Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
When the young Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and became High King of all Britain, he didn't realize that an even greater task lay that of uniting his country behind him. Wielding the great Pendragon sword, Arthur leads his men to victory in the Battle of Bedegraine. Afterward, his knights disperse in pursuit of individual glory and Arthur stays behind, listening wistfully to the older knights' tales of daring and heroism. All the time he wonders, Why can't I go questing as they have? But soon he does discover a quest of his own, and despite the warnings of his adviser, Merlin, he sets out to challenge the rebellious warrior King Pellinore in a fight that could prove to be his downfall. In this third volume of his Tales of King Arthur series, Hudson Talbott continues the thrilling story of the young king begun in The Sword in the Stone and King Arthur and the Round Table, showing Arthur's struggles to become a king not only in name but to the depths of his being. Exciting scenes from the days of chivalry and heroism burst from every page, from Arthur's encounter with Pellinore to his meeting with the mysterious Lady of the Lake, guardian of the splendid sword Excalibur. Hudson Talbott's masterful storytelling and dramatic paintings will enthrall fans of his previous books and win many new ones besides.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 1991

2 people are currently reading
70 people want to read

About the author

Hudson Talbott

34 books29 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
29 (33%)
4 stars
33 (37%)
3 stars
23 (26%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Set.
2,173 reviews
February 24, 2019
[image error]
I love Arthurian tales, they are my favorite. This is the tale of Arthur battling Pellinore and then the lady of the lake in Avalon giving Arthur Excalibur. The exchanging of the swords and scabbards is a metaphor for leaving behind the immaturity of youthful pride in exchange for the maturity of honor and worthiness.
16 reviews
Read
November 7, 2016
Title: Excalibur
Author: Hudson Talbott
Illustrator: Hudson Talbott
Genre: Legend, Folklore
Theme(s): Live up to your duty, courage, learn from your mistakes
Opening line/sentence:
Britain was still a young nation when a Welsh country lad named Arthur became its high king, or Pendragon.
Brief Book Summary:
Arthur became king when he pulled the Pendragon word out of stone and continued to try his hardest to be worthy of his new title. Once Arthur leads his men to victory at the battle against the Saxons, his knights hoped to find their own personal victory and abandoned Arthur. Arthur grew envious of the other knights’ victories so he eventually decided on going on his own quest even though his duty was supposed to be to his people and Merlin warns him not to. He challenges King Pellinore and ends up almost losing his life. Once he becomes strong again and realizes his mistakes, he and Merlin go to Avalon to get the nobel sword Excalibur. Arthur dedicates his life to proving that he deserves the Excalibur sword and promises he will serve his people with dignity. The knights celebrate Arthur’s return with the Excalibur and King Pellinore asks for forgiveness and becomes one of Arthur’s faithful knights.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Karen Morgan (Booklist, November 15, 1996 (Vol. 93, No. 6))
Talbott opens with young King Arthur leading his countrymen in fierce battle against their worst foes and, later, watching many of his best knights depart on further quests. Talbott's retelling of this celebrated story emphasizes Arthur's youthful hunger for adventure, a yearning that leads him to risk death by ignoring the advice of Merlin and takes him into a sensational, bloody battle with the more experienced and powerful Pellinore. In a few pages, Arthur goes from glorious victory to humbling defeat. Young readers who have enjoyed Talbott's previous retellings of Arthurian legends will welcome this one and relish the suspense as the young King seeks to replace his destroyed Pendragon sword with Excalibur. The particulars of costumes, weapons, and heraldic emblems captured in the watercolors may intrigue many youngsters; others will relish Talbott's abundant detailing of bloody battles or enjoy the story for its fantasy and drama. Category: Middle Readers. 1996, Morrow, $16 and $15.93. Gr. 3-6.
(PUBLISHER: Morrow Junior Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1996)
The third entry in the Tales of King Arthur series concerns the boyish and very human ruler, Arthur, retold in an uncluttered, open manner and with far more immediacy than King Arthur and the Round Table (1995). A huge battle scene at the ocean's edge is the first of many colorful, spectacular tableaux. Having conquered the Saxons, King Arthur watches wistfully as all his knight-pals set off for adventures while he mopes around in the castle. He slips out of the castle to fight the evil King Pellinore, despite Merlin's warnings against it. After battling "for hours," Arthur is rescued from death by Merlin and recovers dramatically to claim the sword Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake. She is very fairy-like, sort of a cross between Ophelia and the Good Witch of the North. The point-of-view momentarily shifts to Merlin, who observes "the innocent lad from Wales had disappeared forever. In his place now sat an earnest young man, ready to serve his people with grace and dignity." Clich s riddle the paintings, and there are irregularities of proportion. But the use of light and dark as well as the sheer verve of the illustrating style makes the action exciting and the emotional quality of some of the scenes affecting. 1996, Morrow, $16.00; PLB $15.93. © 1996 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Morrow Junior Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1996.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviewers point out the fact the the illustrations of this book are detailed, action packed, dramatic, and colorful. Each image adds suspense and drama to the story. On the other hand, I think the reviewers should have put more focus on the fact that Arthur was very successful when he was confident and carrying out his duty as King but was very unsuccessful when he was filled with envy and neglected his destiny as King. This is a very important lesson that is important to this story. I also think it is important to discuss the dramatic, intense, and suspenseful tone of this book that really engages readers.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The images of this story are intense, very detailed, colorful, intricate, and exciting. They bring the words on the pages to life. These images are so action packed and detailed that the reader could probably figure out what is going on in the story just by looking at the illustrations. The tone of the text is also intense and suspenseful and leaves the reader wondering what is going to happen next.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This action packed story is a great beginning legend for my future 3rd-4th grade students. This dramatic legend will keep them engaged and they will eventually want to explore more legends in the future. After the legend is fully read through once, the children can take turns acting out the different characters of the story. Older students could also compare and contrast how a legend is different than a regular story.
Profile Image for Diane.
7,288 reviews
August 9, 2018
King Arthur is restless as his knights go off on their own quests. He wants a quest of his own, though Merlin advises against it. Arthur sets off to fight Pellinore, who is challenging all comers. In a fight, Arthur loses his sword and is about to be killed when Merlin steps in and puts Pellinore to sleep. Then Merlin takes a humbled Arthur to retrieve Excalibur.
Profile Image for Catie.
463 reviews
September 30, 2024
Young King Arthur wasn't perfect, but he wanted to be a good ruler. A great book, true to the classics, to show how everyone makes mistakes, and how sometimes you should listen and take counsel from others to be a better person.

