Arthur and the Sword

The stained glass window illustrations and simple, straightforward text allow readers to learn about young King Arthur. This book is a staple for me each year, as I read it to my second graders. Each year they love it! Sabuda provides a cool author's note too! Sabuda is a gifted storyteller/book creator!

This is, quite simply, a beautiful book. I wish it had been a little longer! The story, as the author admits at the end, comes right out of the Malory version of the Arthurian legend, which is perhaps the best known. This story, therefore, comes as no surprise to those of us who love King Arthur. The surprise here is in the illustrations. He has put us into the medieval tale in a new way by illustrating the story with stained glass windows. Well, that's how they look, anyway. And we are drawn through them into Arthur's time. Sabuda admits that he wrote and illustrated this one especially for the boys, and I can see how it would appeal to them. But there's nothing here that would turn off a girl's interest, either.Sabuda is well known for his amazing pop-up books, and I have copies of all of them. I'm glad I've added this book to my collection. Although it's not a pop-up, it's a very interesting concept, and it's beautifully executed. I know the kids will love it! END