Deborah Kestel

While reading this I kept thinking what a shame it was that I hadn't read this as a child because it's just the kind of story I would have loved as a girl. Truthfully, as an adult I still love it. The prologue itself tells you that if you're a sourpuss and like to take things too seriously, you'd best stay away. I was always a tenant of "the Land of Fancy" as Pyle calls it, so I was very happy to spend time in between the covers of his book. I found myself laughing and smiling throughout all show more the many stories. I will say that I did not always understand the jokes Robin and his men made, the language is archaic and it was not always easy reading but it was always enjoyable. Robin Hood was my favourite Disney movie as a child and the Kostner version is still a guilty pleasure of mine, but little did I know how different the actuall adventures from the book were. The only time seriousness comes about is at the end, in the Epilogue, which I loved despite that I cried the whole time I read it. The only thing more I could wish for from this book was to actually hear all the many songs sung in it's pages. show less

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 show more 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. show less

Highland Adventure! David Balfour, a Scottish lad, is tricked out of his inheritance by his greedy uncle. Betrayed, and kidnapped aboard a ship, young David must endure the dangers of the high seas; He escapes to the Scottish highlands, only to find himself wrongly accused of murder. One step ahead of the pursuing Redcoats, David encounters treacherous rogues and courageous Highland clansman in his dramatic journey to safety.

Takes from the rich and gives to the poor he is definitely a hero Robin Hood.A skilled archer and a great role model even in modern times.Let's hope the story of Robin Hood lives on.