The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths

by Saviour Pirotta

Here are ten of the greatest and best-loved Greek legends retold with warmth and humour for young children and illustrated with bright, friendly artwork. Meet Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus, Pandora, King Midas and a whole cast of larger-than-life characters in a series of extraordinary adventures. The perfect introduction to Greek Myths.

Hardcover

First published August 28, 2003

About the author

Saviour Pirotta is the award-winning author of over one hundred fiction and nonfiction books for children. His works have been translated into 28 languages. Originally from Malta, he now lives in England.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Este es un libro que recopila una selección de mitos griegos, varios de los cuales nunca había escuchado hablar antes, pero que sin duda me gustaron tanto como los que ya conocía. Los mitos están notoriamente simplificados y adaptados para niños, lo cual quita un poco la esencia de como yo recordaba que eran los mitos griegos; cautivantes y, muchas veces, inesperados. Lindas ilustraciones pero nada fuera de lo común.

No hay muchos aspectos a destacar de este libro pero sí lo recomendaría como una primera aproximación infantil a la mitología, a no ser que encuentren alguno que no sea tan sencillo como este.

[Alessia Sbriglia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ai piedi dell'Olimpo" è una raccolta di miti greci, ottima per chi vuole approfondire l'argomento. Tramite le descrizioni molto accurate e i disegni, la lettura è veramente interessante.

[Kylie Narehood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths
Author: Saviour Pirotta
Illustrator: Jan Lewis
Genre: Mythology
Theme(s): Animals
Opening line/sentence:
Long ago, at a time when the world was new, men lived happy and contented.
Brief Book Summary: This book shares the Greek Myths, many of which I have never heard of before. This book also includes some of the more common myths. But they make the myths more child friendly.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Remarkable retellings of these old stories using vivid, glorious language. -- National Literacy Association, 2003
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Will provide a welcome balance to the zanier or Disney-style introductions to the famous myths on offer to young children -- Bookseller Supplement, 13 June 2003
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I believe that these reviews describe the books very well. The books are very well written, but they make it understandable for children. I also believe that this book is a good balance.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I believe that this book uses literacy elements very well. It allows the students to understand the book, but it makes it easier for the child to comprehend.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book to teach children how to learn about myths. Maybe asking the children if they have heard about myths before and what have they heard about them. Once you have asked the children these questions see if there is a particular myth that they want to learn about.

[Vanessa Wester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book as bedtime stories for my 6-year-old!

The length is perfect and I remembered many of these tales from when I was growing up.

A lovely book with some great illustrations.