Theseus and the Minotaur (Ancient Greek Myths) - Softcover

James Ford

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1904642284 ISBN 13: 9781904642282

Publisher: The Book House, 2004

Synopsis

Step back in time to a golden age of storytelling in Ancient Greece. Drawing on the epic literature that has captivated the imagination for centuries, each story is skillfully brought to life, combining the talents of some of the leading children's authors and illustrators working today. Young readers will love these timeless tales of heroism, gods and monsters. Every nine years, the Athenians have to send a sacrifice of seven young men and women to Crete. These victims meet a gruesome end in the jaws of the Minotaur. Only Theseus can end this cycle, but he will need the help of a princess, a famous craftsman and a ball of thread. Will he survive? The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters. 'Ask the storyteller' boxes give peripheral details about the narrative and the characters involved. The book features an introduction to Greek storytelling, a glossary and index, as well as 'Who's who' section with a pronunciation guide.

About this title

About the Author:

James Ford is a Capstone Press author.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-4 - Each of these British imports begins with an almost-identical preface describing "The World of Ancient Mythology" and then moves on to an introduction that sets the scene. The narratives remain true to the original tales with little adaptation. The writing style in all three is clear but pedestrian. Boxes that provide additional background on people and places appear on every page. Unfortunately, in all three books, caricatures reminiscent of Saturday-morning cartoons illustrate even the most tragic or horrific of events, such as Hercules feeding Diomedes to his hungry horses (Hercules) or Medea tossing parts of a dismembered Pelias into a boiling cauldron (Jason). Cartoon buffoonery deflates the power of these stories, and dialogue bubbles - such as Hercules muttering "Come on, you fat pig!" as he drags the Erymanthian Boar - are equally jarring. Children would be better served by Malam's Gods and Goddesses (School Specialty, 1999). - Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
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About this edition

• Publisher: The Book House
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1904642284
• ISBN 13: 9781904642282
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Gary Andrews