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Hercules
Retells the story of the final, and most difficult, labor of Hercules, the legendary hero of Greek mythology, in which he must go to the Underworld and bring back the three-headed dog, Cerberus.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 1999
2 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Robert Burleigh
73 books47 followersOver the past 35 years, I have published poems, reviews, essays, many filmstrips and videos, and more than 40 children's picture books.
Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!
In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.
-from robertburleigh.com
Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!
In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.
-from robertburleigh.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 31, 2024
Even the striking paintings of Raul Colón can’t save Robert Burleigh’s picture-book verse retelling of the last of the twelve labours of Hercules [Heracles]. Burleigh provides no context whatsoever for the difficult task the Greek hero must pull off: wrest Cerberus, the three-headed monster dog that guards the palace of King Hades, from the underworld and bring the creature to the world of the living.
Burleigh doesn’t tell young readers that the goddess Hera has long and endlessly sought revenge on Hercules for her husband Zeus’s affair with Alcmene, the mortal mother of the hero. Some years back, Hera caused a fit of madness to descend on Hercules. Succumbing to it, he killed his family in a frenzy and, to expiate for his sins, was required to perform twelve labours for King Eurystheus.
Burleigh opens his narrative with the hero standing at the entrance to the underworld, reflecting on four of the eleven tasks he has already completed, but the author provides no reason why he has been performing these acts at all. Hercules’s frightening descent into the world of the dead is well described; he meets other mythological figures along the way: Charon, the ferryman; the snake-haired Gorgon, whose gaze turns men to stone; and Sisyphus, the deceitful king forced to spend eternity rolling a boulder up a hill, only to have it repeatedly tumble back down.
There is also some interest and tension in Burleigh’s depiction of the encounter between the hero and Cerberus, but again, it isn’t nearly enough to save a book that’s far too short on contextual details. In the end, young readers aren’t even told to whom Hercules presents the monstrous creature or why, just that he is finally free.
This is an inferior work, one I cannot recommend. The two-star rating is for Colón’s paintings alone.
Burleigh doesn’t tell young readers that the goddess Hera has long and endlessly sought revenge on Hercules for her husband Zeus’s affair with Alcmene, the mortal mother of the hero. Some years back, Hera caused a fit of madness to descend on Hercules. Succumbing to it, he killed his family in a frenzy and, to expiate for his sins, was required to perform twelve labours for King Eurystheus.
Burleigh opens his narrative with the hero standing at the entrance to the underworld, reflecting on four of the eleven tasks he has already completed, but the author provides no reason why he has been performing these acts at all. Hercules’s frightening descent into the world of the dead is well described; he meets other mythological figures along the way: Charon, the ferryman; the snake-haired Gorgon, whose gaze turns men to stone; and Sisyphus, the deceitful king forced to spend eternity rolling a boulder up a hill, only to have it repeatedly tumble back down.
There is also some interest and tension in Burleigh’s depiction of the encounter between the hero and Cerberus, but again, it isn’t nearly enough to save a book that’s far too short on contextual details. In the end, young readers aren’t even told to whom Hercules presents the monstrous creature or why, just that he is finally free.
This is an inferior work, one I cannot recommend. The two-star rating is for Colón’s paintings alone.
March 11, 2017
Hero
Burleigh, Robert. Hercules (1999). Hercules is son of Zeus who is known for his great strength and endurance. This particular book tells the story of Hercules’ last and most difficult labor – to capture Cerberus, the fierce three-headed dog who guards the gates to the underworld. First, the story starts off with Hercules remembering some of his previous labors such as killing the savage lion, destroying the hydra, escaping army of fierce women of the Amazon and etc. This insight gives the readers background knowledge of Hercules’ many challenging and daring adventures to date. Then, Hercules crosses the River Styx and enters into the underworld – from which there is no return. With spirit of Athena close by, Hercules forges toward his final labor to fight for his freedom. The battle between Hercules and Cerberus is the central action of the book. Although difficult, Hercules over takes Cerberus with his bare hands and he is free at last. This story is told in verse yet it’s simple enough for elementary students to follow along and appreciate. In the beginning of the book, the author also includes a description of the characters and places that are in the story. I find this very useful for building prior knowledge. The textured, color pencil illustrations are unappealing to me. The color is a bit too dull and gloomy to attract children’s attention. I do have to say that the tones used by the illustrator shows great depth and movement. You can see the immaculate physique of Hercules on each page. Also, I do feel that the subject matter of the underworld and monsters might be a little dark for younger children. Target audience: age 8 – 12.
