The characters of Knights of the Kitchen Table rely on partnership to get themselves out of sticky situations. In doing so, they showcase the many forms that teamwork takes, as well as what is required for teamwork to be effective. Through the encounters Joe, Sam, and Fred have with the black knight, Bleob the giant, and King Arthur’s court, the book explores how teamwork saves the day.

Teamwork requires a willingness to be a unit. When the boys confront the black knight, Sam and Joe have no idea what to do. Both boys think running away is the best and safest option, but Fred doesn’t agree. Instead, Fred sees the situation for what it is—a game of sorts—with the black knight simply being an opponent. This allows Fred to come up with a suitable plan, which he then relays to the others. While Sam and Joe are skeptical, they trust Fred and do as he instructs. After the knight misses them twice, Sam and Joe realize Fred’s plan has merit and are more willing to finish the job. Though it takes a bit for Sam and Joe to believe the plan is solid, they are willing to try the plan from the start because they believe Fred knows what he’s doing.