Taking various traditional Robin Hood ballads as his starting point, author David Calcutt relates the story of the famous outlaw from Sherwood Forest in this oversized illustrated chapter-book. Forced into the life of an outlaw by the treacherous foresters of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin gathers his Merry Men. Chapters are devoted to his meeting with Little John, how Robin and his men aided a widow and her three sons, how Friar Tuck and Alan-a-Dale joined the band, how Robin met Maid Marian, how the band aided Marian's brother, how Robin competed in an archery contest for a golden arrow, and how Robin escaped from captivity and fought his last battle against the Sheriff of Nottingham and Sir Guy of Gisborne. The book closes with a discussion of England during Robin Hood's day, and a list of references and sources...

As someone who has always loved the Robin Hood story, and who grew up reading any number of different retellings—everything from Henry Gilbert's rather old-fashioned Robin Hood (my childhood favorite) to Robin McKinley's rather modern Outlaws of Sherwood (my teenage favorite)—I was excited to pick up this 2012 retelling from David Calcutt, especially as it is aimed at slightly younger chapter-book readers than most other versions I have encountered. I've come across many Robin Hood picture books, and many longer novels for older middle-grade and young adult readers, but this version, which is physically quite large but textually brief—it's like a picture book / chapter book hybrid—is the perfect volume for children just beginning to read longer fiction. On the whole I found it quite appealing, and although it isn't destined to become a favorite, I think it fulfills its purpose quite well. I did wonder a bit at the depiction of Marian—is she actually a warrior to equal Robin, in some traditional ballads, or is that Calcutt's invention?—but not enough that it detracted from my enjoyment. I thought the artwork from Grahame Baker-Smith was interesting, although sometimes also a little creepy. Recommended to anyone seeking a Robin Hood retelling for beginning chapter book readers. ( )

So, Robin Hood was tricked into breaking the law by some jealous deputies, so he goes into hiding and forms a band of outlaws in the forest. He meets a bunch of cool people he likes that all kick ass at fighting, so they all join him. He helps some people out by inviting poor people to hang out too, like a minstrel that he saved from Sir Guy of Gisborne, grade-A asshole. Eventually the Sheriff of Nottingham gets fed up, finds the camp, and attacks Robin Hood with everything he's got. Little John sneaks Robin Hood away so he can come save them later. He does! He fights Guy of Gisborne, then Nottingham, and saves all his bros. They run off to party it up and everything was good. Or Robin Hood dies. There are multiple endings.
In the book, there is a whole section containing key terms and information about the era Robin Hood lived in. The book also contains the original ballads that the story came from. Great read for lessons involving oral history or folktales! ( )

This is a retold story of the famous Robin Hood. It is told of him when he was young, how he became the legend, and about his life.