Scieszka (like seska) has exaggerated angular black shaded drawings by ilustrator Lane Smith. Magician Uncle Joe's birthday present entitled "The Book" swirls green mist and grants pal Fred's wish to "see knights and all that stuff for real". Off go Sir Joe the Magnificent, Sir Fred the Awesome, and Sir Sam the Unusual to King Arthur's castle. Opponens are the Black Knight, grossly smelly giant Bleob, and fire-breathing leather-winged iron-clawed green dragon Smaug.