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Ultimate Greek Mythology: Adventurous Stories, Fun Facts, Amazing History, and Beyond!

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Embark on a journey to the magical world of Greek mythology in this ultimate book of fascinating myths and fun facts for kids ages 6 to 9!

Travel to the top of Mount Olympus, where the gods and goddesses live. Get to know Zeus, Apollo, Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Dionysus and understand how they shaped the fate of humans and the world. Venture deep down to the caves and wonders of the Underworld, where Hades rules. In this mythological world, action, drama, and lessons abound, humans can achieve godlike endings, deities are flawed, and even monsters can be loved.

In Ultimate Greek Mythology , kids will immerse themselves in the amazing stories of muses and heroes and encounter fantastical beasts and creatures while also discovering the incredible facts and history that inspired each myth.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh.
2,391 reviews4,943 followers
November 11, 2023
In a Nutshell: A great beginner book on Greek Mythology for middle graders. Entertaining and informative.

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This illustrated book offers a simple introduction to the characters and some of the popular stories in Greek mythology.

As it is aimed at middle graders, the stories have been slightly diluted to reduce the violence and other mature content. However, these are still the Greek myths and cutting off all problematic content would have meant erasing at least one character entirely. (Looking at you, Zeus – you mythical deviant!) So judge the suitability of the content for your child/classroom with this factor in mind.

The book begins with two helpful introductory notes. The first one is aimed at parents, where the author offers a wonderful suggestion on how to proceed with the book, and some content advisory as well. The second note is for the little readers, and preps them well on what to expect. I loved this dual-note decision, and that the parent’s note was placed *before* the one for kids.

The main content is divided into six sections. The first section offers a brief introduction of the key characters and to the mythological realm. Each bio contains the name of the god (first the Olympians and then some minor gods), the pronunciation guide of the name, their role, and some interesting trivia about them. I would have loved all the bios to be accompanied by illustrations depicting the god. Other than that, this section was interesting. It could be a good type of ‘ready reckoner’ for Greek Gods.

The next section goes into the story of the initial creation, telling us of how Cronus and later, Zeus, took charge. The remaining four sections focus on famous stories of the gods and the mighty mortals. We get the popular stories such as Theseus and the Minotaur, the adventures of Heracles, the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, of Persephone and Hades. There are also a few not-so-known ones such as the story of Bellerophon and Pegasus. All the stories are self-contained and highly diluted, so while they are complete, they also feel rushed. But for an introductory level, these tales would work well. Kids could read up more on whatever character or story caught their fascination.

There are some simple thought-provoking questions addressed to the kids after each story. There are also many fun facts about the gods strewn along the way.

There is a detailed glossary at the end, along with a list of references for further study.

The stories have some beautiful colourful illustrations, though not as many as I would have liked. But whatever artwork is there is gorgeous.

The author has made the language and the content quite child-friendly, with some humorous remarks and observations along the way. This book is as simplified as a children’s book on the Greek myths could possibly be. There are too many characters to remember, though this isn’t the books fault.

The official target age is given as 6-9 years, but I don’t see how a 6 year old will get some of the trickier stories. I feel that the book will work better for middle-graders (8-12 years.) It can also serve as an interesting reference book for adults who want an easy way out towards learning Greek mythology.

4 stars.


My thanks to Zeitgeist and NetGalley for the DRC of “Ultimate Greek Mythology”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.




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Profile Image for Dannii Elle.
2,331 reviews1,831 followers
September 8, 2023
This was both a brief yet well-rounded introduction to some basics of Greek mythology, including the places, the monsters, the Olympic gods, the demi-gods, and humans who most frequent the ancient Greek tales. It was suitable for young readers but I had much fun with this easily digestible guide and would recommend it any age reader looking to immerse themselves in the Greek myths.

Each individual was provided with a brief biography, a nickname, a food symbol, an associated colour, an icon, and a day or season. This was just enough for me to understand each iconic name without overwhelming me with details about their lives, despite already having read much fiction and non-fiction containing them.

A breakdown of the reams, domains, and territories in the ancient world was also also provided, allowing the reader to better visualise the tales told across it. Following this was an overview of the creatures, beasts, and monsters who were the villains to be defeated in these stories.

