The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

by Deborah Kestel (Adapter), Howard Pyle

Retells the ballad tales of Robin Hood and his band of fellows who outwitted the sour Sheriff of Nottingham, henchman of the wicked King John.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Childrens, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Juvenile, Novels

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[McKinley Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holds us even when I read it 20 years later as an adult. Really quite a delightful illustrated classic.

Owen’s Review: 5/5 milk bottles. I demand mom and dad take me to Sherwood Forest so I can join Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men. I’ll bring my own bow.

[Md Shariful Islam · Rating 3 out of 5]

রবিনহুডের নাম শোনেনি এমন মানুষ পাওয়া ভার। ঐ যে ডাকাতটা যে ধনীদের কাছ থেকে ডাকাতি করে গরীবদের বিলিয়ে বেড়াতো। সেই ডাকাতের অভিযানের গল্প নিয়েই লেখক লিখেছেন এই উপন্যাসটা।

রবিনহুডের ‘রবিনহুড’ হয়ে ওঠা থেকে তার শেষ অভিযান পর্যন্ত বিস্তৃত এই উপন্যাসটির কাহিনী। উপন্যাসের কাহিনি শুরু হয়েছে রবিনহুডের ডাকাত তকমা জুটে যাওয়ার পর নটিংহ্যামের শেরউড জঙ্গলে আশ্রয় নেওয়া থেকে। এরপর ওর দল হয়ে ওঠা, শহরের পুলিশ প্রধান, শহরের বিশপ ও দুর্নীতিবাজ ধনীদের ঘোল খাওয়িয়ে সম্পত্তি দখল করা, অভিযান ও ব্যবহারের মাধ্যমে দলে নতুন সদস্য অন্তর্ভুক্ত করা, রাজার ক্রোধ থেকে পালিয়ে বেড়ানো থেকে ওর শেষ অভিযান পর্যন্ত বিস্তৃত এই উপন্যাসটি।

ইংরেজি বইয়ের নবীন পাঠক হিসেবে আমার কাছে বইটার যে দিকটা সবচেয়ে ভালো লেগেছে তা হলো এর সহজ-সরল, মিষ্টি ভাষা। লেখক এত সহজ ভাষায় বইটা লিখেছেন যে বইটা পড়তে কোনো সমস্যাই হয়নি। সাথে ছোট ছোট পর্বে ভাগ করার কারণে বইটা পড়তে কোনো বিরক্তিও আসেনি। আর সব থেকে বড় কথা, ছোটবেলা থেকে শুনে আসা চরিত্রটা সম্পর্কে বিস্তারিত জানতে পেরেছি।

তবে বইটার বিরক্তিকর দিক হলো প্রতিটা অভিযান মোটামুটি একই প্যাটার্নের। রবিনহুড ও লিটল জন দুইদিকে ছদ্মবেশ নিয়ে বের হয়, ওদেরকেই খুঁজতে আসা কারও সাথে ওদের সাক্ষাৎ হয়, হালকা মারামারির পর ঘাতক ওদের দলেই সদস্য হিসেবে ঢুকে পড়ে! বেশিরভাগ অভিযান এই একটা প্যাটার্নেই সাজিয়েছেন লেখক। যে দু-একটি অভিযান এই প্যাটার্নের বাইরে সেগুলোও তেমন আহামরি কিছু না। আর রবিনহুড সম্পর্কে এতদিন যা জানতাম তথা ধনীদের লুটে গরীবদের সাহায্যকারী সেটাও তেমন একটা আসেনি। সারাক্ষণ যেন ওকে ডাকাতি করতে আর পুলিশ থেকে বাঁচার লড়াই করতেই দেখলাম।

তো কথা হলো, সহজ ভাষায় লেখা বইটা দ্রুতই শেষ করেছি কিন্তু ততটা ভালো লাগেনি আরকি! রেটিং দিতে গেলে ৩/৫।

[Chris Gager · Rating 2 out of 5]

This goes with the Robin Hood I just read and reviewed as it contains the "real" author's name, which is nowhere to be seen on the front cover(it's in small print on the back cover, while Howard Pyle's is in big letters on the front?????). This book has the right cover.

