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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Washington Irving's classic tale of romantic schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and his terrifying encounter with the Headless Horseman is given new life in this edition, featuring the richly detailed, one-of-a-kind folk illustrations of Will Moses.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1820
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Will Moses
20 books5 followersBorn and raised here, in Eagle Bridge, New York, Will Moses creates paintings that reflect the quiet beauty of this tiny community nestled close to the Vermont border. Will has created a vivid, delightful miniature world, peopled with villagers who have stepped out of the past to charm us with their simple, everyday pastimes.
As a fourth generation member of the renowned Moses family, painting is a natural tradition for Will, who began painting when he was four years old. Encouraged by his grandfather, a well-known folk painter in his own right, young Will was allowed to experiment freely with paints. Forrest K. Moses was totally committed to self-expression and passed this freedom of spirit along to his young grandson. Stimulated by his grandfather's confident approach, Will developed his own unique style of Americana.
Today, Will continues to carry on the family tradition. Although his style is reminiscent of that of his celebrated great-grandmother, it is more complex and sophisticated.
Read more...
As a fourth generation member of the renowned Moses family, painting is a natural tradition for Will, who began painting when he was four years old. Encouraged by his grandfather, a well-known folk painter in his own right, young Will was allowed to experiment freely with paints. Forrest K. Moses was totally committed to self-expression and passed this freedom of spirit along to his young grandson. Stimulated by his grandfather's confident approach, Will developed his own unique style of Americana.
Today, Will continues to carry on the family tradition. Although his style is reminiscent of that of his celebrated great-grandmother, it is more complex and sophisticated.
Read more...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 1, 2012
Although I have heard of the Headless Horseman and Icabod Crane I did not actually know the story. (Nor did I have any particular interest as I do not care for anything the least bit unrealistic.) However, my parents went on a trip back east and bought this book for my nephew. There is nothing I like better than reading aloud to children so, knowing this might be appealing to an eight-year-old boy I read him the story. And, wonder of wonders, I actually liked it! I'm sure had I read this book to myself this review would have been much less favorable. But as a read aloud to a young boy this is a winner.
August 22, 2018
Yeah, so I read this in third grade during a group reading session.
At that time I thought the scariest thing was having to read out loud in front of a group of third graders who liked to make fun of you during recess.
Little did I know the headless horseman would sneak its way into the front of consciousness and scare the bejeezus out of me at 2 in the morning.
That shadow outside the window (the one I know is usually a tree in the morning), definitely a dude with no head.
Not a story for a 9 year old people!
At that time I thought the scariest thing was having to read out loud in front of a group of third graders who liked to make fun of you during recess.
Little did I know the headless horseman would sneak its way into the front of consciousness and scare the bejeezus out of me at 2 in the morning.
That shadow outside the window (the one I know is usually a tree in the morning), definitely a dude with no head.
Not a story for a 9 year old people!
April 20, 2018
An adapted version. Ichabod Crane is a schoolmaster and all-around likable guy in Sleepy Hollow. One night, after leaving a party, he encounters the Headless Horseman.
A classic tale. Entertaining and fun.
A classic tale. Entertaining and fun.
November 22, 2017
I liked this book until the end, because I didn't like that after he got hit by the pumpkin Ichabod was never seen again.
January 7, 2018
Great story and illustrations.
November 1, 2018
An enjoyable spooky story for children with beautiful pictures to study on every page.
November 28, 2018
My family is from nearby the setting, and I grew up with Grandma Moses posters, so reading this was like visiting old friends.
October 29, 2019
This is a fun version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Easy to read with beautifully detailed paintings to accompany the story line. It is worth adding this addition to any collection!
October 23, 2023
Beautiful illustrations of a well-loved classic!
November 4, 2023
Was an OK read, thought it'd be longer and maybe have more details about the headless horseman.
