The McElderry Book of Greek Myths (Margaret K. McElderry Book)

Product Description Walk among the gods and goddesses, men and monsters, in this enchanting volume of classic Greek myths! Here are twelve of the most beloved legends of Greek mythology, from Pandora and her dreaded box to Icarus with his wings of wax, and, of course, that greedy, gold-fingered King Midas. Vibrant art adds a fresh twist to this collection, giving today's readers their own version of these timeless tales. Eric A. Kimmel brings these adventures to life with language that is colloquial and easy to read. Pep Monserrat breathes beautiful modern colors and style into his paintings, even as he reinvents images from classical antiquity. Together they've created a masterpiece of mythology, perfect for young readers. From Booklist These accessible retellings of Greek myths form the third entry in the McElderry Books Collection, which also includes volumes of Grimms’ fairy tales and Aesop’s fables. Kimmel uses spare, direct language and lots of exciting action in his short selections, and passages of dialogue among the characters add to the ancient stories’ sense of immediacy. On every page, Montserrat’s stylish computer-generated artwork picks up on ancient Greek design motifs and creates memorable characters from the mythical archetypes—from sword-wielding soldiers to Medusa and her writhing, poisonous snakes. The organization is thoughtful: the myth of Prometheus, who filled the world with living creatures and gave humans fire, is the first entry. And Kimmel begins the collection with solid answers to the question, “Why bother retelling these ancient stories?” One disappointment: there are no source notes. Give this to readers older than the target readership, especially those seeking a quick overview of myths referenced in recent novels, such as Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief (2005). Grades K-3. --Gillian Engberg About the Author Eric A. Kimmel is the author of many picture books, including Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a Caldecott Honor Book illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. He was once a storyteller, and he loves classic tales. For more information visit Eric's website at www.ericakimmel.com. Pep Monserrat has illustrated picture book versions of such classics as The Musicians of Bremen and Aladdin and the Magic Lamp. He is delighted to have this opportunity to portray the archetypal heroes and heroines of ancient Greece. For more information visit Pep's website at www.pepmonserrat.com