Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow

Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow
by Robert D. San Soucil; illustrated by E. B. Lewis
Orchard Books, 2010

Genre: Folklore, Legends, Picture Book

Honors:

•  Booklist 10/15/10
• Horn Book 05/01/11
• Kirkus Reviews 09/15/10
• Library Media Connection 01/01/11
• School Library Journal 10/01/10
• Wilson's Children 09/01/11

Review: San Souci chronicles yet another chapter in the heroic life of the legendary characters Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men. In this tale, illustrated with beautiful watercolor paintings by E.B. Lewis, the Sheriff of Nottingham has devised a scheme to trap Robin Hood by luring him into town with an archery contest. The prize, a golden arrow, is irresistible--or so he is convinced. But Robin is as clever as he is skilled with a bow, and he and his men come up with a counter plan, not only to attend the contest in disguise and foil the Sheriff's plan, but to make a public mockery of the law as well. Readers will cheer for Robin's feat and laugh at the humiliation of the evil Sheriff as he realizes he has failed once again to capture Robin Hood.

Opinion: The tale is short, but the suspense is high during the archery contest. Robin and the Merry Men are presented in very life-like paintings, dashing and heroic in appearance. San Souci's narratives are never over-the-top with embellishments--he keeps it simple and accessible. Could be great for tweens up to age twelve.

Ideas: This looks like a good fit for either a "Guys Read" display or a "Heroes and Legends" display at the library. Also a super pick for an all-ages story time, as the length is good for a read aloud.