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Robin Hood
The champion of the destitute and downtrodden rides again. Meet young Robin Hood before he becomes the hero of Sherwood Forest, and follow along with his band of merry men as his adventures become the stuff of legend. This lavishly illustrated picture book makes a wonderful gift title to complement Arthur of Albion and The Arabian Nights, and features nine tales including: ?Robin Becomes an Outlaw, ? ?Robin Meets Little John, ? ?Robin and the Widow, ? and ?Robins Last Battl
112 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 17, 2012
Robin Hood has, for years now, been the bane of my existence. And yes, I'm well aware that this statement makes me sound like nothing so much as the Sheriff of Nottingham. That doesn't make it any less true. There I'd be, sitting merrily at my reference desk in the children's room of the library when someone, adult or child, would wander up and ask "Where's your Robin Hood?". Then I'd be stuck. Stuck explaining that unless you wanted some long extended version by Howard Pyle you were pretty much up a tree. Robin Hood related picture books, easy readers, or early chapter books are, were, and evermore shall be in short supply. Into this gaping lack comes one of the finest editions ever to grace a library's shelves. With slam bang writing, all the Robin Hood related hits (The Friar! Maid Marian! Little John!) are included and I think it safe to say that any library or literary collection worth its salt would be well advised to grab this ultimate Robin Hood tome forthwith if not sooner. At long last we've a RH we can all enjoy.
You say you think you know the story of Robin Hood? Sure you may have some vague particulars in mind, but sit ye back and hear the tale of a man who fought the odds. Targeted by the Sheriff of Nottingham's corrupt foresters, the bloke known as Robin Hood quickly became an outlaw, living in the woods, recruiting like-minded fellows to be part of his band. Chapter by chapter we learn of his adventures with Little John, Friar Tuck, Alan-a-Dale, and even Maid Marian. Tales like "Robin and the Widow" and "The Golden Arrow" lead to a climax with the King's men. Robin and friends escape but "Robin's Last Battle" shows how the hero of the woodland met his final end. Backmatter includes a note on research and a complete Bibliography with many useful websites.
As I mentioned earlier, for all his cultural cache why is the man in green as elusive in children's literature as, say, King Arthur (a different rant for a different day)? The trick may lie in the source material. Which is to say, there isn't any. When parents would ask me for "the original Robin Hood" book for their kids, I am without resources. The closest thing I can come up with would be an edition illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. Part of the problem lies in the story itself. To make an ultimate Robin Hood book you'd have to do a crazy amount of research into old sources. That's where Calcutt really shines. Explaining that the first Robin Hood ballads weren't even collected until the 19th century, Calcutt explains in the Research and Bibliography section of the book that his stories come from an amalgamation of several sources. Combining them expertly alongside ballads translated into modern English the final product feels like a Robin Hood designed to please purists and those of us raised on Hollywood's vision of the man alike.
That's the upside. There is a downside to faithful renditions, though. After all, it's not as if the original stories were written or told with young readers in mind. As such there are some distinctly amoral moments here and there in old Robin Hood's wanderings. The book itself begins with a story called "Robin Hood Becomes an Outlaw" where Robin's surefire shooting skills systematically pick off and kill a whole slew of men from a tree. Similarly later in the book we learn that the Merry Men are in trouble with the law because they found some dozing members of the king's guard and kinda sorta slaughtered them in their sleep to get their clothes. There's something oddly refreshing about a story for kids that isn't sanitized within an inch of its life, but readers would be well-advised to know beforehand that there's a fair share of corpses strewn about the pages before you get to the end. I had the distinct impression as I read this book that Calcutt was doing his darndest to play it both ways too. For example, a storyline where Robin and his men decide to rob an abbot on some pretty shaky grounds is quickly justified by going into the abbot's head and showing that he's a greedy guts who has it coming. Parents may raise an eyebrow on some of the morality here but kids won't notice a thing.
Granted the book is not a picture book, so itty bitties trying to get their Robin Hood fixes may be out of luck. On the other hand, it's not as if this edition lacks for illustrations. Artist Grahame Baker-Smith's style incorporates a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Says the book, "The artwork was painted in acrylic, painted in watercolor, and drawn in pen and ink, then combined, blended and composed in Photoshop.". The end result is a book with art on almost every page. It's full and lush and green with the occasional double page spread for a big scene, like the fight between Robin and Little John. There is a mild CGI flavor to the proceedings but it doesn't overwhelm the senses.