Once these basics were covered the book then went on to translate some ancient stories in a simplified language for all age ranges, which I enjoyed reading immensely.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, L. J. Tracosas, and the publisher, Z Kids, for this opportunity.
Profile Image for JoyReaderGirl1.
764 reviews13 followers
December 23, 2023
The Ancient Greek Gods, Monsters and Heroes Come Vividly Alive in Full-Color Family Fun

For a rollicking educational adventure through the exciting legends and lore of Ancient Greece—with unforgettable tales such as those about the Mount Olympian gods like Zeus, and his wife, Hera; brave heroes like golden-fleece seeking Jason, and the super-strong Heracles; scary monsters such as the giant one-eyed Cyclops, Polyphemus—who toyed with Trojan War Sailor Odysseus, and the snake-haired temptress, Medusa, who was once loved by ruler of the seas, Poseidon, and so much more—then L.J. Tracossas,’ “Greek Mythology: Adventurous Stories, Fun Facts, Amazing History, and Beyond,”— IS THE BOOK every parent has always wanted for their precocious children who are fascinated in history, geography, myth, legend and magic OR JUST FOR THEMSELVES!!! This book is that good. I love it and will own it for myself!!

Like a good speaker, Tracossas summarizes what will be presented via an outline of major characters and their key attributes. Next the author delves further into the subject of noteworthy legends. Finally, a summary of the Ancient Greek Mythological World is highlighted in an overview. Pronunciation guides are provided throughout the book as are other easy touch user references.

I own numerous books on mythology and this book, “Greek Mythology: Adventurous Stories, Fun Facts, Amazing History, and Beyond,” is absolutely THE BEST, MOST ACCESSIBLE, and EASIEST TO UNDERSTAND of Any that I OWN or have READ.

It’s SIMPLE LANGUAGE and EASILY DIGESTIBLE OUTLINED KEY POINTS MAKE LEARNING and RETAINING FACTS EASY.

Why is it that so many erudite, learned educators insist on creating texts that are dense, meandering and difficult to interpret? Whereas, children’s authors, magazine editors and business writers KNOW that SIMPLICITY and BULLET POINTS are the KEYS to SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATIONS.

FURTHERMORE, most children’s books automatically feature a “READ ALONG” for young learners. What a shame that this feature isn’t included as a matter of course for all educational content, regardless of the target audience.


JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author L.J. Tracosas, and Publisher Z Kids
Publishing, an Imprint of Zeitgeist, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC, New York for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.
Profile Image for Jessi - TheRoughCutEdge.
646 reviews31 followers
September 12, 2023
My daughter is absolutely obsessed with the Little Goddess Girls books and wanted to know more so when I saw this as a “read now” I knew I had to try it. This is a fantastic breakdown of the Greeks and perfect for anyone, young and old alike. I’ll definitely be getting a copy for my daughter and myself to use as a reference book when reading any Greek mythology!
Profile Image for Kate.
279 reviews23 followers
November 1, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Zeitgeist for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

If you are fascinated by Greek mythology like me, this book is for you. I always forget the names and stories but I've always loved Greek (and Roman) mythology. This book targets kids, with simple language, short stories for each Greek god/goddess/character. However, I think even adults curious about mythology will love it.
Profile Image for Eva Kouvari.
261 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2023
What I didn't read when I picked up this book, is that it is for children. Yes, I should have realized it from the cover, but, oh well.

It was fun to read even as an adult.
The myths are appropriately written for the age the book is for. Tho, some myths had a few differences from what I had learned in school and/or read, still the author, got the main concept and the lessons each myth is supposed to teach us, mortals.

I enjoyed the writing style and I loved the illustrations.

In the book, the reader can also find a glossary and how to pronounce some Greek names and that's really good for this kind of book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook.
Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,058 reviews2,869 followers
November 5, 2023
Book Review: Ultimate Greek Mythology by L. J. Tracosas, Charli Vince (Illustrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Embark on a captivating journey to the enchanting world of Greek mythology in Ultimate Greek Mythology by L. J. Tracosas, with stunning illustrations by Charli Vince. Perfect for kids aged 6 to 9, this book combines fascinating myths, fun facts, and vibrant visuals to create an immersive experience that will captivate readers of all ages.

The book introduces young readers to the mythical realm of Mount Olympus, where the gods and goddesses reside. Through engaging storytelling, children will become acquainted with the mighty Zeus, the radiant Apollo, the fierce Poseidon, the alluring Aphrodite, and the unpredictable Dionysus. They will discover how these deities shaped the destinies of humans and the world as a whole.

But the journey doesn't end there. Ultimate Greek Mythology also delves deep into the mysterious Underworld, ruled by Hades. Within this mythological realm, readers will encounter action-packed adventures, dramatic narratives, and valuable life lessons. The book reveals that even mortals can achieve godlike endings, that deities are far from perfect, and that even monsters can be capable of love.

