KING ARTHUR

An ``Afterword'' describes this retelling as more appropriate for younger children than such classics as Sutcliff and White, but it's not so much easier as more contemporary in language, more profusely illustrated, and shorter. Talbott takes Arthur from birth to coronation, centering on his unwittingly pulling the sword from the stone to give to his brother Kay for the tournament. Though not exceptional, the telling is lively and has some amusing homely touches (as well as such jarring anachronisms as ``Okay''). Of most interest are the dramatic illustrations, which have popular appeal—a romantic Arthur under a flowering tree, garbed in white for the coronation, or a double spread of knights on richly caparisoned horses, caught midcharge; they also exhibit considerable skill in their careful designs (especially in the swirling crowd scenes) and in their attention to medieval detail. An acceptable introduction to this heroic figure. (Folklore/Picture book. 7-11)*justify no*