Burleigh, Robert. Hercules (1999). Hercules is son of Zeus who is known for his great strength and endurance. This particular book tells the story of Hercules’ last and most difficult labor – to capture Cerberus, the fierce three-headed dog who guards the gates to the underworld. First, the story starts off with Hercules remembering some of his previous labors such as killing the savage lion, destroying the hydra, escaping army of fierce women of the Amazon and etc. This insight gives the readers background knowledge of Hercules’ many challenging and daring adventures to date. Then, Hercules crosses the River Styx and enters into the underworld – from which there is no return. With spirit of Athena close by, Hercules forges toward his final labor to fight for his freedom. The battle between Hercules and Cerberus is the central action of the book. Although difficult, Hercules over takes Cerberus with his bare hands and he is free at last. This story is told in verse yet it’s simple enough for elementary students to follow along and appreciate. In the beginning of the book, the author also includes a description of the characters and places that are in the story. I find this very useful for building prior knowledge. The textured, color pencil illustrations are unappealing to me. The color is a bit too dull and gloomy to attract children’s attention. I do have to say that the tones used by the illustrator shows great depth and movement. You can see the immaculate physique of Hercules on each page. Also, I do feel that the subject matter of the underworld and monsters might be a little dark for younger children. Target audience: age 8 – 12.
December 4, 2020
A nicely illustrated and well written book on the myth of Hercules and his venture into the underworld to complete a task set forward by Hera. I would say this is a year 7 read.
April 10, 2022
A beautiful, children's re-telling of the classic myth of Hercules' descent into the Underworld. Simple enough for children to enjoy, but with beautiful lyricism that will entertain adults as well. The illustrations are top-notch, and really keep with the classic Greek motif.
March 11, 2024
2.5 stars, actually.
I loved the illustrations—warm and vibrant. The writing was okay; I guess it’d be good for kids to know even Hercules felt some fear and overcame it. The story just didn’t really grip me.
I loved the illustrations—warm and vibrant. The writing was okay; I guess it’d be good for kids to know even Hercules felt some fear and overcame it. The story just didn’t really grip me.
March 11, 2019
Wonderful read of a fascinating superhero. Read it to Argo, aged 3, and both of us were riveted. The story of his final challenge, bringing the dog Cerberus out of the u der world.
June 10, 2021
Traditional Fiction (Greek Myth)
3-6elem
Making Greek Mythology accessible for elementary with great paintings to boot!
3-6elem
Making Greek Mythology accessible for elementary with great paintings to boot!
May 2, 2024
Great illustrations. Prose is a bit melodramatic and poetic for my taste. 8yo likes it.
February 27, 2017
Hercules is the story of a young man, the son of the the Greek god Zeus, who receives unnatural strength and fighting capabilities as a power. In this particular story of Hercules is on a quest to find and destroy a demand from hell. The story follows Hercules through his journey, showing the enlightenment as well as adversity he faces.
The story is a very dark and violent piece of literature for young readers. However, many feel that the story is necessary to the maturing and development of a young audience. The story has the potential to teach readers valuable life lessons that other stories may not offer. lesson such as the consequences of actions, the differences between good and evil, and the importance of laws and regulations. Though the story may teach these important lessons, parents of young readers may also find that the story contradicts values, morals, and religious beliefs that may be held within that particular family unit.
The story is a very dark and violent piece of literature for young readers. However, many feel that the story is necessary to the maturing and development of a young audience. The story has the potential to teach readers valuable life lessons that other stories may not offer. lesson such as the consequences of actions, the differences between good and evil, and the importance of laws and regulations. Though the story may teach these important lessons, parents of young readers may also find that the story contradicts values, morals, and religious beliefs that may be held within that particular family unit.
