The Sword in the Tree (Trophy Chapter Book)

Book Description

In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, longlost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and unhappiness.

It was then that Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy.

Shan was surprised by bearded robbers in the woods. He met noble knights in plumed helmets, and eventually he even made a trip to high-towered Camelot. His story is filled with the pageantry and color of England in King Arthur's time. It creates a vivid picture of the Knights of the Round Table and the wisdom of King Arthur himself.

Mr. Bulla captures the spirit of those romantic days in a straightforward, exciting manner. The result is another delightful book for his wide audience of young readers. Paul Galdone's vigorous illustrations are as evocative as the text.

Customer Reviews:

Heavy material structured for young readers.......2007-09-10

Sword in the Tree is a great way to introduce kids to the Middle Ages. Young readers can read the book on their own because the vocabulary and sentence structure are simple. The book is in no way dumbed down, however. This was a difficult and danger time, and the subject matter reflects the era. Highly recommended reading for elementary age kids (my 5yo daughter LOVED it). Also recommended for older children: Otto of the Silver Hand by Howard Pyle.

Who Will Save Weldon Castle?.......2004-05-01

(written by 9 year old reader of book)

There are 14 chapters in this book. It has people like King Arthur. It has a sword in it. And it has a battle in it. There is an Oak Tree that is the tree. There is a picture in every chapter. You will like this story. Do not take my word for it, look for this book in the library or the book store.

(note from parent:)
My son really enjoyed reading The Sword in the Tree, just as he has other books by Bulla. They are excellent even for relunctant readers like the one who wrote the above review.

Great book, fond memories.......2003-07-12

"I am Lord Weldon! __I__ am Lord of Weldon Castle!!"

I must have been about 7 or 8 when I read those words, spoken by a 9 year old whose father was believed dead, to his evil uncle. The boy's mother stood by silently.

As a child, I sympathized with him.
As a female, I felt offended. I didn't understand why the little boy believed he outranked his fully grown adult mother in power and prestige.

As an adult with some historical perspective, it makes more sense.

This was a great story, about family love and adventure and history, and I will always be grateful to Clyde Bulla for awakening the earliest feelings of feminism.

Great for all young lovers of Knights, Castles & King Arthur.......2002-02-27

I read this out loud to my 4-year-old son, who loves anything involving King Arthur, and he was captivated. His only disappointment was that there is no book to follow with more tales of the young Shan and his adventures. I highly recommend this as well as other historical fiction by Bulla. I have also read "Pocahontas and the Strangers" to my son, and he loved that as well.

High Interest for a New Reader.......2000-02-15

Once your child has moved beyond easy phonetic readers, you'll want to find interesting books with large print that aren't too difficult or overwhelming for the new reader. Bulla's "The Sword in the Tree" fits this description perfectly.

Try reading the first chapter to your young reader to spark his interest. Then read the next chapter or two aloud together so he/she becomes familiar with the words and flow. Then sit back and listen as your child finishes reading this exciting book about greed, courage, and chivalry.

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Non Fiction

Robert the Bruce - As real as it gets

Hail to the King of Scots!

Another brave heart...

Underdog Wins

Robert the Bruce: King of Scots
Ronald McNair Scott
Manufacturer: Carroll & Graf Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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William Wallace: Brave Heart

William Wallace

A History of Scotland (Penguin History) (Penguin History)

The Bruce Trilogy: A Superb Trilogy About Scotland's Greatest Hero (Coronet Books)

Rob Roy (Canongate)

ASIN: 0786703296

Customer Reviews:

Non Fiction.......2007-09-03

Scott's book is a biographical and chronological account of Robert the Bruce's accomplishments. It is written to be read, as well as studied and is quite well done from that point of view, forming a coherent narrative, or story, if you like, detailing the life of the King of Scots.

An interesting biography.

