing book that I recommend with some reservation. However, the book has a good "heart," is more than competently written and illustrated, and and features the iconic clash of the poor but hard-working everyman pitted against the powerful and evil.
The illustrations are the highlight of the book, and probably the reason why I violated my usual rule against reviewing self-published books. With some exceptions (e.g., the close-up of Nick as a boy, the somewhat hokey picture of the king), Kevin Dove has managed to apply both warmth and authenticity to the usual cold, untextured landscape of computer-generated imagery. This is crucial given the setting and the plot: In medieval England (one presumes), a talented, ambitious, and kind baker risks his life to riase his station. Like other children living in TY\yme, Nick, the son of the city's best baker, dreams of becoming a knight. Yet, despite the strenghts of his personality and his ambition to turn stone into gold so that even the beggars would never have to beg, he is teased by the other kids:
"A baker's son can never be a knight," the children laughed. "Who ever heard of a knight who baked cakes and pies?"
Now grown-up, and somewhat humbled bu his position, Nick sees a golden opportunity when the king requests an almost impossible task: Bake "100 loaves of bread, 75 cakes, and 50 pies to be ready in three days." The cost of failure is high, thown in with a dragon for whom knights are just snacks.
THrough very hard work, and inspiration from his dad's rule to "Bake as if
for a king and allow the poor a little taste of royalty," Nick gets the job done--yes--in the nick of time. Why dad's favorite saying would give him "an extra boost of energy" doesn't uite work, although perhaps Nick thinks of the extra goodies he always backes for the poor. At any rate, the king is moved by Nick's talent, kind humility, and generosity, and turns a new leaf: "'Your goods may quiet my stomach,'" said the king, 'but your generosity has filled my soul.'So, like Nick he began to share." Nick becomes a knight, and, more importantly, the poor are "given enough gold to buy food for a whole year." I'm not sure what happens when the year is up, but perhaps Nick will always be there for them.
While the look of parchment and the textured drawings are laudable, the story is basically a re-working of familiar themes. As mentioned above, some of the illustrations aren't quite up to Dove's general standards, and the plot lacks depth. Additional characters, more depth to the king and the Nick, and perhaps the presentation of an ethical dilemma would have enriched the book.
One more note: Although Mr. Dove does not control the book's relatively high price (he'd like to see it lowered), it's rather expensive for what you get. I hope Mr. Dove will continue to pursue his interests in writing, I modestly suggest that he has displayed admirable potential.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Traditional children's literature at its best! Feb 12, 2008
While this story will be enjoyed by both girls and boys alike, if I had a son, I would frame each artistic page for his room. The author, whom I have met, is active in his community and a true role-model to youths. This is an earnest tale that will inspire youths to go after their greatest dreams!
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