School Library Journal Review
Gr 7 Up-Raven's lengthy account of the legend is narrated in somewhat cadenced style-perhaps suggesting that of the ancient bard-by Wiglaf, the young warrior who (in this version) accompanied Beowulf when he slew the monster Grendel, its mother, and, in his final battle, the dragon. Wiglaf's own history is interwoven with the epic story, along with some personal information about several other warriors. Details of the attacks upon Hrothgar's men by Grendel and its mother, printed in italic type, are recounted from the beasts' points of view. Several other side stories, previews to parts of the tale, are also italicized. Two pages of short character biographies, an artist's note, and a map showing "The Lands of Beowulf" are appended. The volume is illustrated in several styles: delicately rendered, realistic colored-pencil drawings and expression-filled portraits of the main characters; meticulously detailed watercolor paintings, such as one showing the massive doors to Hrothgar's Hall; and soft, full- and double-page impressionist-style watercolor paintings of natural settings, two of them highlighting Hrothgar's Hall and the approach of Grendel. Collections in need of another version of the epic tale might consider purchasing this one. However, the authentic language, superb narration, striking illustrations, and overall format of James Rumford's Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold (Houghton, 2007) make it the finest edition of the poem currently available for young people.-Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Although this may be the fourth or fifth adaptation of Beowulf just in time for the movie, this one is undeniably the best a gripping rendition of the Anglo-Saxon epic with highly evocative artwork by Howe, most famous for his artistic role in the blockbuster Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Raven takes a few liberties that add welcome nuance to the story, imbuing some wry personality to the title hero (who stands head and shoulders above the wooden protagonists of most of the other recent editions) and fleshing out the supporting cast, especially the surprisingly droll narrator, Wiglaf. Howe's artwork could have risen from the same sketchbooks as his art for Tolkien, but it is nontheless spectacular, easily capturing the heroic grandeur and horrific gruesomeness of the tale. The entire book is handsomely adorned with flourishes of Old English lettering that heavily recall the now-familiar Elven script that covered mounds of Rings ephemera. This is a high-quality effort on all fronts; if you only buy one Beowulf this season, make it this one.--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2007 Booklist
