Robin Hood

A playwright retells nine of the legendary heros more familiar adventures, from Robins first becoming an outlaw to a last battle, plus some alternate endings. Pitching to middle-grade readers, Calcutt writes in brief declarative sentences and lively dialogue lightened with a few modern colloquialisms (to finish the job). Favorite characters retain their vigor, with Robins first meetings with Little John and Friar Tuck especially amusing. The medieval setting is deftly described, Sherwood Forest well evoked. A couple of traditional ballad verses introduce each chapter; theres a note on their origins and other helpful books and websites. Particularly noteworthy are Baker-Smiths mixed-media, digitally blended illustrations, dominated by craggily heroic, dramatically shadowed figures; delicate, misty landscapes and woodland creatures in occasional spot art add variety. Though theres less emphasis here on succoring the poor than in many versions, its still a classic Robin Hood mix of jolly lads clever tricks and authentic medieval violence and injustice. joanna rudge long (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Robbing the rich and punishing the privileged, Robin Hood and his band return in a series of nine episodes gracefully retold and beautifully designed to appeal to modern readers. From the archery contest that sent Robin into life as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest to his probable deathbed, each chapter begins with a portion of a traditional ballad rendered in modern English. British poet and playwright Calcutt's thoughtful selections from early accounts will introduce young readers to key events and familiar characters. His lively dialogue and fast-paced action will keep them engaged. For those curious to know more about Robin's 13th-century world, helpful backmatter includes explanations of outlaws and their longbows, the role of women, sheriffs, and medieval jails, among other topics. The whole is impressively presented on pale-yellow or blue-green pages with a variety of underlying designs and gilt decoration; illustrations range from double-page spreads of battle to portraits and images of small animals cavorting below the text. This atmospheric artwork was painted and drawn in acrylic, watercolors and ink, then "combined, blended and composed in Photoshop with photography and scanned natural textures." The flat effect, suggestive of anime and the work of Dave McKean, heightens the sense that readers are looking into a different, long-ago world. Sure to attract new followers for a perennially popular hero. (research and bibliography) (Folklore. 9-13)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.