Book Review of Arthur, The Always King
The Children’s Book Review
Arthur: The Always King
Written by Kevin Crossley-Holland
Illustrated by Chris Riddell
Ages: 8-12 | 240 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2021) | ISBN-13: 9781536212655
What to Expect: Kings, Legends, Wizards, Magic, History
Kevin Crossley-Holland is well known for his captivating retellings of folktales and legends, and this rendition of the legend of King Arthur is a skillful merging of fantasy, history, and myth.
Once upon a time, a king was born who would rule Britain like no other. With both charisma and supernatural forces on his side, King Arthur might seem like the ideal hero and leader. However, from the moment of his birth until his tragic death in battle, Arthur faces formidable challenges to his leadership and well-being. Through this collection of epic short stories, readers will follow Arthur as he learns how to be king, gains his throne, falls in love, initiates quests, and becomes the larger-than-life character of legend. Along the way, they see him engage with very real figures from history, including the Pope and the Roman Empire. Merline, Guinevere, Lancelot, and Morgana—each well-known character come to life again in this fresh retelling of a classic story.
Arthur himself is portrayed as vulnerably human, sharing his doubt, frustrations, and hopes with readers—and his heartbreak. As in the originals, the stories are filled with magic, from the magical sword in the stone to enchanted girdles and ferocious giants. Both the historical elements and the magical are brought to vivid life by Riddell’s characteristically rich, textured illustrations. While the story deals with some difficult themes, including infidelity and death, it also provides many thought-provoking insights, including the interweaving of faith and magic.
Arthur: The Always King is a masterful retelling, perfect for mature middle-graders and up.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Kevin Crossley-Holland is a Carnegie Medal–winning author as well as a poet, librettist, reteller, and teacher. His world-renowned Arthur trilogy has sold well over one million copies and been translated into twenty-five languages.
His retellings include Across the Rainbow Bridge: Stories of Norse Gods and Humans, illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love; Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland, illustrated by Frances Castle; and Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor, and Loki, illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love. After seven years of teaching in the US, Kevin Crossley-Holland now lives with his wife in England.
About the Illustrator
Chris Riddell is an award-winning illustrator, a writer of children’s books, and a political cartoonist. He is the illustrator of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, retold by Martin Jenkins, as well as A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young and Honey for You, Honey for Me: A First Book of Nursery Rhymes, both by Michael Rosen.
The winner of three Kate Greenaway Medals and a former British Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell lives in England.
Dr. Jen Harrison reviewed Arthur: The Always King. Discover more books like Arthur: The Always King by reading our reviews and articles tagged with kings, legends, wizards, magic, and history.
