Fantastic Creatures from Greek Myths
Grade 1-4-This rather dry collection contains six Greek myths, including "Bellerophon and the Chimera," "Perseus and the Gorgon," "Odysseus and the Cyclopes," and "Theseus and the Minotaur." Two tales that feature Jason and his voyage with the Argonauts and Heracles's 12 labors do not seem to fit as well with the theme of fantastic creatures. Told in simple language, these selections make the myths accessible to younger readers but lack any sense of adventure or excitement. Large, pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations appear on almost every page. However, they are a bit bland, and all of the characters have sketchy features and red cheeks-they look like the same person with different hair. Stick with Leonard Everett Fisher's retellings of individual myths, such as Theseus and the Minotaur (Holiday, 1988), which are just as easy to follow and contain well-crafted language and beautiful artwork.Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York CityCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.