One of the standout features of this book is its visually stunning graphics. The cover alone is a colorful and eye-catching masterpiece that draws readers in at first glance. As they delve deeper into the pages, they'll find themselves surrounded by beautiful illustrations that bring the myths to life. The attention to detail and the vibrant colors make every page a visual feast.

However, Ultimate Greek Mythology is not just a treat for the eyes; it is also a treasure trove of knowledge. Packed with facts and information about Greek mythology, readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the gods, demigods, monsters, and more. The book goes beyond storytelling and incorporates discussion questions and "Did You Know" sections that engage readers and encourage further exploration.

As someone who appreciates mythology, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The combination of captivating stories and educational content made it a delight to flip through. Whether you are a young reader eager to explore the wonders of Greek mythology or an adult seeking to revisit these timeless tales, Ultimate Greek Mythology is sure to be a hit. It is a perfect blend of entertainment and education that will leave mythology lovers of all ages satisfied.

In conclusion, Ultimate Greek Mythology is a must-have addition to any mythology enthusiast's collection. With its captivating stories, stunning illustrations, and wealth of information, it provides an immersive experience that both educates and entertains. From muses and heroes to fantastical beasts and creatures, this book brings the rich tapestry of Greek mythology to life in a way that will enchant readers for years to come.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Profile Image for Michael P.
47 reviews
December 16, 2023
Do you have a Greek mythology lover in your world or do you want to introduce your children to Greek mythology then look no further. Ultimate Greek mythology adventurist stories fun facts amazing history and Beyond by LG Tarcosas is the book you're looking for.
This book gives a look into the Greek gods and goddesses in a way that is easy for young readers to understand and to get their feet wet. There's fun factoids age questions throughout the book. It isn't an in depth look at the gods but a very good book as it's rated ages 6 to 9 years old. As A 42-year-old reader and educator, I find Value in this book myself as it helps to break down Greek mythology into manageable bite-sized chunks that if I were to present it to a child or wanted to help somebody get into reading more about the pantheon then it would assist in doing so.
The fun pictures are great illustrations that help not only maintain interest but visually stimulate and aid in remembering the stories told therein.
I also love that the book is hardback. This makes it feel more like a library book and looks better on the shelf in my personal opinion. I also appreciated that the author included a glossy of terms that help with unfamiliar words and terminologies.
This is a very age appropriate book that touches on some of the more mature themes in a very PG way.
I did find however that some of the information given about some of the gods was not exact but focused enough on their secondary aspects that made it "ok" for entire scope of a gods corresponding attributes.
All in all I would rate this a 9 out of 10. Only because I feel that the gods should have been detailed a bit better. But of its 237 pages, I'm sure you'll find much value and that your young minds will grow to love it!
31 reviews4 followers
December 27, 2023
In the beginning of this book the letter to parents and guardians the writer states “Greek myths involve all the plotlines that make for great epics: adventure and discovery, bravery and compassion, justice and unfairness, good and evil-and love, lust, jealousy, violence, and death. Greek myths often involve violence and mature relationships, and while we've retold the myths in a way that camouflages these aspects, some elements remain crucial to the stories and are acknowledged, such as Zeus' many loves. Heroes must still slay villains, and some beloved characters die. And know that monsters are here: the nine-headed Hydra, the terrible Gorgons, the hound of Hades, and the sea monster Scylla, to name a few. We encourage you to read ahead, and if you read to your child, adjust or skip details as you see fit. If your child reads independently, read ahead before they pick this book up themselves. As you navigate the complex subjects covered in Greek myths with your child, you may want to reassure your young readers that the violence and drama are imaginary.” This I thought was a good “warning label” there are people out there with different opinions then others when it comes to certain aspects of this book I myself am not a sugar coating camouflaging type of person I always liked when my child read a book then asked questions that’s how they learn.

This book was beautifully written and the illustration was just as beautiful. The stories the, descriptions of each person and aspect was great this is definitely one that I am going to buy for my daughter to read to my grandson.

I would like to give a big thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book
Profile Image for EmmsBookShelf.
137 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2023
Ultimate Greek Mythology is a great gateway book into Greek Mythology, giving age appropriate renditions of some of the most well known Greek Myths without diluting them or changing things entirely. The book is quite comprehensive, detailing multiple myths based on their themes. Alongside the myths is a who’s-who breakdown, giving a mini dossier on each deity, hero and monster and, a much appreciated pronunciation guide.