Cannot help but remember the Monty Python sketch about 'watery tarts distributing swords.' But a lovely book for all of the knight-obsessed of all ages.
1 review
August 12, 2017
Review

My son likes the book, he said he also likes the pictures. He wants to read more books about Hudson Talbot.
2,076 reviews5 followers
March 30, 2023
This is not the book I thought I had requested from the library. However, it is a pretty good rendering of the Arthurian legend for young folks.
23 reviews
Read
July 3, 2016
Title: Tales of King Arthur: Excalibur
Author: Hudson Talbot
Illustrator:
Genre: Legend
Theme(s): Loyalty, responsibility, responsibility, defiance
Opening line/sentence:
Britain was still a young nation when a Welsh country las named Arthur became its high king, or Pendragon.
Brief Book Summary:
Young King Arthur learns his duty is to his kingdom and becomes worthy of the sword Excalibur.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1996)
The third entry in the Tales of King Arthur series concerns the boyish and very human ruler, Arthur, retold in an uncluttered, open manner and with far more immediacy than King Arthur and the Round Table (1995). A huge battle scene at the ocean's edge is the first of many colorful, spectacular tableaux. Having conquered the Saxons, King Arthur watches wistfully as all his knight-pals set off for adventures while he mopes around in the castle. He slips out of the castle to fight the evil King Pellinore, despite Merlin's warnings against it. After battling "for hours," Arthur is rescued from death by Merlin and recovers dramatically to claim the sword Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake. She is very fairy-like, sort of a cross between Ophelia and the Good Witch of the North. The point-of-view momentarily shifts to Merlin, who observes "the innocent lad from Wales had disappeared forever. In his place now sat an earnest young man, ready to serve his people with grace and dignity." Clich s riddle the paintings, and there are irregularities of proportion. But the use of light and dark as well as the sheer verve of the illustrating style makes the action exciting and the emotional quality of some of the scenes affecting.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Karen Morgan (Booklist, November 15, 1996 (Vol. 93, No. 6))
Talbott opens with young King Arthur leading his countrymen in fierce battle against their worst foes and, later, watching many of his best knights depart on further quests. Talbott's retelling of this celebrated story emphasizes Arthur's youthful hunger for adventure, a yearning that leads him to risk death by ignoring the advice of Merlin and takes him into a sensational, bloody battle with the more experienced and powerful Pellinore. In a few pages, Arthur goes from glorious victory to humbling defeat. Young readers who have enjoyed Talbott's previous retellings of Arthurian legends will welcome this one and relish the suspense as the young King seeks to replace his destroyed Pendragon sword with Excalibur. The particulars of costumes, weapons, and heraldic emblems captured in the watercolors may intrigue many youngsters; others will relish Talbott's abundant detailing of bloody battles or enjoy the story for its fantasy and drama.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
I agree with the second review that the book can appeal to readers in multiple ways. Weather it’s the familiarity with the characters, the illustrations, the battle descriptions, the fantasy, or the drama, the story creates an engaging experience that will draw young readers in. Both reviews mention the illustrious in different ways. The first review marvels at how the contrast between light and dark adds to the emotion of the story. The second review likes how the illustrations portray the costumes, weapons, and other details of the time period.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The book follows a plot that teaches a good lesson about accepting responsibility for your duty. It is a great coming-of-age story line that can instill the longing to do the right thing in young children. The water color illustrations do an excellent job capturing the feel of the time period and the magic behind the legend.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book could compliment a history or social studies lesson. When learning about the ages of knights, kings and queens I can read this book as a visual for my students. However, I would not want to get them confused with legend and truth. Therefore, this book could also be used when introducing fantasy or legend genres.
Profile Image for Alison.
105 reviews13 followers
March 1, 2016
Title: Excalibur