Robert the Bruce - As real as it gets.......2006-09-12

This is a great biography of Robert the Bruce. Ronald McNair Scott gives a nice full and fleshed out story of Robert the Bruce and his rise to throne of Scotland. Mr. Scott does a great job following Bruce through his Grandfather and Father's initial competition and ultimately his own attempt for the Throne after the deaths of King Alexander and his last remaining heir. Like most noble families in Scotland of the time they had land and family links to England. The Bruce, Balliol, and Comyn families all dynastic ties and claims to the throne but in the end the Bruce family won out. Mr. Scott does uses well known sources for his biography like Barbour, Fordun and Barrow. Of course they glorify all that Bruce does and spends minimal time on his faults. Mr Scott gives us a general bio that is great for the novice to Scottish history and those reading their first book on Robert. There is a lot of personal story here with some supposed quotes to help you feel you are with Bruce when he knights Wallace, accepts the Guardianship, or when he murders his primary rival John Comyn and claims the throne or when he wins his great victory against the English at Bannockburn. But Mr. Scott doesn't stop there. We see him continue to firm up Scotland's independence against Edward I, II and finally III. We get a vivid view of his great Lieutenants, James Douglas and Thomas Randolph. Bruce finally sees peace in "old age" at 55 and dies with a son and grandson to succeed him. But in the end he was a man with all the faults ordinary man and for all he gained he equally paid a price in family, pain and life. After his death the English rise again and his heirs continue the struggle. But that is another story for another book. Robert the Bruce, King of Scots by Ronald M. Scott is the life of the Bruce as history remembers him today.

Hail to the King of Scots!.......2006-07-27

Scott's "Robert The Bruce" is a truly enjoyable and fascinating book. One is shown the growth of the playboy Lord of Annandale to the courageous, self-sacrificing warrior king who risks everything to lead his people to freedom. A chunk of history I was not too familiar with, Scott fills in the gaps and describes the situations and major characters in an engaging manner. Highly recommended!

Another brave heart..........2006-06-02

This is one of the most well written books on Scottish history that I have had the pleasure to come across. Its thoroughly gripping whereas other books about this time period have positvely made my eyes glaze over.
It takes a deeper look at the politics and war of the time and introduces you to Bruce's fascinating followers James Douglas and Thomas Randolph. This book is a must for those interested in history.

Underdog Wins.......2006-04-28

Bruce was born of a royal line, and his father had a claim to the crown. His family held land in both Scotland and England, and therefore was in the aristocracy of both countries.

Only six months had passed since he was crowned King, and now his kingdom had shrunk to a little island six-and a-half miles long and one-and-a-half miles wide. Assailed by English and domestic foe, Bruce hid in a cave, and he and his merry men endured great cold and hunger. It was one of the most colossal gambles in history. Against him were the most powerful nobles of Scotland. He had no knights (except himself), little money, and few horses.

So, who wouldn't want to read a story about a guy with physical strength, cheerfulness in adversity, resourcefulness in danger, brilliance in tactics and strategy, a leader who could animate and inspire all who followed him,a man of great charm and dignity, calm, assured, with a lively sense of humor and a beguiling courtesy?

Tracked by bloodhounds, Bruce stuck to the high country, engaging in guerilla warfare. Bruce proved to be a master of strategic mobile warfare. Within two-and-a-half years the hunted fugitive in the heather was ruler of 2/3 of Scotland.

Rebel King: Bannok Burn (Rebelking: Chronicles of Robert de Brus, King of Scots)

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Should be required reading before attending one of the Scottish Festivals.
Absolutely Fabulous
A True Masterpiece; Outstanding Work by Wondeful Authors!!!

Rebel King: Bannok Burn (Rebelking: Chronicles of Robert de Brus, King of Scots)
Charles Bruce , and Carolyn Hale Bruce
Manufacturer: Bruce & Bruce, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0972167471

Product Description

The rebellion continues... By 1314, Robert the Brus has waged a guerilla-style war for eight long years to regain Scotlands independence from England. During that time he recaptured Scottish castles, one by one, to make the land inhospitable to the English invaders. His brother agreed to a treaty that will remove Stirling Castle from English control with neither siege nor battle...unless the English king relieves the fortress by June 24th. Roberts hand is dealt. He must meet the English king, Edward II, and his tremendous might on a battlefield south of the citadel, and he knows the winner will take all of Scotland, not just Castle Stirling. In mid-June, King Edward starts the trek north. He has culled knights from among Europes finest and hired them to fight for him with the promises of Scottish lands and titles and great wealth...once the battle is won. Included in his twenty-mile-long train are 22,500 trained men and untold tonnage of supplies and arms. Robert, King of Scots, and his ragtag army of fewer than 6,000 men are the only obstacle in the way of the English kings overwhelming force and sheer determination to enslave the Scots. Meeting on a field of unripe wheat beside a stream called Bannok Burn, the two kings and their armies decide the fates of the generations then standing and their children yet unborn.