The illustrations and graphics in the book are amazing, they are intricate, detailed and bright, all appealing for young children. They are there for aesthetic purposes (Pandora opening the box was so detailed, the longer I looked at it the more tiny details I was able to see!), matching the story or, learning tools (the family tree in particular was one of my favourites).

Additionally, the book has discussion questions in it, allowing appreciation and use of the book to grow with young peoples maturity and understanding of the world. A well thought out addition that will allow young people and their families to challenge themselves further as they read together.

This book is a great addition to any library and will surely be a book that can be revisited over the years and a great way to foster an appreciation of history, story telling and reading in young people. Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
2,714 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2023
This title is a welcome addition to compilations of Greek myths for children. They are invited in to the stories and addressed as curious readers. Kids are quickly informed that myths originated in part to try to explain something (for example bad weather). They are assured that these exciting tales are stories and not real (there are no multi headed monsters for example). They are then encouraged to jump in.

This title is well organized. Part One is about “Essential Greek Mythology” and includes many characters, creatures and worlds. The other chapters have titles like Beginnings, Relationships (Echo and Narcissus for example), Bravery (one story is about Theseus and the Minotaur), Pride and Envy (King Midas is among the tales), and Glory and Loss (The Trojan Horse for one). In addition, there are both a glossary and reference section at the end of the book.

Throughout there are colorful illustrations and stories told in a modern way. Each tale includes boxes; one might ask “did you know?” while another may have some questions. These serve to further engage the reader.

This title provides a good introduction to the Greek myths. Interested readers may then graduate to other collections as they get a bid older and more sophisticated in what they understand.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist/Z Kids for this title. All opinions are my own.
2,232 reviews30 followers
January 15, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: Greek mythology is still relevant today. So many of the stories are part of modern books, films and other forms of entertainment. They are timeless whether it is a retelling of the myth or an interpretation of its essence. This book attempts to bring the myths to a young reading audience while acknowledging that there might be material a parent might wish to keep from much younger children.

After reading the stories, I think the warning is unnecessary. There is nothing in the way the stories are told that is offensive. Children have been reading and listening to fairytales since time immemorial without damaging their psyches. And the author does a good job of introducing many of the gods and goddesses and a number of the demi-gods and heroes to a new generation in a gentle manner. The option is offered to those who feel compelled to edit the material.

Four purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Mariama Thorlu-Bangura.
280 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2023
"Ultimate Greek Mythology" is, overall, a good book for young readers. It presents the stories and figures of Greek mythology in a simple & straightforward manner. But some things could be improved.

The pros:
1. Colorful illustrations.
2. Boxes containing fun facts and interesting tidbits of information.
3. Glossary included so the bold terms could be easily defined.

The cons:
1. The text seems geared for readers older than the 6-9 age group.
2. The question boxes - I found them unnecessary, especially if the goal is just informative entertainment.
3. Poor formatting in the first section: the way the god/goddess name is listed, and separated from the information about the individual makes it a little confusing to understand.
161 reviews
December 5, 2023
I'm an avid reader and fan of Mythology, so I picked this up to read with my kiddo. It was a great, child-friendly version of all the included stories. There were, however, some very oddly placed "Did You Know?" boxes that referenced characters they were about to introduce, and this happened multiple times. It got pretty obnoxious in fact, enough to take off a star. These should have been at the end of each story followed by the questions as they awkwardly broke the flow of the story and were regularly out of place like that. Otherwise, my only other complaint was that we didn't get more of some of the stories (Odyssey, Orpheus/Sirens, anything about Achilles, more about Demeter and Persephone, anything about Hades)- book 2??
Profile Image for Jenna Stensland.
204 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2024
This book does a wonderful job of laying a solid foundation before jumping into the stories! There is so much that you need to know to really understand the Greek Myths and it is easy to get confused with all the stories. The way this book lays the foundation really help the reader have an understanding before the story starts. I also liked the additional facts and questions throughout the book. I found the graphics just to be okay though and the layout for the additional facts/questions felt a bit old school textbook-ish. That part wasn't my favorite but the stories themselves and the foundational information was great.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for letting me read and review this book.
Profile Image for Rachel Johnson.
57 reviews
January 29, 2024
I have always loved mythology and this book was no different. Some of the stories told in this book were slightly different from how I always heard them in the past, but each time that happened, there was a fun fact listed that stated the version I always heard. This is not surprising because myths are retold many times to different audiences, so they are consistently changing depending on when you heard them, what part of the world/country you're from, etc. I also loved how each name that wasn't straight forward in the pronunciation had the pronunciation with it, especially since this book is for younger audiences. Being an adult, I read this book very quickly and loved each of the individual stories throughout.
Profile Image for Randal White.
1,036 reviews93 followers
September 20, 2023
Even though this book is being marketed as a "children's book", I found it to be very engaging and informative. I must admit to an ulterior motive in my requesting it as an ARC. That being, having not studied mythology since high school, I found myself at a loss in the category during my wife's and my nightly Jeopardy "battle". (And at local trivia nights). No more! This easy to read, well illustrated, and fun book touches just enough on each subject to allow me to triumph in the Jeopardy category now! Huzzzah!
But seriously, this would be a great little read for anyone trying to brush up on their knowledge. And enjoy themselves in the process!
Profile Image for Bloody Blogger Jo.
493 reviews
October 26, 2023
Ultimate Greek Mythology For All