October 31, 2013
Our girls are familiar with this story - we've watched a Scooby-Doo episode about it (The Headless Horseman of Halloween) and we've read Sleepy Hollow Sleepover by Ron Roy, but I had never read them the original story.
I borrowed Legend of Sleepy Hollow from our local library, but then I saw this slightly shorter picture book version and I thought I'd read it first.
This is an entertaining version of the classic tale. The language is simple and modern and the illustrations certainly complement the narrative. I thought it was interesting that the author's great-grandmother was Grandma Moses and we noticed the similar styles in their artwork. The landscapes are old fashioned and have lots of interesting details.
Overall, it was a good, not-too-scary version of the story to read with children and we enjoyed reading it together. Halloween is the perfect time to read this story.
I borrowed Legend of Sleepy Hollow from our local library, but then I saw this slightly shorter picture book version and I thought I'd read it first.
This is an entertaining version of the classic tale. The language is simple and modern and the illustrations certainly complement the narrative. I thought it was interesting that the author's great-grandmother was Grandma Moses and we noticed the similar styles in their artwork. The landscapes are old fashioned and have lots of interesting details.
Overall, it was a good, not-too-scary version of the story to read with children and we enjoyed reading it together. Halloween is the perfect time to read this story.
November 23, 2016
1. Awards the book has received (if any): No awards
2. Appropriate grade level(s): 1st – 2nd grade
3. Original 3-line summary
Ichabod Crane, a school master, becomes entranced by one of his students, Katrina Van Tassel, partly because of her beauty and charm, but mainly because of her likely inheritance. Brom Van Brunt, another one of Katrina’s suitors, has scared off others from trying to marry her, but Ichabod proves to be more resilient until, one night after a party at the Van Tassel’s, Katrina breaks his heart. On his way home Ichabod has a run in with the Headless Horseman, is never heard from again, and Brom ultimately marries Katrina.
4. Original 3-line review
Though the book is recommended for students 6 and up, the text may be a little lengthy for younger readers. The legend itself is an engaging ghost story for children that also references relevant historical events like the Revolutionary War. There is also an underlying message that one should not “love” someone for monetary and materialistic reasons, which could encourage children to see others in terms of who they are versus what they can gain from them.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses
This book could be used in a thematic unit on Halloween. It could also be used with regards to lessons on morality, such as not being greedy or viewing people solely in terms of what one can gain from them.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): 1st – 2nd grade
3. Original 3-line summary
Ichabod Crane, a school master, becomes entranced by one of his students, Katrina Van Tassel, partly because of her beauty and charm, but mainly because of her likely inheritance. Brom Van Brunt, another one of Katrina’s suitors, has scared off others from trying to marry her, but Ichabod proves to be more resilient until, one night after a party at the Van Tassel’s, Katrina breaks his heart. On his way home Ichabod has a run in with the Headless Horseman, is never heard from again, and Brom ultimately marries Katrina.
4. Original 3-line review
Though the book is recommended for students 6 and up, the text may be a little lengthy for younger readers. The legend itself is an engaging ghost story for children that also references relevant historical events like the Revolutionary War. There is also an underlying message that one should not “love” someone for monetary and materialistic reasons, which could encourage children to see others in terms of who they are versus what they can gain from them.
5. 2-3 possible in-class uses
This book could be used in a thematic unit on Halloween. It could also be used with regards to lessons on morality, such as not being greedy or viewing people solely in terms of what one can gain from them.
November 3, 2017
I am not really impressed with the simplistic artwork of Grandma Moses' great-grandson and the Scooby Doo-style ghost story. I pulled this from my shelves meaning to discard it, but I see Will Moses inscribed it to me for my birthday in 2002. I guess I should keep it, then, although I don't recall that birthday or who arranged this...
Also, this is overtly aimed at children, but I think there is too much text and a too convoluted tale with artwork that isn't going to work for kids.
Overall, a poor adaptation of Irving's classic tale.
