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D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths (by Ingri d'Aulaire)

common sense media says

Action-packed, fascinating intro to Greek myths.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the stories are eternal, and most of the important ones are here. Kids have always loved these tales and this volume probably has the most entertaining presentation for kids. The book is a classic and one kids will love to hear read aloud.

Educational value: Kids learn about the Greek gods -- their stories and about ancient Greece. Most schools still teach about them and this book is a great introduction.
Positive messages: The Greek gods often behave badly  -- but that's the point. They are there as archetypes and lessons can be learned from their actions and stories.
Positive role models: The Gods embody human qualities of anger, love, jealousy, greed and more. There are great heroes, heroines, and anti-heroes who are equally instructive about how to behave in the world of mortals.
Violence: Heroes kill monsters, gods kill humans, nothing graphic. Elements of classical myth include torture, kidnapping, the Underworld, and so on. Some of the myths are tragic.
Sex: Gods have zesty appetites but nothing inappropriate.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the flaws of the larger-than-life figures in Greek myths. How are the immortals like humans? How are they different?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The Creation and Ages of the world, according to the adventurous ancient Greeks! Gods wield magic and power to meddle in human affairs. Monsters walk the Earth, and are overcome by heroes performing impossible tasks. This action-packed, attractive book is a fascinating introduction to one of the pillars of Western Civilization, and should be a part of every child's library.

 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The d'Aulaires present this rambunctious bunch with admirable clarity. The stories are filled with delightful nuggets of information, and the illustrations repay study. One such is the frightening portrayal of the aging of minor goddess Eos' young prince. She asks Zeus to give him immortality, but forgets to mention eternal youth. The helpful little robots of Hephaestus, god of smiths and fire, appear almost incidentally, along with his robot dog, and readers learn indirectly that Hephaestus is also god of toys.

But it is the book's clarity above all that delights. Though the d'Aulaires pack a lot of story into small spaces, the text and pictures combine to ensure that they never lose their readers. A pronunciation guide, though, would have been helpful.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Ingri d'Aulaire
Illustrator: Ingri d'Aulaire
Publication date: December 31, 1969
Number of pages: 192
Hardcover price: $29.95

This review was written by Matt Berman
 
 

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