Do you believe in Robin Hood?

Robin of Sherwood

Written by: Michael Morpurgo @MichaelMorpurgo

Illustrated by: Michael Foreman

Published by: Wayland @Watts_Wayland

Published: March 1998

Price: £8.99

First line: There had never been a storm like it.

Genre: Historical, Family, Adventure

Age: 9+

Thanks to my school library for the review copy!

What’s it all about? The story starts in the current time, when a boy discovers a skull, hunting horn and an arrow, underneath his favourite tree, which has fallen in a storm. From here, through a dream, we skip back to Robin’s time, when he was a young boy growing up with his father in a time of oppression where Nottingham is rules over by the unjust sheriff, his friend, Guy of Gisbourne and Prince John. Over time, he learns how to fight and leads a band of misfits hidden deep in the forest of Sherwood to rise up against this tyranny.

Why should I read it? A beautifully crafted version of the traditional tale as you would expect from the legendary Michael Morpurgo. His description is lavish as usual, the characters are deep and meaningful and the story twists and turns through misfortune, mishap and mayhem, evoking strong emotional bonds with the reader at every turn of the  page. Additionally, this version (an old one compared to the new: ‘Outlaw: the true story of Robin Hood’) has beautiful illustrations by Michael Foreman that are as subtle and gentle as the morning sunlight on a spring day. I am actually going to be teaching from this book this term, and am looking forward to using its content within Reading sessions, English (story writing from a different point of view), and PSHE, where we are discussing money. Perfect for Years 5 and 6.