If it's any additional incentive, it can't hurt matters any that the World Wide Robin Hood Society placed their own seal of approval on this book saying, "A twenty-first-century classic where author and artist have woven their individual magic to breathe new life into the popular story of the world's most famous outlaw." Interestingly, though the king is mentioned in the book we never hear his name. So while this is undoubtedly the most complete Robin Hood you'll encounter, there will still be the occasional naysayer. Fortunately for all of us they'll be few and far between. Calcutt and Baker-Smith have met a need and a gap in library collections nation, nay, worldwide. A lovely object, a rip-roaring adventure tale, and fun to its core. A necessary purchase.
You say you think you know the story of Robin Hood? Sure you may have some vague particulars in mind, but sit ye back and hear the tale of a man who fought the odds. Targeted by the Sheriff of Nottingham's corrupt foresters, the bloke known as Robin Hood quickly became an outlaw, living in the woods, recruiting like-minded fellows to be part of his band. Chapter by chapter we learn of his adventures with Little John, Friar Tuck, Alan-a-Dale, and even Maid Marian. Tales like "Robin and the Widow" and "The Golden Arrow" lead to a climax with the King's men. Robin and friends escape but "Robin's Last Battle" shows how the hero of the woodland met his final end. Backmatter includes a note on research and a complete Bibliography with many useful websites.
As I mentioned earlier, for all his cultural cache why is the man in green as elusive in children's literature as, say, King Arthur (a different rant for a different day)? The trick may lie in the source material. Which is to say, there isn't any. When parents would ask me for "the original Robin Hood" book for their kids, I am without resources. The closest thing I can come up with would be an edition illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. Part of the problem lies in the story itself. To make an ultimate Robin Hood book you'd have to do a crazy amount of research into old sources. That's where Calcutt really shines. Explaining that the first Robin Hood ballads weren't even collected until the 19th century, Calcutt explains in the Research and Bibliography section of the book that his stories come from an amalgamation of several sources. Combining them expertly alongside ballads translated into modern English the final product feels like a Robin Hood designed to please purists and those of us raised on Hollywood's vision of the man alike.
That's the upside. There is a downside to faithful renditions, though. After all, it's not as if the original stories were written or told with young readers in mind. As such there are some distinctly amoral moments here and there in old Robin Hood's wanderings. The book itself begins with a story called "Robin Hood Becomes an Outlaw" where Robin's surefire shooting skills systematically pick off and kill a whole slew of men from a tree. Similarly later in the book we learn that the Merry Men are in trouble with the law because they found some dozing members of the king's guard and kinda sorta slaughtered them in their sleep to get their clothes. There's something oddly refreshing about a story for kids that isn't sanitized within an inch of its life, but readers would be well-advised to know beforehand that there's a fair share of corpses strewn about the pages before you get to the end. I had the distinct impression as I read this book that Calcutt was doing his darndest to play it both ways too. For example, a storyline where Robin and his men decide to rob an abbot on some pretty shaky grounds is quickly justified by going into the abbot's head and showing that he's a greedy guts who has it coming. Parents may raise an eyebrow on some of the morality here but kids won't notice a thing.
Granted the book is not a picture book, so itty bitties trying to get their Robin Hood fixes may be out of luck. On the other hand, it's not as if this edition lacks for illustrations. Artist Grahame Baker-Smith's style incorporates a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Says the book, "The artwork was painted in acrylic, painted in watercolor, and drawn in pen and ink, then combined, blended and composed in Photoshop.". The end result is a book with art on almost every page. It's full and lush and green with the occasional double page spread for a big scene, like the fight between Robin and Little John. There is a mild CGI flavor to the proceedings but it doesn't overwhelm the senses.