March 21, 2015
Burleigh, Robert. Colon, Raul. Hercules. (1999). The story begins with the clarification of certain places and names of people and monsters that are in the story. Hercules is asked to complete 12 labors, in order to be left alone by his stepmother Hera, who wishes to destroy Hercules for Zeus adulterer ways. Hercules begins to remember his previous struggles with the labors he has completed as he embarks on completing the 12th and final of the labors. Hercules begins his quest in the underworld and must defeat the three headed dog Cerberus, and return with the monster in order to complete his 12 labors and be able to be left alone. The struggle between monster and man happens, and even though difficult, Hercules is victorious and is able to live in peace. The support provided by the author before the story began was very key in understanding the story as a whole. Without the clarification and identification of important places, people, and things the story would have not been as impactful, specially for someone reading Greek mythology for the first time. The illustrations assisted the story greatly because the illustrator depicted key points of the story and helped the reader visualize the scene in the story. The story kept the interest level throughout with the various ups and downs of the 12 labors of Hercules. Target audience: 5-8 years.
April 9, 2015
I was disappointed while reading Hercules written by Robert Burleigh because I was expecting the disney version, which in my opinion, would have been more fun to read. The reason I did not like this story that much is because I was slightly bored while reading it, the paragraphs on each page were long and the font was small, making it hard for me to stay focused. I could also see also being the case of a second or third grader, which is the grade level I would recommend for this picture book.
I would not use this story as a read aloud because I feel like my students would get bored and then have a hard time following along. I would suggest this story be used for a child who was learning about Greece and mythology. Hercules did a good job introducing a few important gods and goddess such as Hercules, a hero, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom and bravery. I would also suggest it as an independent read for a child who was curious and wanted to learn more about mythology because it offers a diverse perspective being a story from Greece. A story about mythology from the United States, for example, may have told the story differently and not have included all the same details or artwork. The artwork presented throughout the story gave a beautiful idea of what the gods, goddesses, and other mythological creators looked like by using water paintings.
I would not use this story as a read aloud because I feel like my students would get bored and then have a hard time following along. I would suggest this story be used for a child who was learning about Greece and mythology. Hercules did a good job introducing a few important gods and goddess such as Hercules, a hero, and Athena, the goddess of wisdom and bravery. I would also suggest it as an independent read for a child who was curious and wanted to learn more about mythology because it offers a diverse perspective being a story from Greece. A story about mythology from the United States, for example, may have told the story differently and not have included all the same details or artwork. The artwork presented throughout the story gave a beautiful idea of what the gods, goddesses, and other mythological creators looked like by using water paintings.
September 10, 2012
This was one of my favorite stories as a kid! While the myth is still the same as the Disney version, the artwork in this book and the word choice is much more beautiful. Hercules is a somewhat relatable tale of a boy (later man) who just doesn't fit in and wants to find a place where he belongs. Along his journey, he finds out who he really is, and must brave many challenges on Earth to be able to go home to Mount Olympus and live among the Gods. This story would make a fantastic addition to a Greek mythology unit in a classroom. It would be more appropriate for older elementary aged children, but the Disney version would be great for the younger children. Since the Disney movie of Hercules is fantastic (well, in my opinion) it would make a good compliment to the story, and your students could compare and contrast the differences between the book and the movie.
November 5, 2014
I'm a big mythology fan, and I really enjoyed the book. However, my main problem with it was that there are only a very select number of kids who would want to read it. Most kids wouldn't get all that much out of the prose (because if they are old enough to appreciate it, they're not really looking at picturebooks anymore). Same with the illustrations. They were beautiful, and I loved them. It was like walking through a museum of tapestries to follow the story. However, a little kid who will 'ooo' and 'ahh' over the pictures, in all likelihood, won't know too much Greek/Roman mythology.
But I had a good time.
But I had a good time.
March 2, 2012
Found the illustrations really impressive. Interested in checking out more of Raul Colon's work.
January 15, 2013
Mom: I liked that the text was in verse, and the illustrations were really beautiful.
Giuliana: I've read better Hercules books.
Giuliana: I've read better Hercules books.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews