Arthurian Books

Magic Tree House #40: Eve of the Emperor Penguin (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

Mary Pope Osborne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent New Addition to the Series or Standalone Children's Book 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I have read many of the Magic Treehouse books while recently "studying" for my 6-year old's Magic Treehouse Birthday Party. She really loves this series, reads them ravenously, and plays "Jack and Annie" constantly with her friends. I read around 15 of them, up until now the first part of the series (this is my first of the Merlin Missions), and have found the books to be cute, quick and entertaining.

I have never found anything in them that concerns me for my daughter to be reading, which is more than I can say for many of the series out there for young children, whose main characters are often wisecracking, sibling-hating and constantly in trouble. I love the way Jack and Annie play together and protect one another, even while they don't always agree and have different styles and strengths.

In any case, regarding this specific book, I think it is a wonderful addition to the Magic Tree House Series, or if you child is new to the series, an excellent introduction. My daughter just got it for her birthday.. and I gave it a quick read because now that I've read so many, I wanted to see what the Merlin Missions were all about.

I was quite impressed. This book seemed a little bit more developed and engrossing than some of the early stories. Not in a way that is too difficult for kids, but just more substantial. It was a good mix of fantasy and fact, like usual, with easily digestible facts and lessons, in this case on penguins and the Antarctic. This book was doubly interesting in that it was a culmination of a 4-book set (the magic treehouse books have 4 book sets that circle around a particular theme or type of mission -- in this one they are trying to find 4 secrets of happiness for Merlin who is exceedingly sad and have been asked by Morgan le Fay, the owner of the treehouse, to help). The secrets they share -- nature, curiosity, compassion and taking care of others -- provide just lovely messages for kids.

There are a few scary parts, when they fall down a cliff, or when a predatory bird is attacking a penguin, but Osborne has a gift for having adventure in her stories without the "scary" aspect being too much for kids. My daughter will hardly watch anything these days because of mean or scary characters, and that extends to some books -- but these stories always engage her without frightening her.

If your kids already like the Magic Tree House series, definitely add this one to their collection. If MTH is new for your children, this is a great one to start with. It stands alone nicely (she has a short prologue which explains things well up to this point), and may get your child interested in reading the earlier books. What's so great about Magic Tree House is that it is wonderful for boys and for girls. And it really creates a gentle exposure to history and character often natural science, but in a fun way. And for those kids that love the topic of the book, there are non-fiction research guides, very easily accessible for 5-6 years and up with lots more information on those topic (for this book, the companion research guide is Penguins and Antarctica (Magic Tree House Rsrch Gdes(R)).

This book makes a wonderful gift for any early to mid-level reader. If your child is an early reader, it would be great to read with them. For a mid-level reader, they can spread it out a chapter at a time, or like my daughter, tear through it in an afternoon. Great job, Mary Pope Osborne. Please keep them coming!!!

Editorial Review:

JACK AND ANNIE continue their quest for the secrets of happiness—secrets they need to save Merlin. This time, the Magic Tree House takes them to the one continent they haven’t visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure . . . Jack and Annie are about to find out!

Christmas in Camelot (Magic Tree House, No. 29)

Mary Pope Osborne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A cup, a compass, a key: the magic tree house has brought siblings Annie and Jack to Camelot, where they embark on a mysterious mission to find these enigmatic gifts. In this special hardcover addition to the bestselling Magic Tree House series, the young adventurers must travel to the Otherworld, an "ancient, enchanted land beyond the edge of the Earth, the place where all magic began" to save Camelot from dark wizard Mordred's evil spell. If they fail, Camelot will be forgotten forever. Fans of the beloved, highly readable series by Mary Pope Osborne will rise to the challenge of this longer, more complex companion to her other titles, which include Earthquake in the Early Morning and Twister on Tuesday. As in every story in the sequence, Jack and Annie bravely plunge into their quest, learning about a culture and time very far removed from their own, and prove once again that children can make a difference. (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

Classic Starts: The Story of King Arthur & His Knights (Classic Starts Series)

Howard Pyle

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Editorial Review:

From the sword in the stone and the founding of Camelot to the famed Round Table and the Lake of Enchantment, the legend of King Arthur will never lose its magic. Though simpler, this version includes all the wonderful stories—such as King Arthur’s winning of Guenievere and Merlin’s tragic downfall at the hands of the evil Vivien.

Arthur of Albion

John Matthews

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Editorial Review:

The ultimate book on King Arthur! Combining the best-known sotries about Arthur and his court with tfascination research on who Arthur really was and where Camelot was built, and the relationships between the main characters in the legends, the magnificent edition has been designed and illustrated to the highest standards.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (Classic Literature With Classical Music. Junior Classics)

Benedict Flynn

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Intellectual classic for the whole family 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The whole family is hooked on this. The classical music that accompanies it is compelling. You think you are there.

