Robin Hood    by Annie Ingle & Domenick D'Andrea Order:  USA  Can Random House, 2005 (1991) Hardcover, Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke While King Richard the Lion-Hearted was away fighting in the Crusades, England's citizens suffered bad rulers. The people were severely mistreated, highly taxed, and often could not pay the taxes demanded. On his way to Locksley to a bow-shooting tournament, young Robin was accosted, and killed his attacker in self defense. The Sheriff of Nottingham issued a reward for his capture. Hiding in Sherwood Forest, Robin was soon joined by others, including Little John, Alan-a-Dale, Will Scarlet, and Friar Tuck. Robin's boyhood friend Marian visited often. Marian could shoot a bow as well as the men. The outlaws, or 'Robin Hood and his merry men' as they became known, dressed in forest green to blend in with the foliage. They made their home beneath a grand oak tree in huts made from tree bark, with couches fashioned from animal skins. They robbed from the rich to give to the poor, and were sought out to help people in trouble. Maid Marian's friend Ellen was being forced by her parents to marry a man she did not love, but she cared deeply for Alan-a-Dale. Robin and his men went to Ellen's aid. On another occasion, they rescued Little John from the sheriff's troops. Robin consistently disguised himself to attend tournaments, which made the Sheriff even more determined to catch him. Robin Hood's name became famous far and wide. Read how, and by whom Robin is dubbed a knight, and how his men become heroes. In their youth, Annie Ingle and her five brothers enjoyed imitating the legendary Robin, his friends, and Maid Marian. The woods of Maine was their Sherwood Forest. Ingle has carried that spirit into her easy-to-read adaptation. I recommend this version of Robin Hood for youngsters as an early introduction to a legendary figure from history. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews