Customer Reviews

Tales of King Arthur: The Sword in the Stone (Books of Wonder)

5 star:		(5)
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Although the language is a little advanced for early readers, the story is very tellable. There are many threads to this story that come to life through the illustrations. The story is told in an interesting, dynamic way that gives pause for wonder, such as the conversation between Sir Ector and his son Sir Kay. Their personalities come through and we can appreciate the types of men they are. Another moment is when Merlin plans the timing for Arthur to draw the sword from the stone. When, asks Arthur. "After all have tried and failed, whenever that may be," replies Merlin.

A dynamic painting of a tournament with thundering hooves, flying pennants, and lances at the ready illustrates perfectly our idea of a medieval joust. The illustrations seem cinematic in that they always shift the viewpoint. Now we see the action from street level; in the next picture we view a crowd scene from above. We are comfortable with such shifts from movies and TV.

The illustrations evoke "chivalrous" ideas. The son, grieving that he has to leave his father's house, rises bravely to Merlin's bidding in a sequence that culminates in the "Youth Triumphant" painting, when the young Arthur raises the sword over his head. The idea of "chivalry", respect for one's elders, telling the truth, and being brave is well interwoven and are excellent topics to discuss with children.

The final picture, the crowned Arthur dressed in white and gold, holding the sword in his hands under the white blossoms of a tree, is such an archetype of the young, white hero that it verges on the comical. But I have to remember that this is a children's book, and mine will get enough of my cynical views when he's ready for it, later.

I recommend this book for 6 and up. The young ones will love to be read to, and the older ones will enjoy reading it.

Hudson Talbott has brought the Arthur legend to life in his illustrated books for middle grades. This book conveys the peril and danger of the wars and invasions in medieval England in a way that is not too terrifying, but definitely shows the need for courage. My boys love it.

Arthur's childhood in the loving home of Sir Ector comes through in this book, and this shows a relationship between Arthur and Kay that is mostly devoid of rivalry. Kay does try to lie about how he got the sword, but Ector encourages him to be truthful, and not to fear the truth.

It points out that Merlin and the Archbishop of Canterbury were of different faiths - nice!

Hudson Talbott seems like he is fulfilling his life's purpose with this series of books - treasure them. It is very hard to find picture books for boys that are this good, demonstrate such good values and character, and have illustrations that are detailed, captivating, and heroic. This book is a winner.

Great book. I enjoyed it too. Now off to find additional tales that will be equally spell-binding for our son.

My son (7 yo) really enjoyed this book - the whole series is terrific.

This is a great book based on the original Arthurian legend. If i could, I'd give it more than 5 stars. Arthur is given to Merlin by Uther Pendragon and is raised by Sir Kay. When his "brother" forgets to bring his sword, Arthur...if I said anymore, it'd get carried away and I'd give away the ending.