If it's any additional incentive, it can't hurt matters any that the World Wide Robin Hood Society placed their own seal of approval on this book saying, "A twenty-first-century classic where author and artist have woven their individual magic to breathe new life into the popular story of the world's most famous outlaw." Interestingly, though the king is mentioned in the book we never hear his name. So while this is undoubtedly the most complete Robin Hood you'll encounter, there will still be the occasional naysayer. Fortunately for all of us they'll be few and far between. Calcutt and Baker-Smith have met a need and a gap in library collections nation, nay, worldwide. A lovely object, a rip-roaring adventure tale, and fun to its core. A necessary purchase.
April 30, 2021
It was an easy read, one dedicated especially to boys, from which we have many lessons to learn. I liked this book, probably if I had read it a year ago I would have liked it more, but from my point of view it is a perfect read for those who want to start reading in English (such as my case, by the way).
April 20, 2019
What a delight this book was.
Fun, surprising dialogue and interactions between characters, neat and unique combinations of old story plots and character relationships. Marian was AWESOME; I wish she'd been around some more. (But I can also respect her having her own life off doing other things, haha. This is how you give Marian agency without needing to make Robin a stupid jerk!) David Calcutt's writing voice was superb. The necessity of strong writing voice becomes really, really obvious when you're reading a traditional retelling of Robin Hood, where the story and characters threads are so worn and comfortable but you still want to be shown something new. Of course you do.
Unfortunately, the history background at the end is kind of meh--just generic and reinforcing some stereotypes about the Middle Ages, especially in regards to needing to see the role of women through 21st century morals. I think it's harmed by taking "the Middle Ages" as a whole instead of specifically focusing on the 1300s, which is what I think the author must have mostly studied.
But! The story itself is excellent. Definitely recommend.
Fun, surprising dialogue and interactions between characters, neat and unique combinations of old story plots and character relationships. Marian was AWESOME; I wish she'd been around some more. (But I can also respect her having her own life off doing other things, haha. This is how you give Marian agency without needing to make Robin a stupid jerk!) David Calcutt's writing voice was superb. The necessity of strong writing voice becomes really, really obvious when you're reading a traditional retelling of Robin Hood, where the story and characters threads are so worn and comfortable but you still want to be shown something new. Of course you do.
Unfortunately, the history background at the end is kind of meh--just generic and reinforcing some stereotypes about the Middle Ages, especially in regards to needing to see the role of women through 21st century morals. I think it's harmed by taking "the Middle Ages" as a whole instead of specifically focusing on the 1300s, which is what I think the author must have mostly studied.
But! The story itself is excellent. Definitely recommend.
January 23, 2013
When I saw this sitting on a display at the library, I immediately snatched it up. Robin Hood has always been a favorite of mine since I was a kid (I grew up watching Kevin Costner's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves over and over again), so when I saw that someone had compiled the tales of Robin Hood in a single picture book for kids, I was quite intrigued.
Calcutt did a great job, streamlining the stories for a child to read and understand, while still keeping it interesting. Combining all the stories together into one volume was an excellent idea. The stories of Little John, of Marian, of Friar Tuck, and all the others are here. Also, the little epilogue about the medieval world at the end was a great touch, giving the reader a little more information about the world Robin Hood lived in.
A lovely book. Loved it.
Calcutt did a great job, streamlining the stories for a child to read and understand, while still keeping it interesting. Combining all the stories together into one volume was an excellent idea. The stories of Little John, of Marian, of Friar Tuck, and all the others are here. Also, the little epilogue about the medieval world at the end was a great touch, giving the reader a little more information about the world Robin Hood lived in.
A lovely book. Loved it.
January 3, 2020
Si hay un libro que entre en el top 5 de peores lecturas de lo que leí durante el año Robin Hood entra definitivamente en la lista.
No era un libro que tuviera intención de leer y con razón (solo lo leí por la copa de las casas), se me hizo un libro tan aburrido, tan lento, en 100 páginas sentí que no paso nada, la historia, los personajes todo muy aburrido y sin desarrollo.
Definitivamente de mis peores lecturas del 2019.
Puntaje 1⭐
No era un libro que tuviera intención de leer y con razón (solo lo leí por la copa de las casas), se me hizo un libro tan aburrido, tan lento, en 100 páginas sentí que no paso nada, la historia, los personajes todo muy aburrido y sin desarrollo.
Definitivamente de mis peores lecturas del 2019.
