Author/illustrator team Eric A. Kimmel and Leonard Everett Fisher, whose previous picture-book collaboration, Don Quixote and the Windmills, retold an episode from the great Spanish novel, Don Quixote, here attempt something similar with the epic Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf. After a description of some of Beowulf's childhood deeds, the narrative here concentrates on the fight between the hero and the monster Grendel, plaguing the court of the Danish king, Hrothgar...

Unlike a number of other children's retellings of the story of Beowulf, The Hero Beowulf concentrates on the first episode of the poem, and does not address the second two, in which the hero defeats Grendel's mother, and then, in old age, a terrible dragon. Although I wouldn't say I disliked Kimmel's text - this is, in fact, the fifty-first title I have read from this author, which surely offers testimony that I enjoy his work - I was disappointed at the limited nature of his retelling, and tend to prefer James Rumford's Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold, when it comes to picture-book versions of this story. Those seeking longer, chapter-book versions for older children might consider Rosemary Sutcliff's Beowulf, or Ian Serraillier's Beowulf the Warrior. Fisher's accompanying artwork, which looks like it was done in oil paint, is expressive, but here again I preferred the visuals in the Rumford title. There's nothing exactly wrong with this Kimmel/Fisher retelling, but (as should be evident) I think there are better versions out there, versions that offer a fuller, more comprehensive introduction to this masterpiece of world literature. ( )

This was the most enjoyable version of Beowulf that I have ever read. If I am being completely honest, it's the only one that I have easily understood. Beowulf faces many different monsters and is a hero all the way to the end. ( )

This book may be to scary for young children. It is about the epic battle of Beowolf and the Grendel, a slimy, green monster of the night. Beowolf is a hero and saves King Hrothgar's realm from the terror. The pictures are broadly drawn and not very detailed but the colors are well suited for this tale.

I am not going to assign a rating to this book because I am conflicted. On the one hand I like mythology and think children should be exposed to more of it. And on the other hand, I couldn't get my kids --currently boy and girl; 6 and 8 -- interested in this book.

And if I give it a low rating you might not seek it out at the library, so I'll only tell you of our observations.

Appearance: the book is a large format hardback with colorful artwork that runs from edge to edge. It's the sort of artwork that doesn't present a great deal of detail, and perhaps this is why it didn't serve to grab my children's attention. [I would have thought it would. I mean on the first pages there's a sea monster chowing down on some sailors. Go figure.]

The story: the story, of course, is about Beowulf and his battle with Grendel. Great kid stuff when you think about it. Grendel is mysterious and murderous and Beowulf is the only one brave enough to face him.

The narrative isn't stellar, but I thought the story would be good enough to engross the small fry. Apparently, it's not a good read-aloud.

Which might have to do with topic of my big complaint. That this book has no pronunciation guide. Really ridiculous when you think about that the likelihood that kid reader's (and most adults) will know how to pronounce names like Wealhtheow and Ecgtheow is next to nil.

In any case, do consider this book. Perhaps my two were just too young for the story. Or perhaps the artwork just wasn't their style.