There are many adaptations of the various Arthurian legends, but until now, none has been able to make the tales accessible to the youngest readers without omitting critical characters. But Margaret Hodges manages to introduce all of the major Arthurian players in three short tales, “The Sword in the Stone,” “Excalibur,” and “The Lady of Shallott.” Hodges’s writing is lyrical but concise, and each page of sparse text is bordered with elaborate medieval style design work. Most pages also have a small picture detailing part of the action in the story. Overall, the size, layout and design make for a book that will appeal to even the most resitant reader. An author’s note explains the provenance of the Arthurian Legends, and distinguishes this retelling from the more common version by Sir Thomas Malory. (Ages 7–12)

A retelling of four Arthurian legends, "The Sword in the Stone," "Excalibur," "The Lady of the Lake," and "The Last Great Battle," which feature Merlin, King Arthur, and other familiar figures.