Puntaje 1⭐
March 25, 2020
This is classic Robin Hood as I've always envisioned it. I loved this version of each of the stories: each one felt authentic, was enjoyable to read, struck that perfect balance of Robin Hood being idealistic and honorable and witty, while also being rogueish and impulsive and irreverent. The rest of the band, Little John, Will Scarlet, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, all of them are portrayed perfectly. I've read other Robin Hood depictions that I just didn't connect with, but this was perfect, and that's even without mentioning the beautiful illustrations. Highly recommend.
June 20, 2019
Los libros ilustrados son mi perdición, éste en particular es divino en todos sentidos. Tiene una tipografía preciosa, con el tamaño ideal; el papel es grueso y brillante; tiene ilustraciones de media página, de dos páginas completas y de pequeño tamaño en las esquinas; amo los separadores de los capítulos que contienen versos de la versión original y en general la adaptación fue muy cómoda de leer para mí. El personaje de Robin Hood siempre me ha fascinado y fue genial leer su historia.
May 18, 2024
Taking various traditional Robin Hood ballads as his starting point, author David Calcutt relates the story of the famous outlaw from Sherwood Forest in this oversized illustrated chapter-book. Forced into the life of an outlaw by the treacherous foresters of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin gathers his Merry Men. Chapters are devoted to his meeting with Little John, how Robin and his men aided a widow and her three sons, how Friar Tuck and Alan-a-Dale joined the band, how Robin met Maid Marian, how the band aided Marian's brother, how Robin competed in an archery contest for a golden arrow, and how Robin escaped from captivity and fought his last battle against the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Guy of Gisborne. The book closes with a discussion of England during Robin Hood's day, and a list of references and sources...
As someone who has always loved the Robin Hood story, and who grew up reading any number of different retellings—everything from Henry Gilbert's rather old-fashioned Robin Hood (my childhood favorite) to Robin McKinley's rather modern The Outlaws of Sherwood (my teenage favorite)—I was excited to pick up this 2012 retelling from David Calcutt, especially as it is aimed at slightly younger chapter-book readers than most other versions I have encountered. I've come across many Robin Hood picture books, and many longer novels for older middle-grade and young adult readers, but this version, which is physically quite large but textually brief—it's like a picture book / chapter book hybrid—is the perfect volume for children just beginning to read longer fiction. On the whole I found it quite appealing, and although it isn't destined to become a favorite, I think it fulfills its purpose quite well. I did wonder a bit at the depiction of Marian—is she actually a warrior to equal Robin, in some traditional ballads, or is that Calcutt's invention?—but not enough that it detracted from my enjoyment. I thought the artwork from Grahame Baker-Smith was interesting, although sometimes also a little creepy. Recommended to anyone seeking a Robin Hood retelling for beginning chapter book readers.
As someone who has always loved the Robin Hood story, and who grew up reading any number of different retellings—everything from Henry Gilbert's rather old-fashioned Robin Hood (my childhood favorite) to Robin McKinley's rather modern The Outlaws of Sherwood (my teenage favorite)—I was excited to pick up this 2012 retelling from David Calcutt, especially as it is aimed at slightly younger chapter-book readers than most other versions I have encountered. I've come across many Robin Hood picture books, and many longer novels for older middle-grade and young adult readers, but this version, which is physically quite large but textually brief—it's like a picture book / chapter book hybrid—is the perfect volume for children just beginning to read longer fiction. On the whole I found it quite appealing, and although it isn't destined to become a favorite, I think it fulfills its purpose quite well. I did wonder a bit at the depiction of Marian—is she actually a warrior to equal Robin, in some traditional ballads, or is that Calcutt's invention?—but not enough that it detracted from my enjoyment. I thought the artwork from Grahame Baker-Smith was interesting, although sometimes also a little creepy. Recommended to anyone seeking a Robin Hood retelling for beginning chapter book readers.
December 9, 2023
This is a collection of Robin Hood stories, "translated", so to speak, from the original ballads into a modern prose narrative. These include an origin story for Robin Hood himself, how he meets several of his allies such as Friar Tuck, Little John and Maid Marian, and the Golden Arrow contest. There is no definitive ending; the final chapter instead lists various "endings" that have been told in various tales, which range from Happily Ever After to Downer Ending.
