Robin hood and little john [Paperback]

Barbara Cohen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 13, 1998 | Age Level: 4 and up

The legendary people's hero meets his match when he does battle with a giant of a man who proves not only to be a worthy opponent, but a courageous comrade-in-arms. This is a spirited retelling of the mighty battle that launched the friendship between Robin Hood and Little John. "This easy version of a well-known tale of friendship will be a sure-fire hit...." - School Library Journal "The illustrations are lush with the textures and colors of Sherwood Forest, to which readers are transported in this beguiling version of a long-loved tale." - Booklist David Ray lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cohen's (Molly's Pilgrim) posthumously published tale makes a picture book out of a central development in the Robin Hood canon-how Little John became Robin Hood's "best friend and right-hand man." The author brings verve and rhythm to the familiar story of Robin's solo meeting with John Little, their battle with staffs, Robin's defeat and their resulting mutual admiration. Ray's (Greyling) stylized paintings add drama with striking perspectives. In Robin's first encounter with John, for example, Ray balances the full figure of Robin on one end of a log bridge, showing only the foot of John on the other. Appealing as the story is, some parents may not wish to introduce the classic cycle with this episode, in which, after all, fighting well gains one entry into a group; the playground implications might be unfortunate. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3?A simplified retelling of Robin Hood's meeting with John Little. Cohen covers the familiar plot of the giant knocking Robin Hood in the stream, Robin splitting the giant's arrow, and the "christening" of John Little as Little John. Told in a direct manner, the narrative has enough lively dialogue to add zest and plenty of action. Ray's full-page stylized illustrations are done in rich, almost burnished shades of forest green, gold, and brown. Characters and scenery have an appealing, sculpted, 3-D effect. The title appears on the back cover while a dramatic full-page cover image of Robin drawing his bow pulls readers into the story. Though excellent for individual reading, the book's large size and open format make it also appropriate for group sharing. This easy version of a well-known tale of friendship will be a surefire hit in most libraries.?Judith L. Miller, formerly at Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, IN
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (April 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116275
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116276
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #387,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > European

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Robin Hood for the Younger Set - a review of, August 4, 2006

By 

Pam Tee "Busy Mom" - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Robin hood and little john (Paperback)

This is a nice little retelling of the `Robin and Little John' story for those interested in introducing the classics to small fry in the [...] year old range. [Not a primer.]

The book begins with a little background about Robin and his men. The author tells us that the Merry Men ate the King's deer and robbed the rich, giving the results to the poor.

She also tells us that Robin was considered a criminal and that the sheriff was on the hunt for him in order to bring him to the gallows. (BTW -- If your six year old is anything like mine the concept of the 'hero' being a 'criminal' won't be a concept that is easily understood.)

The main drift however is that Robin was out on his own one day looking for adventure when he runs across John Little -- an extremely large fellow. The two immediately decide to contest who should be allowed to cross a stream via a log bridge.

After fighting for quite some time John finally unseats Robin who lands in the water with a hearty splash. Robin proves to be a good sport and doesn't take it personally. He calls his men though and they take the episode more seriously and proceed to gang up on John Little. Robin calls them off and he and John then have an archery contest. John gets a bull's eye but Robin out-shoots him and splits John's arrow down the middle. Convinced that Robin is worth following, John joins the Merry Men and he and Robin turn out to be the best of friends.

Four Stars. Classic story. Artwork is large, colorful, and nice. There is no archaic language to confuse small fry, and not much in the way of violence (Robin and John whack each other with sticks).

What might confuse younger children is the idea that Robin is a criminal and yet the hero of the story, so be prepared to explain the semi-historical setting (King Richard, King John, the Sheriff etc. ).