Customer Reviews:

Should be required reading before attending one of the Scottish Festivals........2007-05-07

For the non Scot the ability to understand just even a small part of the feisty loyalty of the Scot to the ancient warring clans will make a large contribution to their ability to enjoy a caleigh. My first such event was a source of confusion as I did not comprehend from where all the clan pride and pomp originated from. It was obvious that I needed to know more before I even joined in the second such a session. Now many years later I continue to seek out knowledge from where the fierce loyalty stems from. The series on Robert de Brus provides an enjoyable look in to one of the Scottish historical personages and events that have marked history for centuries. It will continue to so mark history for centuries more and I can recommend all the Rebel King series for the non Scot as well as those of Scottish heritage.

Absolutely Fabulous.......2006-12-20

I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in the series. Excellent character development. I can't wait to find out what happens next! Awesome battle scenes bring you right to the battles of Bannock Burn, you can almost smell the battlefield!

A True Masterpiece; Outstanding Work by Wondeful Authors!!!.......2006-08-05

I've just finished reading this third book in Charles Randolph & Carolyn Hale Bruces' "Rebel King" trilogy. I am at a loss for the proper words to describe this great work! The authors have brought to life King Robert de Brus and his courage, fortitude, and committment to independence for Scotland.

The authors' description of the battle which gained Scotland independence from the English is totally accurate in the historical sense, while giving the reader insight into the character of King Robert, James Douglas, Thomas Randolph, Andrew Stewart, and many others of the brave Scots who fought & died that Scotland might be freed from the yoke of English tyranny & oppression.

The authors also provide, in my humble opinion, very accurate portrayals of England's King Edward II, Hugh le Despenser, the Earls Of Lancaster, Hereford, Clare, and the other main players on the English side.

The description of events leading up to the battle are true to life and form. The battle itself is described in very accurate historical detail, and vividly portrays how King Robert and his close advisors planned and executed the scenario whereby a small (in relative terms) army of patriotic Scots defeated in detail an overwhelming (but ineptly & arrogantly led) English army.

This is a truly wonderful book, in a magnificent series detailing the life & times of Scotland's greatest leader and patriot. I now feel at a loss, I wish the story hadn't ended!! Being of Scottish descent, I had dreamt my whole life that someday a truly great writer would tell this story. The Bruces have done so, and the maps & artwork accompanying the narrative are excellent. I very highly recommend this outstanding work to anyone who likes historical fiction (although the "fiction" is that minimal amount necessary to provide dialogue amongst the characters; all the rest is history and so very true!) and particularly those, like myself, who have Scottish bloodlines (Robertson on my mother's side) and want to learn more about their forebears.

It's too bad there's not a "10 star" rating...I would certainly give it to this book in particular and to the entire "Rebel King" series by these incredibly gifted authors! I certainly hope that Charles & Carolyn continue to produce MORE of their magnificent work on the history of Scotland. I would love to see them do a work (or a set) on the life of James "The Black" Douglas!!! I know it would be as great as this book and series is...truly magnificent reading at it's best. Once you start the story, you cannot(at least I couldn't) put the book down!

On the Trail of Robert the Bruce (On the Trail of)

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A Great Travel Guide

On the Trail of Robert the Bruce (On the Trail of)
David R Ross
Manufacturer: Luath Press Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0946487529

Book Description

Here is the astonishing blow-by-blow account of how, against fearful odds, freedom-fighter Bruce led the Scots to win their greatest victory ever in the War of Independence. The trail takes us to Bruce sites in Scotland and beyond, over 70 in all, with fully detailed maps. Elaborate illustrations help set the scene on the Bruce's story, which is one part blood and gore, two parts love and laughter. Ross proves himself a master of writing hands-on history with attitude.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Travel Guide.......2000-06-20

I walked in the footsteps of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce during my visit to Scotland in 1996. I sure wish I had David Ross's book at that time; I would have known of more places to visit. This is a fine book about the history of the Bruce and Scotland's war for independence written, not from a historian, but from a Scot himself.

The book has maps pinpointing the areas discussed in the narrative as well as great illustrations of those places written.

Customer Reviews:

I have no idea what you're talking about........1999-08-16

I did a web search on Barbour Publishing and this was the first result page.

