The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

Rich, surrealistic oil paintings illustrate this classic ghostly folktale about the adventures of Ichabod Crane one windy Halloween night. Retold for young readers.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Classics, Horror, Halloween, Childrens, Fantasy, Audiobook

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

People remember American writer Washington Irving for the stories " Rip Van Winkle " and " The Legend of Sleepy Hollow ," contained in The Sketch Book (1820).

This author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century wrote newspaper articles under the pseudonym Jonathan Oldstyle to begin his literary career at the age of nineteen years.

In 1809, he published The History of New York under his most popular public persona, Diedrich Knickerbocker.

Historical works of Irving include a five volume biography of George Washington (after whom he was named) as well as biographies of Oliver Goldsmith, Muhammad, and several histories, dealing with subjects, such as Christopher Columbus, the Moors, and the Alhambra, of 15th-century Spain. John Tyler, president, appointed Irving to serve as the first Spanish speaking United States minister to Spain from 1842 to 1846.

Reviews

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great retelling of a classic tale

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this will be ok to give to my niece, but will see if my sister allows. :D

[North Landesman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fully support any local stories. Re-reading this story, I am shocked how unsympathetic all of the characters are. Brom is a huge jerk, Icabod is trying to seduce a student, and Katrina likes Brom, who is awful. Not sure why this story became a classic, but I enjoy the tax revenue and tourism it brings to my town!

[Amanda Gilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a spin off by Sarena Valentino and I loved it. I had this in my 7th grade classroom and decided to read it. I think it follows the original classic well but at a more engaging level for younger readers who may find the genre of graphic novels more enticing and those that may be resistant to reading. I like this series as it covers other classics too.

[Madman Reads & Rocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short and unfulfilling version of an otherwise classic tale.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story retold in graphic novel style. I loved it and can't wait for my kids to read it too.

[Paula Greenfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful adaptation of Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite folktales. Great rendition. Love this series. Interesting illustration style with hidden easter eggs you may not find in the original stories.

[Erika HerO✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente adaptación de este clasico.

[Delie Dell Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice materials to use for non-readers. The illustrations are nice, the story was simplified and theres a study guide and discussion questions at the end.

[pri · Rating 3 out of 5]

lo leí en el viaje y estuvo entretenido qsy

[katyjanereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. I remember reading this to my students when I was a student teacher in 2008. They loved interpreting the ending. Was it really a headless horseman? Was in Brom, the talented horse rider and the one who has a grudge against Ichabod? What happened to Ichabod? Did he leave town? Was he killed? Is he now haunting Sleepy Hollow?
2. I liked reading a graphic novel form.
3. I feel like we should blame Katrina for some of this nonsense as well.
4. But Ichabod was sort of creepy too.
5. And Brom was a douche.
6. So basically, everyone sucks.
7. This is a great example of "good guys don't always win." So many stories have happy endings and this one does not. The bad guy got the girl and the okay guy is never seen again. Except if the theory of him being a ghost and getting revenge is true.
8. I love the writing prompts in the end:
-Write your favorite ghost story.
-Write a story about the new school teacher that comes to town. Does he encounter the Headless Horseman or another ghost?
-Imagine that you lived in Tarry Town. Write a story about you encountering a ghost.
9. The end also had discussion questions, which I loved.

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the midst of reading lengthier books, I sometimes slip in a graphic novel or two to keep things fresh. Particularly when said lengthier books are taking considerable time to make headway. Still on my Sleepy Hollow kick, this version of the Legend is a pretty straightforward illustrated edition. Some liberties are taken, of course, but overall it follows Washington Irving.

This telling of Diedrich Knickerbocker’s tale leaves much of the ambiguity of the original intact. It doesn’t spell out, for example, whether the headless horseman is a prank by Brom Bones or not. It doesn’t tip its hand as to whether Ichabod survived, moved to the city and married, or not. It’s in keeping with the spirit of Diedrich Knickerbocker.