[serena482* · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating 4.5 stars

[Caleb M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

From about 2-5 grade I used to LOVE these illustrated classics. They were so much fun for me. My favorite being Kidnapped. They don't sit as well as an adult. Not because they are bad, but because they are just so...juvenile.

I read this with my son in the evenings before bed. And while this is for kids, the language in it is just not the easiest to understand for them. The story of Robin Hood still shines through in a way though.

Robin Hood is one of my all time favorite characters ever. And this was a good reminder why. I love his adventures with his crew and shenanigans and it put me in a mood to read a more adult book based on the character. I do appreciate, that from my knowledge, this did seem to be more rooted in the truth of the story and not the more outlandish adventures that have gone down in legend. While I appreciate those too, I like that this kid based version seems to be more grounded in reality.

While not my favorite book it still gets a 3 ⭐ from me because I just love Robin Hood literature so much. Excited to move on to the next book I read with him as he continues to grow more fond of books.

PS-I'm reading books with my daughter as well and will be posting those reviews as we finish those books as well.

[Earthingrocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short version of the Robin Hood tales. Its longer than a golden book, with more mature themes yet its still held back for kids sake. Each page of large text is shared with a great illustration in black and white. The assembly of tales seems a bit random, with characters being properly introduced after they have been used in the earlier stories. Some tales seem to have a moral yet others seem to be variations on prior tales.

Its a fun, brisk read to get you in the spirit of Robin Hood for a kids book. If you are a little older and don't mind missing out on the illustrations I'd go with the normal version of the book about Robin Hood.

[Brent Ecenbarger · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the first of these books that none of us could get into. Robin meets another new character, and he joins the group. Next chapter, repeat. Boring as all get out.

[Yoshie Tsutsumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic among classics. A little boring but it’s part of general culture that everybody should know.

[Caty Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for me. My son voted 4 though. Of course he loved all of the adventure and fighting.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stars from me. 5-stars-plus-infinity from my seven year old, who really, really likes it.

[Jack Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood" is a classical. I have always been interested in medieval times and stories about outlaws. In the book it had a lot of little stories/adventures that Robin Hood and merry yeomen went on, each telling a difference tale and teaching a thing or two. The book never got boring and was always changing, such as when Robin Hood would go on his adventures he would always bring back a new member to the group of yeomen, the group of yeomen were known as the Hood. The tales of Robin and his merry yeomen were funny and I could apply some of the stories to my own life. I really enjoyed this book and hope to read some more just like it.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read with my son. Felt more like bros in a forest and less like robbing the rich and paying the poor.

[Alex Heer · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the reign of King Henry II in England, 18-year-old Robin Hood gets into a fight on the way to an archery competition, accidentally killing a forester. Robin hides from the vengeful Sheriff of Nottingham in Sherwood Forest. Over time, other outlaws join him, and he becomes the leader of their band. They vow to help others who have been unfairly oppressed or are in need, and they do so by taking from those who have wronged these people. As Robin Hood becomes more notorious in Nottingham, the Sheriff attempts to catch him but always fails. Realizing that he cannot outsmart Robin Hood, the Sheriff gives up on his aim of catching the outlaw.
"Steal from the rich to feed the poor." One of my favorites lines! This whole story is just the story of what truly happened with Robin Hood, Little Jon, and the other outcasts.
A great thing I loved about the book was that in every chapter there's a picture, the pictures helped me focus and be more engaged in the story and not want to put the book down. It's amazingly written with old English mixed in with it as well. It always kept you on your toes, waiting for what will happen next. It will also possibly make you cry if you're a sensitive one.
There's nothing bad I can really say about this book.
Great story with accurate events! I recommend people to read it and see how they like it for themselves.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author of original is Howard Pyle.

THIS edition was adapted by Deborah Kestel
3***

A friend mentioned that her book club was focusing on classics this year and this was their monthly read. When I said that I had never read the full story (though, of course, I was familiar with the legend), she offered to pass the book along to me when she was finished.

Well, what she had was the “Great Illustrated Classics” edition, adapted by Deborah Kestel for a younger audience, and illustrated by Pablo Marcos Studio.

It’s a fast, fun adventure with lots of fighting, competition, disguises, and more than a few near misses. Most of the characters are here, including Friar Tuck, Little John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But Maid Marion is mentioned only once.

