Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest

by Ann McGovern

Ten adventures of the legendary outlaw who, with his band, vowed to bring woe to both the greedy rich and those without mercy, and to help the innocent and good-hearted.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Medieval, Middle Grade, Chapter Books

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1968

About the author

Ann McGovern Scheiner (née Weinberger) was an American writer of more than 55 children's books, selling over 30 million copies. She may be best known for her adaptation of Stone Soup, as well as Too Much Noise, historical and travel non-fiction, and biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman and Deborah Sampson Gannett and Eugenie Clark.

Reviews

[Allie White · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sons loved the adventures (age 8 & 5). Although there was an adjustment to the writing style used — “thee, thine” “methinks” for example — it was used sparingly enough for them to catch on quicker than I imagined. Lots of trickery and irony that kept them guessing and giggling at, and of course they enjoyed the wrestling, quarterstaff fights and bow shooting.

My main qualm is fairly obvious. The lines are blurred on dishonesty. Stealing and deception is celebrated and justified in the name of helping those less fortunate. We talked about the motivations and intentions behind Robin Hood’s actions, verses how he carried out what he determined as just. There’s also a chapter that talks of the sherif wanting to hang Robin Hood (as a read aloud, I changed the wording).

I enjoyed Robin Hood’s ability to not take things too seriously, he jested with others but also could see his shortcomings and failures and recovered from mistakes with good-humor. His leadership of his band has admirable qualities and his charisma just had you rooting for him!

[Gale · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nobility Beneath Lincoln Green”

Tricked by unscrupulous archers in the forest young Robin suddenly finds himself branded an outlaw—fearing for his life and losing all contact with his sweetheart, Maid Marian. The author treats readers to chapters about Robin’s encounters with: strapping little John at the brook, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham at the Butcher’s Fair, and feisty Friar Tuck across the stream--as well as the woebegone minstrel, Allan-a-Dale.

McGovern’s style is straight-forward and entertains from the very opening; she often speaks directly to the reader--as a minstrel might address his audience before and after his actual performance. Spiced with various medieval expressions and quaint vocabulary this YA book presents young people with historical information in the guise of good story-telling. She subtly inserts themes of honor among thieves and raises reader awareness of the atrocities committed by kings, clerics and nobles upon the helpless common folk. Robin Hood became a self-appointed champion of the oppressed—demonstrating and proclaiming
the need for social reform.

If you enjoy reading about dastardly schemes with clever counterfoils, rapier wit, consummate skill with a bow and arrow or quarter staff, you will eagerly devour these deftly-told exploits which have thrilled generations of young people for centuries—the stuff of legends! Dashing and bold, beloved Robin Hood remains the role model of Forest Hospitality, Compassion toward the poor and exploited peasantry, and loyalty to the rightful King--Richard the Lion-Hearted. The exploits of Robin Hood and his Merry Men never fail to delight kids of all ages!


(July 7, 2007. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)

[Jana Grote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun short book full of adventure. Probably not the best version of Robin hood but definitely still fun and enjoyable. We read this as a read aloud to my boys (5 and 6). The language used was a bit hard for them to understand (yeoman, thine, thou, etc) but not too bad. Definitely blurs the lines of morality but that’s a problem with Robin Hood in general. Overall, I’d say it was fine. Nice short read. Would probably recommend for slightly older kids. Not sure how much my 5 year old really understood.

[Amy T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the Roger Lancelyn Green Robin Hood, I decided to follow up with this Scholastic paperback that was my husband’s as a child. It was much shorter and simplistic than the RLG. It was set right before King Richard’s reign, which seemed strange, because Robin Hood loyalty to Richard and rebellion against Prince John was the main theme in the other book, and his life as an outlaw makes more sense in that context.

[Cassiejoan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this after deciding that The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood looked too ambitious for us right now, to satisfy a kid that requested Robin Hood. This was well-written and full of adventure for my adventure-hungry crew. Ironically, the one that didn't want to read it enjoyed it (partially b/c of the romance) and the one that most wanted to read it claimed to not like it...because of the romance;)

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

it talks about a man called Robin Hood,how he was highly loved by the beggars and the government was against him so he had to fight against the goverment.

[Fionnabird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started: 5/30/22
Finished: 5/30/22
Version read: Scholastic Apple Classics Paper Back
Price: borrowed from my mother in law's library

Summary: The 10 stories of Robin Hood, the great man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor all while evading the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Likes: This book was incredibly easy to read despite the 'ye olde english' used. The adventures were fun and the course of the book was beautifully lead. The ending of the book was absolutely gorgeous and a great way to wrap the story up.

Dislikes: It felt a little rushed at times, especially when Robin got in fights with people, but that may be my modern view and conflict aversion!

Last comments: This book left me feeling good, even said out loud to my husband "I am really glad I read this book, that was really nice."

[Anne Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

by Jacob, age 9: "Robin Hood is a book that's easy to read. It's about a guy named Robin Hood who is very good at archery. I like archery. He takes from the rich people and gives it to the poor people. Friar Tuck helps him. He does it to make it so the world is better. Rich people must have to work hard to get the money, so then it wouldn't be good if it got stolen. But poor people getting money is good. What Robin Hood is doing is good and bad. There's a sheriff that tries to catch him constantly but never gets him. I like the book because it has archery and I like archery. I would recommend it if you like archery."

