Though a children's book, this is a great read for anybody interested in the Arthurian legends. Two stories run in parallel; Arthur-in-the-stone is the legendary King Arthur, and Arthur who holds the stone sees surprising similarities with the legendary king he watches. Kevin Crossley-Holland does well to bring the authentic tales of the Arthurian Cycle to life, as well as creating a believable and historically accurate view of thirteenth-century England. The characters are likeable and well-fleshed out, and the plot holds the reader's interest. I can't wait to read the final book of the trilogy.