Home
  • Home
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Authors & Artists
  • Articles
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Forums
  • Search

The Robe of Skulls

  • View
  • Rearrange

Digital version – browse, print or download

Can't see the preview?
Click here!

How to print the digital edition of Books for Keeps: click on this PDF file link - click on the printer icon in the top right of the screen to print.

BfK Newsletter

Receive the latest news & reviews direct to your inbox!

BfK No. 167 - November 2007

Cover Story
This issue’s cover illustration by Polly Dunbar is from David Almond’s My Dad’s a Birdman. David Almond writes about his new book. Thanks to Walker Books for their help with this November cover.

  • PDFPDF
  • Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version
  • Send to friendSend to friend

The Robe of Skulls

Vivian French
 Ross Collins
(Walker Books Ltd)
208pp, 978-0744583618, RRP £6.99, Paperback
8-10 Junior/Middle
Buy "The Robe of Skulls (Tales from the Five Kingdoms)" on Amazon

Lady Lamorna wants a new robe and sets off to obtain one by foul means, accompanied by a troll. At the same time a young girl sets off from her cruel, evil captor parents, in the company of a chatty bat. A scruffy prince also sets off on his quest. What follows is an intricate criss-crossing of pathways that could so easily have resulted in confusion, but French’s characters are so distinctive and their conversation so individualised that young readers will be guided through the conundrum, both understanding and enjoying the journey. The episodic pace and well defined characterisation reminded me of some of Philip Ridley’s helter skelter modern tales.

This is a very modern fairy tale. It keeps hold of traditional motifs and characters but gives a wholly new take on the classic quest. Great fun!

Reviewer: 
Huw Thomas
3
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Help/FAQ
  • My Account