Ideally suited for younger readers for whom Washington Irving’s prolix prose can sometimes be a stumbling block, this version offers a kid-friendly telling that adults will probably secretly enjoy as well. In keeping with the series, it brings works of literature to younger readers, hopefully encouraging them to seek out the originals at some later point.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that pop culture has really altered my imagination of what the original story was about.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by B.J. Harrison, but couldn't find that edition on Goodreads. I love Harrison as a narrator and have listened to many of his other audiobooks.

However, I chose to listen to this story when I was tired. So I fell asleep - twice.

I think I was just hoping for more about the legend of the Headless Horseman and less about the town of Sleepy Hollow and the rivalry with Brom Bones.

And in the end we're not even really sure there is a ghost of the Hessian soldier because it could have been a trick!

Seems like a missed opportunity for a good ghost story which is a shame because the writing is poetic.

3 out of 5 Heads.

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version of the classic 1820’s novel does a brilliant job at trimming away the fluff and making it easy to read!

Ichabod Cranes essential qualities, Brom Bones bravado, and the chilling headless horseman are still fully intact, Just presented in a way that’s easy to follow for the modern reader.

The pacing is quick and the descriptions are clear and the story’s haunting mood remains. This would be suitable for young readers of primary school and high school age that may struggle with the old terminology that is in the original story.

I will be recommending this version to people interested in reading this book without the headache of trying to decipher the old fashioned vocabulary.

If you’re looking for a fun quick read that holds onto the spirit of the original while making it digestible for the modern reader then this is the version for you.

[Room14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you'll like this book with a chill down your spine. It's sure to get your head into this book...that is if you have one. Sorry if I scared you, but if Halloween is coming up, then this is the perfect book. If you like horror stuff especially Goosebumps. This book is about love, scares and competition. You will love the parts when they tell other scary stories. Are you starting to want to read this book? Well, you have to be ready for the fright. Mwahahaha.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writer did a great job with the retelling of this timeless tale. The illustrator did an equally great job with the art work. In the end, they presented some interesting questions and activities designed for younger readers to give their opinions of the story and what they believe happened to poor Ichabod.

[Siobhan Leahy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I love this story hence why I picked up the graphic novel. But that's where my disappointment started. Not only are large part of the story missing, but other bits are added to make the shorter version work. Well illustrated and flows well. If I didn't love the original so much this would have been a higher rating.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

my 8-year-old son's first graphic novel (which he picked out himself at the school library), and one of my all-time favorite stories...Hoena and Smith do a great job of reinventing a classic! Really good!

[Alexandra Freire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ichabod Crane, un profesor recién llegado quien trata de complacer y agradarle a todo el mundo ,se ve inmerso en una espantosa y horrorosa leyenda, de aquel ser decapitado quien corta cabezas hasta encontrar la suya. Espeluznante, entretenida y llena de momentos de suspenso y emoción.

[Hawkeye · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is about a guy who's head is a pumpkin. his head is a pumpkin is because it gets chopped off.

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best retelling of the story, but it is good for younger readers and has some good information, discussion questions and writing prompts in the back.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good representation - of course, the Disney movie is still my favorite. This set has just picked up popularity in the library.

[Dcallaway14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE THING I LIKED ABOUT IT IS HOW LChabod got scard.

[Natsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

ceritanya terlalu singkat karena cuma komik 63 halaman. jadi tertarik untuk baca cerita lengkapnya :D

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!!!

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, it was pretty okay. Short, good for younger and/or reluctant readers.

[Anahí Vargas Méndez · Rating 4 out of 5]

De mis historias favoritas, disfruto mucho cada re-lectura.

[Austin Phadoungsyavong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this graphic novel book and i know read about sleepy hollow when i'm grow up and some art change face than old book.

[Daniel Garcia]

I like sos have ghost rider happened age long time ago 50 years? no reason have give up can dead bad ghost rider.