Ishtar and Tammuz : A Babylonian Myth of the Seasons - Softcover

C.J. Moore

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0711210993 ISBN 13: 9780711210998

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Limited, 1997

Synopsis

Ishtar, Babylonian goddess of all creation, sends her son Tammuz, the Green One, to live on the earth below. But when she sees how much he is loved, she is consumed with jealousy and has him killed. The people pray to their goddess to restore the green spirit. Ishtar agrees - but first she must do battle with the terrible half-woman, half-lioness who rules the underworld. This beautiful retelling of the ancient Babylonian myth of the seasons is complemented by stunning illustrations and will enthral readers of all ages.

About this title

About the Author:

CHRISTOPHER MOORE was born in Ilfracombe, Devon, and studied Modern Languages and Linguistics. He has worked as a journalist in London and Paris, taught in North Africa and the Middle East, written educational books for Heinemann and had three poetry anthologies published. He lives in Perth, Scotland. CHRISTINA BALIT was born in Manchester but grew up in the Middle East. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art, and also attended Morley Theatre School and Questors Theatre School. She has exhibited widely and is also a playwright. Her books have won several nominations, commendations and a shortlist place for the Kate Greenway Medal. Kingdom of the Sun (written by Jaqueline Mitton), won the 2002 English Association Award for non-fiction.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5-A Babylonian precursor to the story of Persephone. Tammuz, son of the goddess Ishtar, is sent to live on Earth. He is so beloved by the people that jealous Ishtar orders her soldiers to kill him. Without Tammuz, the earth is devastated, and the suffering people petition Ishtar for mercy. She agrees to travel to the underworld, where she reclaims her son, although for only half the year; he must return to the underworld for the other half. Moore evokes rich and clear images with carefully chosen words and phrases and a good sense of rhythm and pace. Balit's vivid, boldly patterned illustrations are packed with detail and sharp contrasts, a style that is effective most of the time but that makes some of the pages appear cluttered. The paintings do capture the mood of the myth, and Balit uses unusual perspectives and sharply delineated shapes to the story's advantage. This well-told tale from a little-explored subject area is a good choice for any library, especially collections supporting interdisciplinary-studies programs.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Limited
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0711210993
• ISBN 13: 9780711210998
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Christina Balit