This was a fun read. If you want an example of Robin Hood stories, then this one will suit your needs. The individual chapters are quick reads in themselves. The final three stories are technically one story with three major events.
There are color illustrations too, and sometimes even a full two-page spread. Those were treats to come across while reading.
Note: This is my first experience reading Robin Hood stories, so I'm not sure how this compares to other renditions.
Trickster Eric novels gives "Robin Hood (Barefoot Books version)" an A+
This was a fun read. If you want an example of Robin Hood stories, then this one will suit your needs. The individual chapters are quick reads in themselves. The final three stories are technically one story with three major events.
There are color illustrations too, and sometimes even a full two-page spread. Those were treats to come across while reading.
Note: This is my first experience reading Robin Hood stories, so I'm not sure how this compares to other renditions.
Trickster Eric novels gives "Robin Hood (Barefoot Books version)" an A+
September 17, 2017
These stories are exceptional! I have no experience with Howard Pyle's telling of the Robin Hood stories or of the original ballads. In the first chapter, "Who Was Robin Hood?", Calcutt claims that the stories in his book are all based on the original written Robin Hood ballads. In the last chapter, "Robin's World", he highlights some aspects of medieval England that have bearing on the stories.
I read this out loud to my 6 and 7 year olds and we all really enjoyed it. I couldn't wait to read it to them each night. The illustrations are gorgeous and plentiful. The stories build anticipation and excitement.
I read this out loud to my 6 and 7 year olds and we all really enjoyed it. I couldn't wait to read it to them each night. The illustrations are gorgeous and plentiful. The stories build anticipation and excitement.
July 11, 2023
While definitely for children, this version of Robin Hood was a fun and easy read. Many of the characters we’ve come to love were present.
I was a little sad Marian and Robin didn’t have their usual romance.
It was interesting that the opening admitted there’s many endings to the tale of Robin Hood.
I was a little sad Marian and Robin didn’t have their usual romance.
It was interesting that the opening admitted there’s many endings to the tale of Robin Hood.
January 18, 2024
I am on a hunt to read as many of the "classics" of children's literature and this popped up on a random list. Until I read the ratings for this, I never knew it was not a complete book but rather short tales and this book did a great job of combining them into one. The art was creepy and felt ai generated.
Want to read
June 6, 2021As suggested in Excellent Books for Early and Eager Readers
June 20, 2022
Enjoyed it except for Maid Marian. She was a great distance away from the original. In order to make her heroic and decisive, she becomes just one of the boys. She could portray the truth of women's lives and remain heroic; she didn't have to play the role of a Merry Man.
September 10, 2017
We read this together, but Adrian loved it so much that he couldn't wait for me. He has definitely propelled beyond beginner readers!
April 28, 2022
I think this is my favorite portrayal of Marian.
September 18, 2016
I used this as a read-aloud for elementary kids, and I found it to be a lovely introduction to Robin Hood. The illustrations are interesting and attractive--somewhere between cartoony and realistic--and the storytelling was engaging. The included stories took us from Robin Hood's beginning as an outlaw to the last stories of him and several ideas of what may have happened to him. At the end, there's information included about the time period.
The one thing to be aware of is the violence in this book. **SPOILER ALERT: Some specific examples included below.**
It's present from the first story, which ends with the Sheriff's men taking Robin Hood into the woods and trying to kill him, at which point he kills all of them and flees. In general, however, I appreciated that the outlaws generally avoided killing. For example, when they capture the Sheriff after he attempts to hang the sons of a poor widow, they put a noose around his neck and leave him to tremble in fear, but they slice the rope with an arrow when he looks as if he might topple from his perch. When Maid Marian fights Sir Guy, she makes him beg for mercy but does not kill him. In fact, I think the only deaths may have been in the first story and the last one. So while there was a lot of sword fighting and the occasional death, I felt it was generally handled well and led to some interesting discussions.
