Read and Listen Books: Robin Hood (Read & Listen Books) [Paperback]

Philip Neil (Author), Lefty Barretto (Illustrator), Nick Harris (Illustrator), Ioan Gruffudd (Narrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Read & Listen Books

Children love to listen to stories and now their favorite DK children's books are available in convenient book and CD packages. With more than 60 minutes of audio on each CD, these packages will be favorites of children and parents alike.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5. This retelling stays true to the tale of Robin Hood, handed down through 14th-century ballads. Philip's version is fast-moving, readable, and child-friendly without becoming inane. His language generally evokes a sense of time and place. He does not change folklore, a relief in the onslaught of '90s politically correct revisionists. The problem here is not with the teller, but the typical "Eyewitness" series layout. The 11-chapter book is interrupted every two or three chapters for double-page spreads of background facts about forest life, religion, archery, and the crusades. Distracting illustrated footnotes border almost every page of the story. More importance is placed on information than on the narrative. In addition to the watercolors, there are photos and clippings from various archives: art, history, and movies. Harris favors a shorter, chunkier, probably more authentic Robin Hood than other artists have in the past. However, the Robin on the cover (a reverse image of an interior painting), looks stoned or witless, with feet as long as his calves. Marion, next to Robin, looks like an anorexic junkie. Bodies are well drawn, but stiff. Grade schoolers may be attracted to the Richard Scarry kind of busyness. Teachers will love the facts. This is, in short, geared to the short attention spans of the electronic information age.?Helen Gregory, Grosse Pointe Public Library, MI
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (April 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756612772
• ISBN-13: 978-0756612771
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,043,262 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic story, well told., June 10, 2001

By 

Summer Belle "Word Affectionado" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: DK Read & Listen: Robin Hood (Paperback)

Like most people, I've heard the Robin Hood story many times. No real surprise there! What makes this rendition unique is Mr. Gruffudd's wonderful voice, the book that doubles as a resource, and, of course, the wonderful story of a man more determined to do what was "right" over what was "legal".

Mr. Gruffudd just has a way with British accents. Robin's band of men apparently come from all over the UK - Cornwall, Irish, King's English accents (plus more that I couldn't easily identify) were used. And of course, Mr. Gruffudd's natural Welsh accent told the story.

The book was great. Lots of pictures, lot of sidebars of information. From obsolete jargon to modern pictures of people in costume, these pages in the book help to explain a lot.

The story, of course, is a classic. I would caution parents of sensitive children to consider editing the last chapter or so. Instead of ending the story with the "happily ever after" once Robin and Marian are married, this book follows Robin until his death at the hand of his cousin, who betrays him.

All in all, it was highly enjoyable. A definite recommend!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Jolly Good Time!, May 15, 2001

By 

Melissa Sweet (Costa Mesa, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: DK Read & Listen: Robin Hood (Paperback)

As a former elementary school librarian, I heartily recommend this audio book. It's beautifully read by Ioan Gruffudd (TV's Horatio Hornblower - more great audio books he's narrated!) and should be enjoyed by a wide range of listeners, even through high school-age students.

The book is a Dorling Kindersley publication, so it's chock-full of visual information and provides outstanding explanations of medieval culture, terms, and expressions. The subject matter ties in with several topics, including folk tales, British culture, adventure, and history. The tape and book should encourage lively classroom discussions.

I can visualize playing this audio book during classroom art time or as a reward. It could also be the inspiration for a classroom play. And, of course, it's a wonderful purchase for children or grandchildren for home enjoyment. Best of all, the price is quite reasonable and delivery couldn't be easier.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Introduction for Children to this Classic, November 30, 2000

By 

Denise J. Shearer (Frederick, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: DK Read & Listen: Robin Hood (Paperback)

My daughter and I have been reading (and re-reading!) the DK Classics (of which "Robin Hood" is part of) for several years, since she was 5. These books are very colorful, with lots of illustrations and photos of genuine artifacts, maps, and people from the era in which the story is set. Side panel text gives background information about the author, pictures and story. These "additions" (which do not detract from, but only enhance the story) help the young reader (and the adult too!) put the story into context. It is like getting both a classic and a pictorial history book rolled into one! The text is easy to read. My daughter is now 9, and reading the books on her own. Not only has she developed an appreciation for classic literature, but for history as well. These are great books for parents to read with their children. I highly recommend them!