The roots of this particular Robin Hood tale date to the 15th century. San Souci bases his retelling on a Child ballad and on Howard Pyle’s late-19th-century story. The Sheriff of Nottingham attempts to lure Robin and his Merry Men into an archery contest, at which the Sheriff can round up the band and arrest them. Robin wins the golden arrow, disguising himself as a beggar with an eye patch and dyed hair, but he makes sure the Sheriff knows who won--from a safe distance--with an arrow-delivered missive. Award-winner Lewis draws young readers in with the splendid cover image of Robin in close-up facing the viewer, arrow notched and bowstring pulled back and ready for release. The watercolor pictures, reminiscent of both Pyle and N.C. Wyeth, are full of mottled greens and dappled light, with powerful figures running, shooting arrows or standing nobly. It is a feast to look upon, although, sadly, Marian does not figure in this version, so there are no female figures at all. (author's note) (Picture book/folktale. 5-9)
