Walt Disney the Sword in the Stone

by Carl Memling, Norm McGray

The classic Disney story of how a poor, lowly page ends up as the King of England--with a little help from Merlin the wizard--will delight boys and girls ages 2 to 5. Based on the classic Walt Disney animated movie, this Little Golden Book retelling of The Sword in the Stone was first published in 1963.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Historical, Arthurian, Fiction, Classics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Keziah Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Carl Memling and Illustrator RH Disney (1963). Wart was a lonely page who lived in a Sir Ector’s stone castle and was unlike anyone else in the castle. He washed dishes, helped the carpenter, polished armor and swept the castle. Suddenly, one day a wizard named Merlin appeared. He claimed that he had to give Wart lessons. Merlin would change Wart into various animals and with each transformation, Wart learned valuable life lessons. When he became a bird, he gained wisdom as he saw the world from a bird’s view. One day Wart accompanied Sir Ector and Kay to a tournament where the King of England was to be crowned. Sir Ector was sure that Kay would win and earn the crown. They arrive at the tournament and suddenly Kay realizes his sword is missing. Wart ran as fast as he could, but the inn they stayed at was closed. He ran and ran and suddenly saw a sword that was stuck through an anvil. Wart quickly pulled it out and handed it over to Kay, but he saw some letters written in gold. It claimed whoever pulled the sword would be the King of England. Wart, who would become King Arthur was ready to become a great king. He was wise enough because Merlin had prepared him with specific lessons. The Disney style illustrations are the best. It feels as though you are watching a short version of the film. Colorful and old fashioned. The illustrations emphasize the laziness and goofiness of both Sir Ector and Kay. Merlin looks like a wise and fun grandfather and Wart is the focal point of the entire story. He’s illustrated with such innocence and good character. He works hard and we don’t see a smile on his face until he is crowned King. Target Audience: 2-5.

[Joellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to the cutest kindergarten classroom and they absolutely loved it. It's one of those that balances a great story (for story's and imagination's sake) and an important message. They thought it was funny every time Arthur turned into a different animal. I'm keeping it to read to my child one day.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice story time read along book read. Boys highly enjoy it.

[Elyse DeBarre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my first book on Arturus Rex and my introduction to the semi-legends as a small child. This led to my later research on early Post-Roman and late Roman Britain, the historicity of the accounts, and the historical Ambrosius Aurelianus, and my published research on the topic as a Roman archaeologist.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book for young children! Nice tie in.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful, whimsical children’s story.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a good book or movie though I remember it fondly from childhood and my children enjoy it.

[Seema Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood classic about being born to greatness and actually accomplishing it. With great power comes responsibility.