The New York Public Library Amazing Mythology: A Book of Answers for Kids
Grade 6 Up-This resource presents an overview of the prominent mythic beliefs of five cultural areas: the Middle East and Africa; the Mediterranean; Asia and the Pacific; northern Europe; and North and Central America. The text is arranged in question-and-answer format. Discussions of creation myths and mythological events are offered as are explanations to such queries as how Thor retrieved his lost hammer, how Theseus defeated the Minotaur, and why Ganesha has an elephant head. Background information on the various cultures is also given. Framed insets highlight additional information regarding specific tales, major deities, and historical events. Black-and-white photographs and samples of period art illustrate the differences among various cultural beliefs. A 14-page index facilitates access to the information. Readers will find this introductory text helpful as they begin to familiarize themselves with unique aspects of these mythologies.-Karen Patricia Smith, Queens College Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, Flushing, NYCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.