King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)
Everyman'S Library Children'S Classics Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (6,625)
What’s inside...
Roger Lancelyn Green's retelling of the legends of King Arthur, first published in 1953, draws from sources such as Malory's MORTE D'ARTHUR, chronicles, poems, and romances to create an interconnected tale of Arthur's knights. The story highlights the battle between the noble kingdom of Logress and the forces of barbarism and evil. This edition is enriched with illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley from an 1893 publication of MORTE D'ARTHUR. The book also includes a comprehensive guide with an author profile, details about the characters, activities, and more, along with an inspirational introduction by award-winning author David Almond.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
357 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
King Arthur
Queen Guinevere
Sir Bors
Sir Galahad
Sir Perceval
Sir Tristan
Sir Gareth
Sir Kay
Sir Gawain
Sir Lancelot
Merlin
Morgan Le Fay
Mordred
Discussion points
What qualities make King Arthur a good leader? Can you think of ways to demonstrate these qualities in your daily life?
How do the knights show loyalty and bravery throughout their adventures? Discuss a time when you had to be brave.
The Round Table represents equality among the knights. Why do you think this is important, and how can we apply this idea in our own lives?
Merlin uses wisdom rather than magic to solve problems. What can we learn from his approach?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the stories of the knights to personal experiences. This helps personalize the tales and reinforces the moral lessons.
Discuss the historical and mythical elements of the story. This can lead to a broader conversation about distinguishing fact from fiction.
Highlight the virtues shown by various characters, such as courage, loyalty, and wisdom. Ask your child how they can apply these virtues at school or with friends.
Use a world map to explore the different locations mentioned throughout the book, adding an educational layer to the reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of chivalry and respect
Explanation: Throughout 'King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table,' characters demonstrate chivalry through acts of bravery, courtesy, and honor. The knights are bound by a code that emphasizes these virtues in their quests and interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles by practicing respect and politeness in their interactions at school and at home, showing that even small acts of kindness and respect can make a significant difference in their social environments.
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty and friendship
Explanation: The Knights of the Round Table show unwavering loyalty to King Arthur and each other, representing the strength and trust that are foundational to true friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being reliable and trustworthy friends. Demonstrating loyalty in their friendships teaches them about building strong, supportive relationships that are essential throughout life.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit and betrayal
Explanation: The story explores the fallout of deceit, particularly through the betrayal of Mordred. This subplot serves as a cautionary tale about the negative impacts of dishonest behavior.
Real-World Application: This lesson stresses the importance of honesty in building trust in relationships. Children learn that deceit can lead to loss of trust and the eventual breakdown of relationships, emphasizing honesty as a key value.
Example Lesson: The pursuit of justice
Explanation: King Arthur's commitment to justice is a central theme, as he strives to ensure that his kingdom is a place where fairness prevails and conflicts are resolved righteously.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stand up for what is right and seek justice in their own lives, whether it's in standing up against bullying or ensuring fair play during games or group activities.