The Great Scot: A Novel of Robert the Bruce, Scotland's Legendary Warrior King

Average customer rating:

Great story, wanted more
Flat Retelling Not Worthy of its Subject
If you like a good story, you'll like this book!
Too much left untold
Great Scot, a great novel

The Great Scot: A Novel of Robert the Bruce, Scotland's Legendary Warrior King
Duncan A. Bruce
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312323980
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Book Description

Robert Bruce was Scotlands greatest king ever. The Bruce, as he was known, was crowned King of Scots in 1306, a time when the ancient kingdom of Scotland was under English occupation. When King Robert began his reign, his first two battles were losses. Yet from 1307-1313, The Bruce won battle after battle. He shunned pitched medieval clashes and fought as a guerrilla force, a form of warfare which he may have invented. The war peaked in 1314 when King Robert faced an immense English invasion. With brilliant tactics and resolute bravery the vastly outnumbered Scots defeated and routed the English knights, archers, and yeomen at the battle of Bannockburn. Over the years, three generations of King Edwards went down to utter defeat. The Great Scot is a novel filled with valor, treachery, journeys great and small, all from the pages of Scottish history. This is a stirring narrative that serves as a sequel to the world-wide blockbuster film, Braveheart.

Customer Reviews:

Great story, wanted more.......2006-11-10

Just finished this book on a long plane ride from Europe. I agree with all the critical assessments above. Not greatly written, did not reveal a lot of insight about the Bruce, etc. But I could not put it down. I was interested in "Page Crawford's" story and his outside view of what happened with the Bruce and historical events.
I mostly would have preferred to start the story sooner. In my historical readings and such, I already know most of the events from 1306 on. I am still looking for a good novel on what happened before - what created Robert the Bruce and his quest.
All and all a good read, not a masterpiece, but if you are interested in Scottish history or more directly, Robert the Bruce, you will enjoy and it is a quick read.

Flat Retelling Not Worthy of its Subject.......2005-04-05

Duncan Bruce's "The Great Scot" gets five stars for its selection of a protagonist -- Robert the Bruce. While historical fiction is generally dominated by novels surrounding the largest figures in history (Julius Caesar, Hannibal of Carthage, Elizabeth I, Cleopatra, etc.), some of the greatest joys in the genre can be found in stories about lesser-known-but-worthy figures. Robert the Bruce is such a character. Inheriting a noble struggle for freedom against tyranny from the immortal William Wallace (of "Braveheart" fame), Robert the Bruce succeeded where his forebears failed, and he did so in grand style.

But "The Great Scot" does not carry the day. The narrator of the piece is a young man (David) who, as a lad, becomes the Bruce's page. Inexplicably, the Bruce places a huge amount of trust in the boy, who rises to become one of the Bruce's most indispensable men -- although this rise is explained more by the boy's mere presence and devout loyalty than through any great accomplishment on David's part. So far, so-so. But the style of the narration is flat, methodical, and without much insight. In general, the story is a series of "And then this happened . . ." followed by, "the Bruce said this," and "we were all swayed by the Bruce," and "she smiled at the Bruce." It gets tedious -- even the famous battle of Bannockburn, where the Scots wiped out a much larger English force, is told with little more than a rote recitation of events. David is also not around for many of the key events in the novel, which are told to him by folks who are as incapable of spinning a yarn as our narrator.

When comparing this novel to other recent works of historical fiction -- see, for example, David Anthony Durham's "Pride of Carthage," or Bernard Cornwell's "The Last Kingdom" -- "The Great Scot" becomes more of a tedious slog to the finish rather than an enjoyable trek through a bygone era.

There is little to learn about the Bruce, as well, other than he's a good swordsman, a champion with the ladies, prone to the occasional illness, and a firm believer in freedom. None of these traits are surprising, and the Bruce appears to be much more of a cardboard cut-out of a hero than a true man of greatness (he does not compare favorably to Durham's Hannibal, for example, or with Sharon Kay Penman's Henry Curtmantle, or with the Julius Caesar of Conn Iggulden's "Gates of Rome" series -- or any character written by Colleen McCullouch).

Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh with this review, but I had high hopes for "The Great Scot." And these were not met. For fans of historical fiction set in the British Isles, there are many other more worthy selections.

If you like a good story, you'll like this book!.......2005-01-18

FINALLY a novel about Robert Bruce, one of the most, if not THE most, influential figures in Scottish history.
Fascinated by the life of Robert Bruce since my Scottish grandfather related the the legend of "Robert the Bruce and the Spider" to me as a child, I have been waiting for someone to tell this story. It was worth the wait! If you are a fan of adventure and heroism combined with a bit of intrigue and treachery, this book is for you.
Beginning with Bruce's murder of the "Red" Comyn, a bitter rival for the Scottish throne, the tale only gets better. Narrated by Davie Crawford, a long time aid and confidant, the reader learns of Bruce's early defeats, his decision to wage guerilla warfare against the superior English forces which began to turn the tide, and culminates with his ultimate victory over the English at Bannockburn.
With the immediate threat eradicated, "Guid King Robert" still has to face the danger of more invasions while trying to unite Scotland under his rule. Before his death in 1329 he lives to see peace between England and Scotland, final recognition of Scotland as an independent nation, and Papal recognition of his title as "King of Scots".
I really enjoyed this book.