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen a few film adaptations of robin hood I knew the rough outline of what the story would be.
A reasonably enjoyable quick read. Robin is actually very ill tempered and rather egotistical. Reminded me a little of the three musketeers, which I hated, and if it wasn't for the fact he was doing good deeds and was fair to his men I'd probably dislike him too. The sherif of Nottingham being a worse man probably helped.
The story is well written with each chapter being sort of sub stories that all connect together.

[August Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read, Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest is a fun and entertaining book. Robin Hood's adventures are thrilling to read and they encompass the true outlaw spirit that naturally comes with Robin Hood. What was also quite nice was that the dialogue was written in old English, with the right amount of 'ye' and 'begone, villain' to re-kindle my interest in the stories and legends of old. All in all, this book was awesome.

[Alexia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 estrellas en realidad, que buen libro para pasar un ratito entretenida, es Robin hood y sus aventuras en Sherwood Forest que bueno, super tranqui la lectura y no se me dio nostalgia leerla por alguna razón se sintió como leer un libro cuando tenia 10 años y disfrutaba absolutamente todo:)
Gracias por nuestro pequeño infinito

[Nisa Greennnpanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 stars

Likes:
-- This story is different from Disney's Robin Hood animated movie (1973) that I used to watch during my childhood. Loved how the chapters are presented and the use of Old English in the dialogues. Quite suitable for all ages of readers.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had great fun reading this along with a girl I tutor, introducing her to older language and all the crazy pranks of Robin Hood and his gang. It brought up interesting thoughts about acting outside the law and how best to help those in need.

[Rebecca Martell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and lighthearted take on tales of Robin Hood. Easy to read-- great for reading aloud to any age or for reading alone (upper elementary due to some vocabulary challenges). Overall, much better writing than one sees today, and some lovely illustrations included.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of the classic Robin Hood tales retold in a novel great for young readers just graduating to full books and interested in ye olden days.

[Tanim Mozumder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the partial old language that was used in the book. Worth a read.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter picked this book of the shelves to read as her bedtime story. I'm sure she didn't get much from it, but I really enjoyed reading it! A fantastic story of adventure, honor and courage.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a classic, and I've always loved the movie, but hadn't read the book. Even though it's a children's book, i enjoyed it the same!

[Jonah Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

As fun as any Robin Hood story I’ve read or seen, but whoever’s choice it was to put a young reader’s book in Olde English may have been misguided.

[Helruin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading: 20/8/2022 - 2/9/2022

I abandoned in chapter 4. Sorry, but is not for me.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story! I'm excited to share it with my kids!

[Andrew Judd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book inspired me to want to dig deeper into the lore and history of this iconic character.

[Tara Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel like the old time wording is a little more advanced for veered audience

[Bob Dylan]

This book is about the adventures of Robin Hood, a Lincoln Green wearing outlaw with a group of outlaws that will appear to him on a moments notice. Robin Hood is stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Along the way he has to avoid the tricks of the sheriff and he meets new friends to join his band of outlaws along the way.
I liked the old time setting of the book. In every chapter there is a completely different adventure. Over all I would say it was a decent book. It would be worth checking out if you are interested in the subject.

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dost thou love Robin Hood? THEN READ THIS! This nice little book is so lighthearted and fun you're bound to have a good time reading it. I myself got a real kick out of writing style, which is written in Old English! The writing is one of my favorite things about this book, along with the best chapter ever where Robin Hood crashed a wedding.

This is a great story for all ages, and is not just for children. (It doesn't take long to get through it either.) The old writing style might be hard for some kids to understand and pick up on, but then again they're pretty smart cookies.

[Tigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for little children - cute language and a wonderful tone, introducing them to the "Merry Men" of Sherwood forest. Love the way that Robin is supposed to be handsome, good at his archery and cocky as ever. ;)
The side characters of Will, Little John and Allan a Dale are all much loved as well. :D

[Lanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

adorable. this shows all the classic tales of robin hood without being to wordy or it dragging on to long so that the kid looses interest. this was one of my first introdutions to fictional robin hood novels that i had. after this one, and seeing all of bbc robin hood, my collection pretty much exploded. :D its cute and quick and perfect for kids.

[Manna_Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was "OK" for me, as far as school read-alouds go. I can't help but imagine McGovern's Robin Hood running around grinning like a fool 24/7. The 5yo was excited about the story at times, but not nearly so much as the 7yo! She immediately asked if there were other Robin Hood stories; add that to the library list! Comedy, adventure, romance, a happy ending...what more could a girl ask for?

[Mareena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that this is a children's book but I truly enjoy all tellings of the Robin Hood story. This book was full of adventure and even though it was written in 1968, it still held my attention and was riveting. I give this book an A!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to the kids before bed. I didn't know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised by how well this book is written. The dialog and descriptions are excellent. And the story is just fun to read. Definitely recommend it as a read-aloud for 8-12 year-old kids.