Robin Hood: Outlaw of Sherwood Forest

by Paul D. Storrie, Thomas Yeates (Illustrator)

Overview

Fooled into committing a crime by the king’s foresters, young Robin Hood finds himself branded an outlaw. As he takes refuge in Sherwood Forest, he meets other hideaways who also unjustly find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Under Robin’s leadership, these outlaws form a band of “merry men” who exact justice against the unfair laws of the land by stealing from the rich and giving their loot to the poor. Robin’s exploits soon enrage the sheriff of Nottingham, who vows to capture his foe at any cost. Will Robin Hood fall into the sheriff’s trap?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780822559641
Publisher:	Graphic Universe
Publication date:	12/28/2006
Series:	Graphic Myths and Legends Series
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	6.86(w) x 9.32(h) x 0.34(d)
Lexile:	GN560L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Paul D. Storrie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and despite time spent in Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Los Angeles, has returned to Metro-Detroit time and again. He attended Grand Valley State University and received a B.A. in English Language and Literature, knowing that he wanted to tell stories for a living. His first published work was the comic book series Robyn of Sherwood in 1998. Since then he has written for numerous publishers, including a story for Marvel’s Captain America: Red, White & Blue anthology, the mini-series Gotham Girls for DC Comics, Star Trek Alien Spotlight: Andorians for IDW, and several tales for Graphic Universe, including Junior Library Guild selection Hercules: The Twelve Labors with artist Steve Kurth and Children’s Choice Book Awards finalist Beowulf: Monster Slayer with artist Ron Randall.

Thomas Yeates grew up in Sacramento, northern California. He attended college in Utah, Sacramento, the Joe Kubert School in New Jersey. Since then he has been working as an illustrator, focusing on high adventure in the comic book/graphic novel field. He has worked for most of the major companies in that field, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Eclipse, etc. He has illustrated Swamp Thing, Timespirits, Tarzan, Conan, Zorro, myths and legends for Lerner Publishing, and many short stories. Most recently he has illustrated Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter of Mars for Barnes & Noble Publishing and is currently illustrating a series of books by the popular writer Anthony Horowitz.

Editorial Reviews

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6728732.html?nid=4302&source=title&rid=17448867

"From Errol Flynn’s airy portrayal in the 1938 film classic to the recent BBC series from Bugs Bunny’s giggle-inducing Rabbit Hood (1949) to Mel Brooks’s hilarious Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), this legendary figure has served as fodder for a slew of movie and television interpretations. Now actor Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott, veterans of the critically acclaimed historical epic, Gladiator (2000), add their arrow to the quiver. Robin Hood (PG-13), released on May 14 by Universal Pictures, provides a fresh take on the origins and adventures of this 13th-century English hero. A skilled archer in King Richard’s army fighting against the French, Robin Longstride (Crowe) is most concerned with remaining alive long enough to return home. After the king’s death, Robin travels back to England along with his compatriots. In Nottingham, an impoverished village suffering under the hand of a corrupt and cruel sheriff (Matthew Macfadyen), he meets and falls in love with the beautiful and spirited Maid Marian (Cate Blanchett). Hoping to help the townsfolk and win Marion’s heart, Robin assembles a band of skilled warriors and begins to prey on the wealthy to succor the downtrodden, attempting to right the wrongs imposed by the sheriff. With a weak king on the throne, England’s stability is threatened from both within and abroad, making the stakes even greater. Can this group of unlikely heroes step forward to defend their beloved country?

Young adults can visit the movie’s website to preview the epic-scale battle scenes, breathtaking settings, and haunting soundtrack. An interactive trailer allows teens to click on 'hotspots' to find out more about the characters and plot and investigate whether Robin Hood is 'Man or Myth'? Users can open 'The Book of Origins' to page through an introduction to the Robin Hood story and access 'Legendary Facts' about the main personages (along with images of the actors who portray them). Another option provides a link to the 'Lionhearts Program,' a site highlighting 'modern-day Robin Hoods who dedicate their time to change the world.”

Explore the Myth

The movie is sure to stir up interest in this legendary character. Get ready for the onslaught by acquiring and displaying some noteworthy books about this celebrated folk hero sure to appeal to teens of diverse literary tastes. Also, refer your readers to Allen W. Wright’s website to investigate all things Robin Hood.

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Graphic Novels

With gripping storytelling and dynamic artwork, Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood (Candlewick, 2009) presents a thrilling interpretation of the traditional tale. Spotlighting an array of seminal experiences and plausible motivations, Tony Lee creates a complex and believable main character. The villains are wonderfully dastardly, the good guys shine with a noble light, and their interactions unfold with a combo of quiet narrative beats and packed-with-suspense action scenes. Sam Hart’s illustrations play off the changing moods with luminous hues and dramatic shifts in perspective. Teens will be swept away by this spellbinding look at the Robin Hood epic. (Gr 7 Up)

Part of the 'Graphic Myths and Legends' series, Robin Hood: Outlaw of Sherwood Forest (Graphic Universe/Lerner, 2007) offers a more succinct introduction to the oeuvre, appropriate for younger and/or reluctant readers. Divided into five brief chapters, Paul D. Storrie’s straightforward text covers the familiar highpoints with both suspense and buoyant humor. Thomas Yeates’s bright-hued artwork clearly presents the action and the pastoral setting. The book, which includes a map, glossary, and pronunciation guide, and list of print and web resources, may encourage readers to delve more deeply into Robin’s adventures."
--School Library Journal's Extra Helping

From the Publisher