A First Book of Myths - Hardcover

Hoffman, Mary; Thorne, Jenny

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0789439735 ISBN 13: 9780789439734

Publisher: Dk Pub, 1999

Synopsis

Simplified retellings of Greek and Roman myths, including those about Icarus, the boy whose father made him wings, and King Midas, who had the golden touch.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 2 An eclectic collection of 14 retellings with an introduction that describes the difference between myth and legend and gives a short explanation of why these ancient tales are relevant today. Classic Greek and Roman mythology are represented by the stories of Daedalus and Icarus, King Midas, Andromeda, and Romulus and Remus. A Coyote tale, an Aztec myth, and the story of the first corn come from the Americas. Also included are a Norse myth and stories from Australia, India, Egypt, Japan, and Africa. In some cases, the narratives are so brief that the message is not clearly stated. "The Fall of Icarus" ends with, "Then he realized the wings had failed and Icarus had fallen into the sea," without making clear the connection between his death and his failure to heed his father's warning. In most of the stories, the dialogue is appropriate to the tale, but when Remus says, "Hey, Romulus! It's going to be really easy to invade your city! So much for your defenses!," the modern tone is jarring. The familiar DK format of several small illustrations placed on a white background is less striking here in watercolor than in other titles where clear, color photographs are used. Since most similar collections aimed at the same audience include stories from only one culture, as in Aliki's The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus (HarperCollins, 1994), this inclusive volume may be a worthwhile addition. Ginny Gustin, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dk Pub
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0789439735
• ISBN 13: 9780789439734
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Langton Roger, Kimber Kevin