I imagine the middle-school audience would enjoy this legend of adventure and derring-do. I wanted more depth to the story, though I doubt I’ll try to go back and read the original.

[AudreyMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Including the stories of each of the merry men as they enter Robin Hood's service, the humorous exchange with Little John over a footbridge, the dangerous encounters with the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham, the rescue of damsels in distress, Robin Hood's amazing skills at archery, and the long-awaited appearance of King Richard the Lionhearted, this book will be loved by all who read it. Written in a lively and entertaining style and brimming with romance, chivalry, and adventure, "Robin Hood" transports readers to the Sherwood Forest of long-ago England and the fascinating exploits of the brave and daring champion of the downtrodden and unfortunate. Audiences, young and old alike, will enjoy this classic story of the famed English outlaw and his loyal band of merry men. Recommended for ages 9-14.

[Kevin Findley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable adaptation for kids of a great novel. Nearly all of the GIC books are well-done, but I really recommend this one as an entry book into the series for new readers.

Kestel brings out the personalities of Robin and his band, despite the need to adapt so many tales for the book. This makes the stories read quickly and kept my son's attention throughout the book until the end. One warning, the final chapter might break your heart. For small children, I would suggest parents read it alone to see if it might be too much for their little ones.

Find it! Buy it! READ IT!

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed as a kid and like the idea of a team of outlaws stealing from the rich and giving to the poor and enjoyed how Robin Hood gradually recruited more merry men but also had their own morals and such too. Dont know if this edition is the exact same as the one I read but it was enjoyable back then, alongside the Treasure Island one I had read.

[DúviAurvandil Ericsson e Pereira · Rating 3 out of 5]

This version unfortunately doesn’t flow together very well and feels a bit disjointed — characters appear out of nowhere, we don’t get to see their distinctive personality, and Robin’s whole raison d’être is not clear. It’s written excitingly enough and comprehensible enough to work as a bedtime book for children, but not abridged in a way to make the good guy / bad guy distinction apparent.

[Kristin Conners · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to read this to George, my 5th grader, and he finished it on his own. (My oldest read it years ago.) Much to recommend for elementary-age boys - simple writing, illustrations, and the characters are "merry," love to fight, sing, make jokes, and help the less fortunate. There is no mention of "Maid Marion" in this edition.

[Cynthia Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most wonderful story. There are Merry men, Robin hood and his immediate circle of followers. Then his whole group is 150 Merry Men. There is sword fights helping your neighbors, bow and arrow competitions, robbing from the rich and giving back to the poor, and there is even a brutal competition just to win a kiss from a pretty girl.

[Ashley Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hinestly thought it was a great book! it was filled with action, adventurre, laughter, and tricks. it was an amazing trail to walk down. i their were times i had to put my book down bc i got a little brain storm of my own ideas. This story was great. and robin hood is one of my favorit tales.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 year old son and I truly enjoyed this book at bedtime. Each chapter is a short vignette about a moment in the life of Robin Hood. I think its perfect for my son's age group for kids who like stories about friendship and adventure

[Mary Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great one to read with my young boys. They were a little young for some parts, but overall, fun read. I found Robin Hood quite endearing and I was not expecting such a tear jerker of an ending.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a collection of the adventures of Robin Hood and his merry men in Sherwood Forest , the constant harrassment of the meddling Sheriff of Nottingham and the King of England. Fun stories that I never got around to reading as a child. Reading from old English was interesting.

[Schvenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally got around to completing this book in its entirety and don't regret it. This was written in the "fun" form of old English and features all of your favourite tales of Robin Hood and his merry band.

[Greg Hovanesian · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was enjoyable reading these Robin Hood stories. There's nothing amazing about them...if anything, they can seem silly and mundane at times. But overall it was enjoyable reading them, even if they weren't anything special. It's also fun to watch the old Errol Flynn movie after reading this.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker loved this one and Robin Hood may be one of his new favorite characters after reading this and watching the Disney classic. He loved how Robin gathered all his me and how adventurous they were.

[Max&Music · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally my favorite book of all time.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic story, fantastic narration!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

That’s cute.