Very entertaining 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It's hard to take such a well known tale and still make it fun to listen to, but Sean Bean's voice and cadences kept me listening to the end.

Very cool to listen to! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Sean Bean does an awesome job on this production. His range of voices and dialects are amazing. Very eerie in the parts that are supposed to be.

Great item 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I had never heard the real King Arthur tale. I enjoyed it tremendously! Sean Bean's narration of this tale is exquisite. His voice is perfect for books on tape. Such depth. You felt you were really there. I would recommend this to anyone!

Editorial Review:

These stories tell how, many years ago, Arthur, the once future King of England, set out to save his country from the troubles that plagued it, aided by the brave knights of his Round Table and the most famous sword in the world, Excalibur; how Merlin the Wizard fought against the wicked Morgana le Fay's enchantments; and how arthur loved and lost the beautiful Guinevere, his Queen. Presented with music by Elgar, Sibelius and others

Here Lies Arthur

Philip Reeve

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

sad bittersweet story, a blend of realism and romanticism 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I found this book really appealing.
The story is about how the Arthurian legends might have arisen, painting Myrddin (Merlin) as a type of publicist for Arthur, working to create his public image by spreading exaggerated tales to a populace that badly longed for a hero. It shows how the most minor events might give rise to dramatic stories. The story itself is bittersweet, as Gwyna must confront the sadness and cruelty of the real world, the realities behind the legends. But the book ends with a note of hope.

The book was a little slow to warm up to, because of two unusual characteristics of the writing style. First, the author switches between first person present tense and past tense narrative. Second, the author uses similes so heavily it seems forced at first. However, though distracting in the beginning, both of these peculiarities eventually become part of the charm of the writing style, giving an interesting rhythm to the story. Also, like many old legends or folktales, and in spite of the first person present tense, the narration has a certain distance to it, which lends a lyrical, long-ago-and-far-away feeling to the book. I grew to really love the writing style.

Gwyna, the narrator, is sometimes involved in the action, but more often acts as passive outside observer of the other characters. While she is not the most interesting character herself, her observations develop the other characters very well, especially bringing out their flaws to make them more real and human. Similarly, the action moves at a slow pace, and many of the events (especially battles) are anticlimactic in and of themselves - this also adds to the realism. On the other hand, like I mentioned, the tone of the book is lyrical and romantic, resembling older legends, and the Gwyna's comments on events are touching and universal. This makes the book an interesting blend of realism and romanticism. What I liked best, I think, was this combination - the flawed, real characters that somehow still were given a touch of the legendary.

Editorial Review:

Gwynna is just a girl who is forced to run when her village is attacked and burns to the ground. To her horror, she is discovered in the wood. But it is Myrddin the bard who has found her, a traveler and spinner of tales. He agrees to protect Gwynna if she will agree to be bound in service to him. Gwynna is frightened but intrigued-and says yes-for this Myrddin serves the young, rough, and powerful Arthur. In the course of their travels, Myrddin transforms Gwynna into the mysterious Lady of the Lake, a boy warrior, and a spy. It is part of a plot to transform Arthur from the leader of (con't)

(con'd from summary) a ragtag war band into King Arthur, the greatest hero of all time.

If Gwynna and Myrrdin's trickery is discovered, what will become of Gwynna? Worse, what will become of Arthur? Only the endless battling, the mighty belief of men, and the sheer cunning of one remarkable girl will tell.

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

Roger Lancelyn Green

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Pentecost 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is one of the best books I've read on the Arthurian legend, but is not better than Malory. A bargain price.

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I use this text as one of the "novels" that I teach in my British Literature high school class. Although the reading level is listed as ages 9-12, it works well at this level because some of the vocabulary is antiquated (smote, damsel, scabbard, jerkin, etc.) It is a very good translation of Le Morte D'arthur, and Roger Lancelyn Green has done a tremendous job of condensing the volumes of stories in that work into this selection.

There are illustrations as well to help students visualize what is happening. Unfortunately, as we become more geared to "viewing" stories on a screen, the skill of imagination in our children is greatly compromised, so pictures help them see the story. This version accomplishes that task, even though the pictures are simply black and white.

For readers who enjoy quest stories and legends, this is wonderful choice.

Editorial Review:

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of "Clay", "Skellig", "Kit's Wilderness", and "The Fire-Eaters".