Also, this is overtly aimed at children, but I think there is too much text and a too convoluted tale with artwork that isn't going to work for kids.
Overall, a poor adaptation of Irving's classic tale.
October 7, 2014
If you are from the Midwest like I am, You have grown up with this story. This is an adapted version of Washington Irving's original. The illustrations by Will Moses are wonderful! The whole thing is done in a classic Americana style that fits the story so well. You have Ichabod, Katrina, Brom Bones, and of course, The Headless Horseman. Read this for grades 2 and up for a fall and Halloween treat! The adaption remains very faithful to the original. You just get the added bonus of nice big pictures that are full of turning leaves and fall colors.
March 17, 2010
The story of Ichabod Crane is one of witchcraft and the "myth" of the headless horseman.
This book, in my opinion, is not in the nature that would be appropriate for children. There is a large amount of text in this particular version and children may become bored before it is over. Also, the storyline itself is a bit scary for young children especially. The illustrations do not draw the reader in and I found it as a difficult/boring read so I do not see children enjoying this story.
This book, in my opinion, is not in the nature that would be appropriate for children. There is a large amount of text in this particular version and children may become bored before it is over. Also, the storyline itself is a bit scary for young children especially. The illustrations do not draw the reader in and I found it as a difficult/boring read so I do not see children enjoying this story.
April 9, 2013
Nothing like the film. this book like most of the Horror stories of the period it relies more on atmospherics to direct the readers imagination. The text concentrates more on the relationship btween Iccabod Crane and his rival for his love interest. The horror is mentioned once in the first half of the book as the scene develops but then in the latter part when the atmosphere is set the horror ending develops to its climax.
July 14, 2015
Take bad reviews with a grain of salt. They're not seeing this book through the eyes of a mesmerized child or with a child's imagination. The illustration is what makes this copy a gem and worth reading. If you want to skip the story just make it up with the pictures. Your child isn't going to be scared, and this certainly isn't about witchcraft. Most kids live a long way from "Sleepy Hollow". Halloween is about having fun. It's the people that don't celebrate that I worry about!
November 18, 2012
Wow, what a waste of time. Aside from explaining about how great the scenery was, the plot wasn't even good. If you want to read about the sleepy hollow this is not your book. If you want something to point and laugh at, get this book out of the discount section and read it.
-Moe
-Moe
December 25, 2013
This is a very faithful retelling of the original short story. Moses' folk paintings are beautiful and reflect the emotion of the people and the beauty of the nature Crane admires. I think some people rate this low because it's not solely the chase scene as a ghost story they are accustomed to.
October 9, 2014
Every fall, I read this book anew. I love the primitive art by Will Moses, the grandson of Grandma Moses; and how it ties in so well with this story of country bumpkins, old-fashioned superstition, and good ol' American gluttony. Love it!
September 9, 2012
Washington Irving tells a great tale about a Yankee in the back woods of New York. It's not as scary as the Disney movie, but having seen the movie, Irving's images are easier to visualize.
Read
October 24, 2014Read this while waiting to go into Horseman's Hollow in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
August 25, 2015
Based on the classic tale of the Headless Horseman, with folk art paintings by author Moses, a descendant of the legendary Grandma Moses.
September 9, 2020
This was different than how I remembered it as a kid. Less scary! I recalled a truly scary ghost story, but it was actually kind of humorous!
July 21, 2015
My 5 year old really enjoyed this. Not too scary!
October 6, 2017
This is an adapted, illustrated version of the classic Sleepy Hollow story. I never expected to rate an adaptation so highly, but this is really well done. I love the art and I think Moses was highly successful at what he set out to do as he stated in the book’s introduction: “I wanted Washington Irving’s basic story to be told with a feeling that was true to the original, but also in a way that might make it better appreciated and understood by young people today.” I think this would be a great Halloween read-aloud with older kids since it’s quite lengthy — more of a storybook than a picture book.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews