D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

Book review by Matt Berman, Common Sense Media
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Action-packed, fascinating intro to Greek myths.

Ingri d'Aulaire Historical Fiction 1962
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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.

Community Reviews

eliette
eliette Adult
August 16, 2012
age 8+

A classic!

My son (age 8) read the first Percy Jackson book this summer and developed a real interest in Greek mythology. Fortunately, my mother had hung on to my childhood copy of this book. I loved it then, and he loves it now--he read the whole thing this summer in the span of a week or two. Greek mythology is referenced so much in Western literature and this book covers it really well. The illustrations are great, and the writing is clear and accessible. Really a classic.

This title has:

Educational value
1 person found this helpful.
gfive
gfive Adult
September 9, 2009
age 11+
i think its a really good book

This title has:

Educational value
1 person found this helpful.
See all 3 parent reviews

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?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Book Details

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