Too much left untold .......2004-09-23

If you let the first 5 chapters influence you - you won't finish this book. They were bad. After that the story finally picked up and the characters becames interesting enough to finish. I think that this is a first look at Robert the Bruce --and agree with the other reviewer that the man has been unjustly over-shadowed by William Wallace thanks to the movie Braveheart. However, that probably happened because there wasn't a story exciting enough about Robert the Bruce to turn it into a movie...this one isn't either.

What's good about it - the character holds an interesting place in history. There are battle references, there is court intrigue, there are murders and kidnappings and mysterious illnesses and all of the things that keep the story interesting so you plod on. It is a fast read and a simple read.

What didn't I like? Robert suffers from a strange malady that appears from time to time and threatens his life. However, the author discusses it almost as though it were unimportant. You never do find out what it might have been. Also - he paints Edward Bruce as much more of a military tactician and the battles are less than vividly portrayed. He also makes it very clear that Robert the Bruce was a womanizer who had mistresses slug out all over Scotland and was more than ready to use them for food, money and protection ...along with other things...when and ONLY when it was convenient to him. He supposedly loved only one woman in his life....yeah right. If anything this makes him less than valiant and noble in my opinion and the book would have been better with fewer women falling into his bed at every turn -- history certainly remembers him for deeds far more interesting.

Lastly, the author obviously has a good grasp on languages. However, he uses it sporadically and his timing is bad. The characters can go on for pages with all of their conversations recounted in English for the reader. Then suddenly when a very important speech is made the author writes it in some phonetic form of Scots and it stops ALL of the momentum he has built to that moment. You slow down and try to figure out what the speech even was and then suddenly everyone is speaking English again and the story goes on. However, the author does this not only in Scots, but French and Latin as well. There is no rhyme or reason as to which lines of which conversations must suddenly appear in another language - but I think it was a bad attempt to show off his linguistic skills and that it was NOT an enhancement for the story.

I understand it is his first work of fiction. It's not terrible but it's certainly not a 5 star book. I won't keep my copy - it's in the library donation box now. I also wouldn't recommend it to anyone. If you like the subject matter - give it a whirl but wait for the paperback price. If you don't - this probably won't make you want to read more about Robert Bruce. It's been suggested I try works by Nigel Tranter instead and that's what I intend to do.

Great Scot, a great novel.......2004-09-13

I just finished Great Scot, the historic novel of the reign of the Scottish King, Robert the Bruce, written by Duncan Bruce. I found the novel not only well written but very entertaining reading. Mr. Bruce used a third party to tell the story that provided a very intimate viewpoint to a great man's life and times. This third party approach made King Robert and his historic contemporaries and the times they lived in very lifelike. This novel starts and expands on the Scottish freedom story started by Sir William Douglas, the hero of the movie, Braveheart. Also, this is a novel that is full of significant history that is presented as a compelling and integrated background of this great story. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in a very entertaining novel of a great man. This is truly a great story for all to read.

King Robert the Bruce (The Scottish Histories)

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King Robert the Bruce (The Scottish Histories)

Manufacturer: Geddes & Grosset
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1855349051

The King's Swift Rider: A Novel on Robert the Bruce

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The King's Swift Rider: A Novel on Robert the Bruce
Mollie Hunter
Manufacturer: Recorded Books, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

Scotland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0788729802

Product Description

"When 16-year-old Martin Crawford goes out on the moor to hunt rabbits, he suddenly finds himself rescuing a man being pursued by bloodhounds. The fugitive, none other than Robert the Bruce, is Scotland's rightful king. And he wants Martin to be his page and messenger in the war against brutal English rule. It has been 10 years since the legendary William Wallace, subject of the Oscar-winning film Braveheart, was executed for instigating a rebellion. Now as the war gathers momentum, Robert the Bruce finds his swift young messenger indispensable. Hopefully, the same good fortune that brought them together will smile on them at Bannockburn, the battle that will decide the fate of their cause."

Robert the Bruce; The Path of the Hero King.

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Robert the Bruce; The Path of the Hero King.
Nigel G. Tranter
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0312685653

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Robert the Bruce: Path of the Hero King

Manufacturer: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000G9PMVM

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