In this delightful middle grade novel, an orphaned outcast living in the Middle Ages, faces a difficult life made even more challenging by his mysterious magical powers.

After the death of his mother —considered by some to be a witch—Robin Goodfellow is alone and shunned by villagers. Seeking solace in the woodlands, he encounters a trio of peculiar elves. Childlike in appearance but with ancient, knowing eyes, they become his unlikely companions. He also finds refuge with the mysterious Oberon, a shepherd who bestows upon him a magical knife. Meanwhile, the ruthless baron Drogo de Malodeur imposes a crippling grain tax, practically starving the villagers.

Robin, now a creature of the forest, spends his nights anonymously helping villagers grind grain. As he tirelessly aids others, he slowly becomes aware of his magical powers and struggles with his place in the world. His elven friends chant, “You are the Neither-Nor…You are the not-yet…You belong nowhere, but live everywhere.” Robin, despairing, calls himself “Not Normal…Not Human…Not Wanted!” Finally, Robin bests the baron not only with magic but with a commitment (at his peril) to save his village.

Robin Goodfellow is also the name of Shakespeare’s Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Cricket’s protagonist has the same impish quality. Part legend, part fairytale, the story is not just entertaining, but imbued with cultural values and universal human experiences: good versus evil, transformation through personal growth, and more. Courageous Robin risks his life for the greater good, eventually coming to understand his magical powers and himself.

Cricket’s narrative is filled with engaging humor. The names of the evil but bumbling rulers, Drogo de Malodeur and Alphonse de Grincheux, are themselves amusing. Additionally, Cricket’s use of colorful epithets, such as the baron’s “You mewing beatle-headed basket cockle!” and a villager’s “By St Nectan’s nose hairs!” will surely elicit laughter.

This enchanting tale will captivate the young and young at heart and be a welcome addition to any bookshelf.

Also available as an ebook.