This jolly, marginally spot-illustrated abridgement of Pyle's retellings of Arthurian legend captures the letter but not the spirit of the early (pre-Lancelot) tales. The narrative tone, which seesaws between dry and condescending, will alienate most for-pleasure readers.

Gr 3-6-This simplified retelling of the Howard Pyle classic is accessible to readers who might not be able to handle the lengthier legends. The author maintains some of the charm of the original by using extended chapter titles such as "How Arthur Performed the Miracle of the Sword and Discovered His Birthright." A concluding chapter suggests several questions for discussion. What is missing is the beautiful, though complex, language of other retellings. Additionally, the author takes a slightly moralistic tone at times when addressing readers. Though reluctant readers may have an easier time with these stories, they might not be engaged enough to want to approach the originals later on. Librarians and teachers might want to recommend audio books or some of Margaret Hodges's picture-book versions of the King Arthur tales (Holiday House) instead of this watered-down adaptation.-Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.