Aargh, I had to rewrite this review! When I discovered this book, I was enthralled and excited about reading it. I enjoyed reading the book and all the amazing Greek myths. This book is for all ages. That being said, it is detailed vividly and reads fluidly. I devoured this book, which will read over and over and use as a reference. It is an encyclopedia of a book with vast information. Well written, it keeps the reader's attention, and I didn’t want to put it down. The illustrations were great also. Kudos to the author and illustrators. I highly recommend this book and be enlightened to the mythical world.
193 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2023
I love all types of mythology and any books written about the times. Greek mythology is definitely my favourite and this book did not disappoint!

Greek mythology is known for its risky content, the author cleverly adapts the wording to the content is still there and accessible for younger readers.

Although it is a shorter book, it is jam packed with lots of brilliant information. It has simple language and short stories for each amazing god/goddess in bitesize chunks, perfect for middle grade readers.

The stories themselves are action packed, very dramatic and leaves the reader with good life lessons.

Highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for LaraN.
67 reviews
September 22, 2023
A beautifully illustrated book perfect for young fans of Greek mythology.
The gods and heroes and their myths are being told in a truly entertaining way. It’s easy to understand and to follow along, no matter if you already have some knowledge of the topic or not.

Disclaimer: The ARC was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The ARC category in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.
Profile Image for Kristen Morris.
176 reviews9 followers
September 27, 2023
I am a huge fan of Mythology and I found “Ultimate Greek Mythology” to be an education and entertaining read for children and adults. Fun facts, vibrant illustrations, and easy to follow. For those looking for an overview of all things Greek Mythology, here is a great place to start!

Thank you to both NetGalley, Zeitgeist, and ZKids for providing me the opportunity to review "Ultimate Greek Mythology” prior to publication . I am appreciative and leave my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Maddy.
183 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free book in exchange for a review.

I have loved reading Greek Mythology books since I was in elementary school I've always loved reading the different versions and interpretations of the myths and this book was no exception this is a great book for kids to read about mythology and the illustrations are beautiful but I do wish they were more of them.
Profile Image for Jenn.
59 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2024
Ultimate Greek Mythology is a wonderful introduction to Greek myths. The stories are succinct, informative, and paired with beautiful illustrations. It is a book that will appeal to all ages!

Kind thanks to Zeitgeist, NetGalley, and the author for an advanced reading copy of Ultimate Greek Mythology.
Profile Image for Gatlin.
22 reviews
February 5, 2024
Greek Mythology is my new favorite subject. This is the most fun I’ve had with a book and it can tell you so much about this subject. It has a lot of information about monsters and monsters are my favorite.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,017 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2024
Ultimate Greek Mythology is an easy-to-use tool for teaching children about Greek mythology. It includes short profiles of the gods and goddesses of Olympus and some stories explaining their origins. It's a captivating, illustrated guide to Greek mythology.
Profile Image for Priscila Vera Schmidt.
409 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2023
I loved this. Great writing. With wonderful pictures. I have read a lot of Greek mythology and this is one of my favorites
Profile Image for Tara.
83 reviews
January 22, 2024
I loved this as a read aloud to my kids. It was a great base understanding for Greek mythology and a good refresher for those that learned this awhile ago.
Profile Image for Kristen.
31 reviews
June 3, 2024
Even if a book is geared to a younger reader doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. What a wonderful introduction to Greek mythology.
64 reviews
December 6, 2024
Perfect overview of the Greek mythological world. It inspires a deeper dive into these fascinating myths.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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