Author: Hudson Talbott

Genre: Legend

Theme(s): Duty, Honor, Courage

Opening line/sentence: “Britain was still a young nation when a Welsh country lad named Arthur became its high king, or Pendragon.”

Brief Book Summary: King Arthur is still a young man and is bored with the duties of a King. He wishes to be a Knight again and have fantastic adventures. When he is almost slain by King Pellinore, he realizes that he has a duty that he must fulfill. He realizes he must become worthy of the sword Excalibur that will always keep him safe from all that is evil.

Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Talbott, Hudson Excalibur Morrow
(3) K-3 Books of Wonder series. Led by his desire to find adventure, King Arthur challenges the formidable King Pellinore and learns what it means to accept defeat. The young ruler returns to Caerleon bearing both greater wisdom and the magical sword Excalibur. Talbott's accessible retelling and expressive, detailed watercolors work well together in this third book in the series.

Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Publisher’s Weekly
An often bewitching but occasionally insipid visualization of an ancient tale, the third in Talbott's series of Arthurian legends (after King Arthur and the Round Table) traces young King Arthur's maturation as he battles King Pellinore and receives the sword Excalibur. The story is recounted prosaically, even awkwardly: ""I need a quest!"" complains Arthur. ""A knight has more fun than a king."" However, the pictures, composed in a traditional and romantic style, gracefully portray the hero's transition from a pretty, wistful youth to a reverent, confident king. Panoramic spreads of Arthur with his army convey a time-honored spirit of honor and adventure. The distinctly bloody fight scenes and a Barbie-esque Lady of the Lake are less than compelling, but Talbott is at his vivid best with animals: rearing horses, eager dogs and a miraculous Questing Beast. The intriguingly misty landscapes lend the classic story an air of mystery. All ages. (Sept.)

Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree with the first review. I really think this retelling is accessible to children and that they will understand it. Maybe that is why the second reviewer thought that the story was recounted “awkwardly”, but I thought it was fine and young minds will be able to appreciate the story. I also believe the illustrations work well with the story and are detailed and sophisticated. Very realistic illustrations especially with the bloody, gory fighting scenes.

Evaluation of Literary Elements: There is a lot of important components in this retelling. Lots of important quotes/lessons about life for the children to pick out and what it means to fulfill honor and duty. There is an easy enough plot for children to understand and I think they will understand the themes of the story as well. The main characters are also nicely developed for children to understand their characteristics and importance of each character.

Consideration of Instructional Application: I believe there is a lot that can be done with this story. I think you could compare and contrast to other retellings of the story. I think you could have the children dramatize important scenes in the story. I think the children would have fun designing their own “excalibur” or magical sword and what that sword would look like or what powers it would possess.

Profile Image for Angela.
991 reviews
February 1, 2013
This is just what I wanted from a King Arthur tale. It had Merlin and Excalibur. It is the story of Arthur growing into a king and fighting Pellinore. The illustrations were well made and the book was in depth and entertaining.
Profile Image for Nicole.
156 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2012
Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful story. I always call stories like these "soul books" because they feed my sons' souls. Not only does the story have the action and adventure that they crave, but it also contains wisdom that they need.
Profile Image for Jeremy.
Author 3 books373 followers
April 20, 2017
As always, the illustrations are really good—almost good enough for me to want to buy the series. I liked the part about praying and working. Do what you can, because God has given you a body and a mind and will—you have no right to sit back and do nothing—pray for God's will to be done, and accept the results. Odd dedication "For the Mother Spirit" at the beginning. Interesting Afterward.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.