The Making of a Knight: How Sir James Earned His Armor

Patrick O'Brien

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent book for young children 5 out of 5 stars.
17 of 17 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book because my son (James) is very interested in the Middle Ages, King Arthur, etc. Since he is 7 years old and the book begins when Sir James is 7 years old, he really enjoyed it. The details on weapons, armor, etc. added a great touch and were not only interesting, but educational. The book contains some vocabulary which required explanation, but in general he was fascinated. The illustrations are excellent and we read a few pages at a time each night so we could discuss them in detail. I hope Mr. O'Brien writes more about the adventures of Sir James.

Excellent and painless for parents 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful.

My son, nearing three, adores this book and has had it read aloud every night for weeks. The language is direct and uncomplicated without being condescending or dumbed down; the book is packed with interesting facts that are made easily palatable by the storyline of James' progress toward knighthood. Pictures, while painterly, are sufficiently realistic to be informative. Highly recommended for your young knight in the making. If only there were more of this type of book available.

Editorial Review:

Traces James's journey during the Middle Ages in England from inexperienced page at the age of seven to knighthoodat the age of twenty-one.

Avalon High

Meg Cabot

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 81 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Megs' Best Work!!!!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Literaly her best ever. I absolutly loved Avalon High because it was so suspenseful and not exactly what you expected. I expected a good story but this was amazing. Okay here are the basics.

Ellaine aka, Ellie takes advantage of her dads sabatical, seeing as both her parents are professors who study the mideval times like King Author and Lady Shallott, but anyways Ellie lounges her summer away in her pool on her raft until she starts reliving the story of King Author at her new school. Things and secrets start to come out about murders and others things and on top of that Ellie is in grave danger.

I recommend to everyone looking for a thrill!

Editorial Review:

Avalon High, I was starting to think, might not be so bad after all.

Maybe it's not where Ellie wants to be, but if you have to start at a new school, Avalon High is typical enough: There's Lance, the jock. Jennifer, the cheerleader. And Will, senior class president, quarterback, and all-around good guy.

But not everyone at Avalon High is who they appear to be . . . not even, as Ellie is about to discover, herself. As a bizarre drama begins to unfold, Ellie has to wonder, what part does she play in all this? Do the coincidences she's piecing together really mean—as in King Arthur's court—that tragedy is fast approaching for her new friends?

Ellie doesn't know if she can do anything to stop the coming trouble. But somehow, she knows she has to try.

Avalon High: Coronation #2: Homecoming (Avalon High: Coronation)

Meg Cabot

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Courtesy of Teens Read Too 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Meg Cabot and Jinky Coronado are back in a second installment of the AVALON HIGH CORONATION series. HOMECOMING is Volume 2 of the continuation.

Will's brother, Marco, has been released from the psychiatric hospital. Marco corners Ellie at the local park to convince her that the idea of Will being the incarnation of King Arthur is totally foolish. Marco starts to convince Ellie that even he no longer believes that he's involved in the foretold prophecy. But the two are interrupted by the arrival of Morgan, Marco's girlfriend.

Morgan has it out for Ellie and does everything she can to get her to withdraw from the Homecoming Queen race. Ellie is hardly concerned because she's convinced that her friend, Jennifer, is meant to win the title anyway. So putting thoughts of Homecoming out of her mind, Ellie is determined to get her boyfriend, Will, reconnected with his estranged family.

Will's family doesn't have any time for the silly notion of the reincarnation of King Arthur, and unless Will chooses the path his father wishes him to pursue, his father has little to say to him.

The dinner goes horribly wrong, and Ellie is troubled by nightmares. Her World Civ teacher reminds her that everything that has occurred has already been foretold. If she doesn't convince Will that he's the reincarnation by the Hunter's Moon the following night, chaos will ensue. Nothing like having the weight of the world on your shoulders on top of all the other struggles of high school

This follow-up to THE MERLIN PROPHECY is just as stunningly crafted as that first book. The artwork tells the story that Meg Cabot has created in beautiful detail. The story is easy to follow and the ending leaves the reader dangling, waiting for the next part of the story in Volume 3, HUNTER'S MOON.

Reviewed by: Jaglvr

Editorial Review:

Meg Cabot's magical Arthurian epic continues . . . Manga style!

Will's dangerous brother, Marco, has been released from the mental hospital, and it seems as if he's turned over a new leaf. But Ellie isn't sure she trusts him yet, especially when she keeps having creepy nightmares about him every night.

Meanwhile, Mr. Morton is still convinced that Ellie's boyfriend, Will, is the reincarnation of King Arthur and that if Ellie doesn't help Will believe this, too, the world is going to end—this Friday. But all this won't stop Ellie from trying to pull off the big dinner party she's arranged to reunite Will with his parents . . . even though it might be a total disaster.

When you and your friends are reliving Arthurian legend, you can never catch a break!