The Knights' Tale by Gerald Morris-audio

Audio CD read by Steve West
Years ago I read these individual books aloud to my boys.  Together we listened to the books again to support our study of Medieval Europe and thoroughly enjoyed them!
Recommended for listeners ages 7-13 (but adults will love the stories too!).
Four stories that focus on King Arthur's knights-Sir Lancelot the Great, Sir Givret the Short, Sir Gawain the True and Sir Balin the Ill-Fated and their adventures are highly entertaining and humorous.
My eleven year old is currently reading King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green and was able to compare it to this version.  Sir Balin and the Ill-Fated ended quite differently in that book (sadly). 
Points to discuss/warning: violence/chopping off a head
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Redwall Cookbook by Brain Jacques illustrated by Christopher Denise

This unique cookbook divides the recipes according to the four seasons.  Little stories introduce the recipes. 
We did not have the chance to make any of the recipes but they sound yummy and fairly simple to make. 
I would love to host a Redwall themed feast someday!
Adorable illustrations!
-Borrowed from the library.

Geoffrey Chaucer-Canterbury Tales selected, translated and adapted by Barbara Cohen illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

Ms. Cohen includes the following of Chaucer's tales-The Nun's Priest's Tale, The Pardoner's Tale, The Wife of Bath's Tale, and The Franklin's Tale.
She viewed this work as a way to introduce readers to Chaucer and assumed that most of the readers would not have heard of Chaucer, so she included an introduction to each character (1st person narration).  She also choose to write the tales in prose rather than verse. 
The tales were entertaining and the illustrations were beautiful and intricate. 
I am deciding if  I will share this work of art with my boys (see warning).  I thought it was stunning and well written . . . .
Warning: Illustrations-the satyr looks like it has a woman's chest; a  man and woman are kissing under the tavern steps and the woman's dress is very low-cut (although this is a small hidden illustration).
Stories-The Wife of Bath was not a very admirable woman and was in an emotional relationship with a man before her husband died.  Her fourth husband is verbally abusive and hits her and she becomes deaf in her ear. 
A good pick for junior and high school readers who struggle with reading.

The Music of Life Bartolomeo Cristofori and the Invention of the Piano by Elizabeth Rusch illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Delightful musical terms top each page as the story Bartolomeo Christofori progresses.  He loves constructing keyboards, but longs to create an instrument that can play both loud and soft.  Then Prince Ferdinando de Medici brings him to his court and offers the opportunity to fulfill his dreams.
I really enjoyed how the author reveals to the reader the primary sources and secondary sources she utilize to write this book.  She also shares where three Cristofori's pianos exist and in what condition they are and how his piano differ from today's modern piano. 
This book offers a plethora of learning opportunities.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Book of Kells selected and introduced by Peter Brown

The most sumptuous book surviving the early Middle Ages is the Book of Kells.  Mr. Brown shares its history and information about the scribes and artists.  Forty eight pages of this beautiful work are displayed.
Perfect resource when learning about this time period and illuminated manuscript.
-Borrowed from the library.

Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher *

Audiobook CD performed by Suzanne Toren
Ms. Toren offers a superb performance as she reads aloud this exciting tale set in Ancient Persia.
Ms. Fletcher takes the legend about Shahrazad  from Tales from the Arabian Nights and creates a side story about a girl named Marjan who assists Shahrazad in finding stories.
Shahrazad is Marjan's heroine.  Because of Shahrazad's cleverness and ability to tell the Sultan exciting tales, he has not killed any wives for over 900 days.  Shahrazad, however, is running out of tales that the Sultan has not heard.  When Marjan is selling pretty items with her adoptive aunt in the harem, she spins one of her tales to the young children living there.  Shahrazad's sister over hears her tale and takes her to Shahrazad.  Marjan suddenly finds herself living in the harem and sneaking out to find more stories. 
Very exciting and a well written story.
My boys and I loved listening to this story!
I liked how each chapter offer some tidbit of truth about life and story telling.  These little blurbs/side notes give the reader the opportunity to think deeply and ponder some truths/statements. 
Library has it labeled for "young adults"=teenagers (warning/point to discuss-The setting is a harem.).
-Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend.

The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla illustrated by Paul Galdone*

Transitional readers and reluctant readers will be captivated by this fast paced chapter book about Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, living during the days of King Arthur.
When Lionel, Lord Weldon's long lost brother, returns to the castle, he brings fear and deceit.   Shan must rise up to protect his mother and his family's heritage.
The font is a larger size (for a chapter book); the chapters are short and full of excitement; and plenty of illustrations are sprinkled throughout each chapter to make this book perfect for transitional and/or reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning/spoiler alert-Lionel claims Lord Weldon died in the quicksand during a hunt.  Some young children may be upset about the "death" of the father (Everything is fine in the end.).