The one thing to be aware of is the violence in this book. **SPOILER ALERT: Some specific examples included below.**
It's present from the first story, which ends with the Sheriff's men taking Robin Hood into the woods and trying to kill him, at which point he kills all of them and flees. In general, however, I appreciated that the outlaws generally avoided killing. For example, when they capture the Sheriff after he attempts to hang the sons of a poor widow, they put a noose around his neck and leave him to tremble in fear, but they slice the rope with an arrow when he looks as if he might topple from his perch. When Maid Marian fights Sir Guy, she makes him beg for mercy but does not kill him. In fact, I think the only deaths may have been in the first story and the last one. So while there was a lot of sword fighting and the occasional death, I felt it was generally handled well and led to some interesting discussions.
October 29, 2013
This book is in an odd in between place.
It’s too wordy for either a picture book or a graphic novel, but much more illustrated than a novel. It’s too young for YA, but too old for the I-Can-Read-Chapter-Books set.
Clearly it has an audience in mind that is being introduced to the legend of Robin Hood, but I would hesitate to put this in the hands of an elementary or middle school reader, both because of the protagonists casual approach to violence-as-the-answer AND the pseudo Ye-Olden-Days-Speak that would probably be a turn off to most kids who have enough trouble with ordinary modern English.
The illustrations are also in this odd middle. They aren’t photo realism, but they aren’t quite cartoony either. Not quite computer graphics, but not painted either. They are this odd melding of a medieval tapestry with Photoshop – like an illuminated manuscript designed for a Cyberpunk fairy tale.
So, yeah, definitely an odd retelling of the tale.
January 3, 2016
This is a gorgeous book! The pictures are wonderful. I love that each character has a great picture. At first I was frustrated with the writing - it seemed very simplistic, but as I got into the story, the writing did not bother me anymore. In fact I realized that the writing made the story really acessible to kids without compromising the depth and detail of the stories. I loved that all the major stories of Robin Hood are here - Little John, Friar Tuck, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Maid Marian, etc. The book includes a section on "Robin's World" at the end of the story. It tells about life in Medieval times. A great resource for kids, teachers and families reading this book. There is also a section about the author's research into the story, as well as a bibilography of other sources used.
January 28, 2013
This was a fun retelling of the original set of Robin Hood ballads. Not the most gripping writing at times, but it's meant to reflect the content of the ballads, which consequently sometimes includes pointless descriptions of clothes, castles and forests. Each ballad retelling is prefaced by a short excerpt from the source material, and fun illustrations that mimic medieval art without overtly copying it are interspersed throughout the text.
These stories do not include the flourishes from popular culture, so readers should not expect something reminds you of the many film adaptations of the Robin Hood legend. The adventures focus primarily on action, fun and outsmarting the bad guys. A good read for boys, particularly reluctant readers.
These stories do not include the flourishes from popular culture, so readers should not expect something reminds you of the many film adaptations of the Robin Hood legend. The adventures focus primarily on action, fun and outsmarting the bad guys. A good read for boys, particularly reluctant readers.
February 28, 2013
Child was obsessed with this book, often delaying bedtime as long as possible while reading it. She's long been a fan of both Robin Hood, so I wasn't surprised. I thank the editors for adding multiple possible endings for Robin Hood so that Child could choose her favorite thing to believe. I didn't read this with her, so I can't vouch for the way Calcutt has worked with the Robin Hood story, but child LOVED it. She told me it was 4 3/4 stars because, "It's not my favorite book ever, ever, ever, but it was sooooo good and I loved it and Robin Hood is amazing and I will read it again." I'm going to round her score up to a generous 5 stars. :)
February 13, 2014
We really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect length for reading a chapter at a time with nine chapters total. It had entertaining pictures and though the wording was a little difficult for my little one, I explained it easily. The plot excited him and brought many interesting discussions.
May 18, 2013
A good version for short attention spans, a bit gruesome at the end. Not as poetic in prose as I'd like, but it does have colorful illlustrations [also gruesome at the end].
August 3, 2016
Well done, a retelling of the Robin Hood tales that's appropriate for elementary-aged readers.
July 4, 2015
Great kids version of Robin Hood. Comprehensible, but still complex. Not shying away from the mixed morality for robbing from the rich to give to the poor either.
January 21, 2016
Taking ballad about this famous outlaw, Robin Hood, the author has created stories about his life.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews