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Jason and the Argonauts: The First Great Quest in Greek Mythology
A beautifully illustrated account of the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts with informative details from the award-winning author of Electric Ben
The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the earliest recorded Greek myths. Here, master artist Robert Byrd has created a striking telling of the legend for a new generation of readers. Complete with explanatory notes and illustrated back matter, Jason and the Argonauts traces each step of our hero’s journey, from the Golden Fleece’s origin story and Jason’s childhood to his triumphant return with the prize and eventual death. Deftly designed to accommodate glorious large pictures and captioned insets, the book is not only a great story, but a wealth of information about ancient Greece.
The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the earliest recorded Greek myths. Here, master artist Robert Byrd has created a striking telling of the legend for a new generation of readers. Complete with explanatory notes and illustrated back matter, Jason and the Argonauts traces each step of our hero’s journey, from the Golden Fleece’s origin story and Jason’s childhood to his triumphant return with the prize and eventual death. Deftly designed to accommodate glorious large pictures and captioned insets, the book is not only a great story, but a wealth of information about ancient Greece.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2016
10 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Robert Byrd
40 books15 followersRobert Byrd has been delighting children of all ages with his whimsical, fantasy-filled children's books for over 30 years. As author and illustrator he has the rare talent to see his fanciful visions through to the minutest detail. Whether enlightening audiences to the many talents of Leonardo DaVinci or taking us into a wonderous world filled with foxes and bears in military attire, Bob, (as he's more affectionately known), is sure to spin us a tale we'll not soon forget. Bob was the 2003 winner of the prestigious Golden Kite Award for excellence in children's books for Leonardo — Beautiful Dreamer.
Robert Byrd was born in Atlantic City and studied at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. He has illustrated sixteen books for children and has had his children's book art exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance; The World Children's Book Fair in Bologna, The Society of Illustrators, New York; The Art institute of Philadelphia; The University of the Arts, Philadelphia; and Cricket, 25 Years of Stories and Art for Kids, the Art Institute of Chicago. He teaches Children's Book Illustration at The University of the Arts, and Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. He has two grown children, Rob and Jennifer, and lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey with his wife Ginger and two cats.
from http://www.robertbyrdart.com/byrd/abo...
Robert Byrd was born in Atlantic City and studied at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. He has illustrated sixteen books for children and has had his children's book art exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance; The World Children's Book Fair in Bologna, The Society of Illustrators, New York; The Art institute of Philadelphia; The University of the Arts, Philadelphia; and Cricket, 25 Years of Stories and Art for Kids, the Art Institute of Chicago. He teaches Children's Book Illustration at The University of the Arts, and Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. He has two grown children, Rob and Jennifer, and lives in Haddonfield, New Jersey with his wife Ginger and two cats.
from http://www.robertbyrdart.com/byrd/abo...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 21, 2023
Wonderful retelling of this foundational myth...the art is beautiful and the footnotes really help young readers understand the time and place of the story. This has always been one of my favorite tales; I was fascinated by the movie (and to this day it it is playing on TV I will get 'trapped' watching it). A great way to introduce children to this important myth!
December 27, 2016
Byrd, Robert Jason and the Argonauts, Illustrated by Byrd, Robert. PICTURE BOOK. Dial, 2016. $17.99. Content: G
This large picture book tells the story of Jason, ancient prince, as he tries to take back his throne. We learn how he gained the support of Queen Hera, how he organized his crew of Argonauts for his journey. Readers discover how the journey for the golden fleece took many unexpected turns and the heroes battled a multitude of foes. We also learn how Jason falls in love and his new wife has unexpected and scary abilities. The illustrations sprawl large pages and features many tiny details and extra facts.
Knowing the complex and often strange plots of Greek mythology and already familiar with this story, I was not that excited to read this book. But it was a pleasant surprise as the author drew me in and held my attention through the many battles the Argonauts faced. The illustrations were not my favorite, but were nonetheless dynamic and interesting. I think a student would spend hours poring over this book and there are plenty of interested students at my school.
EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
This large picture book tells the story of Jason, ancient prince, as he tries to take back his throne. We learn how he gained the support of Queen Hera, how he organized his crew of Argonauts for his journey. Readers discover how the journey for the golden fleece took many unexpected turns and the heroes battled a multitude of foes. We also learn how Jason falls in love and his new wife has unexpected and scary abilities. The illustrations sprawl large pages and features many tiny details and extra facts.
Knowing the complex and often strange plots of Greek mythology and already familiar with this story, I was not that excited to read this book. But it was a pleasant surprise as the author drew me in and held my attention through the many battles the Argonauts faced. The illustrations were not my favorite, but were nonetheless dynamic and interesting. I think a student would spend hours poring over this book and there are plenty of interested students at my school.
EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
January 14, 2017
Detailed color illustrations. Each double page spread tells one element of Jason's story and also includes a box with brief background of one of the gods involved in that particular chapter. Wonderful overview for comprehending mythology.
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July 17, 2016Lots of text, but great illustrations and information for fans of mythology!
October 13, 2016
A handsomely illustrated, exciting retelling of the Greek myth.
January 24, 2017
My 7 and 4 year old (esp 4 year old) loved the story and pictures. It was fun to follow Jason's quest.
March 12, 2020
Jason, "son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcus", is sent by his wicked uncle, King Pelias, on a trek to find the Golden Fleece. The Golden Fleece belonged to a ram that could fly. The Ram was taking the two children, Phrixus and Helle, of King Athamas, who was a ruler of central Greece, to Colchis to live there at the request of their evil step-mother. On the journey Helle fell off, but Phrixus made it to Colchis. There the ram asked to be sacrificed and Phrixus gave the fleece and coat of arm to King Aeetes, the king of Colchis. To honor Zeus, Aeetes put the fleece in an oak tree and had a poisonous serpent that never sleeps guard it. So when Jason was given the request to return the Golden Fleece to Pelias for Jason to gain the thrown he started to build his ship, Argo, immediately. The goddess, Hera, became Jason's guide and protector on this journey and was the figurehead for Argo. Jason then gathered his crew of other Ancient Greece heroes, such as Hercules, Atalanta, Theseus, Orpheus and many more that all had super powers, these heroes became known as the Argonauts. Along the way Jason and the Argonauts encounter many trials, many with the gods making the challenges, such as sailing through clashing rocks, help a city from giants that are continuously attacking them, save a king, have metal throwing feathered birds' leave an island all before they could get to Colchis. Once getting to Colchis Jason was met by King Aeetes and his daughter, Medea. There Aeetes would hand over the fleece if Jason could tame fire breathing bulls, plough a field and plant dragons' teeth. To help Jason, Hera had Aphrodite's son, Eros, shoot an arrow of love into Medea's heart. Medea and Jason fell in love. Medea helps Jason complete the tasks and retrieve the Golden Fleece. The return trip to Iolcus is no walk in the park either. Argo must be sailed between a creature that is half fish half hag and her six headed dog and a monster that can cause a whirlpool, just by opening it's mouth. The crew also lands on a desert area and have to carry the ship to water following a horsefish. Their final challenge is that end up breaking up a bronze giant that is throwing boulders at them. In the end Jason dying along on the beach as had been foreseen by a chief priestess.
I liked that this book was a good introductory book to the story line of Jason and the Argonauts. The story line would keep young readers hooked and have an enjoyable experience reading this book. Older children, those beyond 10 years old, would not like this book because the action is not as engaging as it is to those in the 8 to 10 year old range. Robert Byrd author and illustrator did a great job with including informational pieces about gods, goddesses, and heroes to help the reader understand who theses important figures of Greek mythology were. The illustrations are amazingly done in color pencil, so they have a very soft color to them. I would recommend this book to those readers that want a good and simple introductory to Greek heroes.
Greek hero Recommended Age 8-10
I liked that this book was a good introductory book to the story line of Jason and the Argonauts. The story line would keep young readers hooked and have an enjoyable experience reading this book. Older children, those beyond 10 years old, would not like this book because the action is not as engaging as it is to those in the 8 to 10 year old range. Robert Byrd author and illustrator did a great job with including informational pieces about gods, goddesses, and heroes to help the reader understand who theses important figures of Greek mythology were. The illustrations are amazingly done in color pencil, so they have a very soft color to them. I would recommend this book to those readers that want a good and simple introductory to Greek heroes.
Greek hero Recommended Age 8-10
March 16, 2018
(HERO)
Jason and the Argonauts: The First Great Quest in Greek Mythology (2016) is a picture book written and illustrated by Robert Byrd. The story is a heavily summarized version of Argonautica, a Greek epic poem about the myth and voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. Jason is the son of a King and rightful heir to the throne, only the throne is occupied by his uncle who ousted his father and took over. In order for Jason to reclaim what is his, he must go on a journey to prove his worthiness by capturing the Golden Fleece. Along his journey, Jason recruits many powerful and strong mortals and gods to help him, however, along the way, many other strong and powerful gods either test his (and his team's) will or just try to stop his quest with improbable challenges and hardships. Jason and his team find ways to conquer the many challenges and through some trickery, Jason is able to reclaim his throne. But his time as King is short-lived and like most Greek heroes, his life takes a cruel and tragic ending.
The book breaks down the major plot points throughout the classic tale, giving each plot point its own two-page spread with two-three paragraphs and a widescreen illustration for visuals to accompany the story being told. The illustrations are fairly simple, with a unique style that emphasizes a sketchy look with various line weights throughout each picture (lines are even used for shading and shadows). The color palette is rather bland with artwork more focused on sizing of the figures and the actions that take place within the story. Also added within the pages are small boxes with information (about a paragraph) on specific gods, Argonauts and villains that Jason encounters along his journey; these small bits of information give the reader context great context towards a fuller picture of the whole journey/epic.
While I believe the longer version is a better read, this simplified footnote version is a great adaptation for later elementary school students and early middle school students. The story is a bit more complex than most picture books and the lengthy text paragraphs throughout the book require more attention and a higher vocabulary than early elementary standards. I would recommend this book to 4-6 grade students who are looking for an introduction into Greek Mythology.
Jason and the Argonauts: The First Great Quest in Greek Mythology (2016) is a picture book written and illustrated by Robert Byrd. The story is a heavily summarized version of Argonautica, a Greek epic poem about the myth and voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. Jason is the son of a King and rightful heir to the throne, only the throne is occupied by his uncle who ousted his father and took over. In order for Jason to reclaim what is his, he must go on a journey to prove his worthiness by capturing the Golden Fleece. Along his journey, Jason recruits many powerful and strong mortals and gods to help him, however, along the way, many other strong and powerful gods either test his (and his team's) will or just try to stop his quest with improbable challenges and hardships. Jason and his team find ways to conquer the many challenges and through some trickery, Jason is able to reclaim his throne. But his time as King is short-lived and like most Greek heroes, his life takes a cruel and tragic ending.
The book breaks down the major plot points throughout the classic tale, giving each plot point its own two-page spread with two-three paragraphs and a widescreen illustration for visuals to accompany the story being told. The illustrations are fairly simple, with a unique style that emphasizes a sketchy look with various line weights throughout each picture (lines are even used for shading and shadows). The color palette is rather bland with artwork more focused on sizing of the figures and the actions that take place within the story. Also added within the pages are small boxes with information (about a paragraph) on specific gods, Argonauts and villains that Jason encounters along his journey; these small bits of information give the reader context great context towards a fuller picture of the whole journey/epic.
While I believe the longer version is a better read, this simplified footnote version is a great adaptation for later elementary school students and early middle school students. The story is a bit more complex than most picture books and the lengthy text paragraphs throughout the book require more attention and a higher vocabulary than early elementary standards. I would recommend this book to 4-6 grade students who are looking for an introduction into Greek Mythology.
September 30, 2025
As per usual, I will start out with the negatives. There was a lot going on on each page. Rather that be the text itself, long paragraphs, little nonfiction excerpts giving a backstory on each god or mythological figure, and then a big illustration. It was a lot to take in. I would get distracted and lose my place in the text.
This story was eye opening on how there are similar things throughout ancient text. The one that I picked up here was a snake guarding a garden or grove that holds something special. It reminded me of the Garden of Eden that we see in Abrahamic religions. I also enjoyed that in the author’s note he pointed out the argonauts were like the original super heroes. I picked up on that too! Think of Marvel and DC how all those guys would team up for a movie, that’s kind of what this was in the ancient world.
I did love the art style as it was reminiscent of the artwork that we find in Greece. The colors were soothing too and easy to look at. I did enjoy this book and would recommend picking it up if you are needing a refresher on the myth. Also does anyone know of any retellings that are out now about the myth?
This story was eye opening on how there are similar things throughout ancient text. The one that I picked up here was a snake guarding a garden or grove that holds something special. It reminded me of the Garden of Eden that we see in Abrahamic religions. I also enjoyed that in the author’s note he pointed out the argonauts were like the original super heroes. I picked up on that too! Think of Marvel and DC how all those guys would team up for a movie, that’s kind of what this was in the ancient world.
I did love the art style as it was reminiscent of the artwork that we find in Greece. The colors were soothing too and easy to look at. I did enjoy this book and would recommend picking it up if you are needing a refresher on the myth. Also does anyone know of any retellings that are out now about the myth?
May 23, 2017
Byrd, R. (2016). Jason and the Argonauts: The First Great Quest in Greek Mythology. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Category: Traditional Literature.
This children’s literature book discusses Jason’s Argonaut army that is based on Greek mythology. The author makes Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece come alive with beautifully drawn pictures and accurate descriptions of each quest that our hero embarked on. Quests like battling fire-breathing bulls and three-headed hydras are depicted in a way that any person will understand the mission of Jason and his Argonauts clearly. I believe this book would be suitable for upper elementary like third through sixth since most students at that age can understand mythological characters and fantasy based stories. This book can really help children understand Greek mythology based on the exhilarating story-telling and breath-taking illustrations while communicating the myth in a serious but engaging fashion.
Category: Traditional Literature.
This children’s literature book discusses Jason’s Argonaut army that is based on Greek mythology. The author makes Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece come alive with beautifully drawn pictures and accurate descriptions of each quest that our hero embarked on. Quests like battling fire-breathing bulls and three-headed hydras are depicted in a way that any person will understand the mission of Jason and his Argonauts clearly. I believe this book would be suitable for upper elementary like third through sixth since most students at that age can understand mythological characters and fantasy based stories. This book can really help children understand Greek mythology based on the exhilarating story-telling and breath-taking illustrations while communicating the myth in a serious but engaging fashion.
August 28, 2019
Following an introduction to the tale of Jason and the Argonauts, one of the oldest recorded Greek myths, Robert Byrd uses a series of lavishly illustrated double-page spreads to present key episodes of the quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece by Jason and the Argonauts, who were both helped and hindered by interactions with the gods as they fought epic battles with giants, harpies, and other monsters.
February 21, 2021
This is a great retelling of a traditional greek mythology tale. It is full of adventure about a hero and his quest. It would be great to read to your students especially since it is so different from traditional children's books.
March 22, 2021
This book is highly entertaining and has colorful, interesting illustrations. The author makes a very complicated tale simple and interesting. This would be a great precursor to watching the children's opera.
August 11, 2022
A found this on his own, we read it aloud for school and REALLY enjoyed it. It's a great introduction to this story with lots of interesting sidebars and info boxes along with a really good telling of the story and nicely illustrated.
December 23, 2021
My middle school students are really enjoying the Greek myths we’re reading.
August 6, 2025
Another fun retelling of a myth for my myth-obsessed boy. It's fun to see him remember different characters from other stories as they cameo here.
December 31, 2016
Bravo to anyone who can take these ancient stories and rework them for today's youngsters. Yes, Rick Riordan's stories attract many readers, but how do readers know what parts are from Riordan's imagination and which parts are from the ancient stories? Joan Holub also does a similar job with her "Heroes in Training" series.
Thus, we need books like this to provide the background, and if we read closely, we'll experience plenty of adventure and gross-factor! However, some of the incidents are a bit clumsily told and I needed to reread a couple spots to be sure I understood the event being described, especially with so many gods and goddess involved!
Jason's quest is broken into two-page spread sections. Each section also provides details on a god or goddess that was mentioned in that section. Backmatter also includes an overview and bibliography.
Large pages hold many detailed, full-color ink lines with watercolor.
And, don't miss the map on the endpapers! If you follow the story and the map, it doesn't seem to make sense that after he got the Golden Fleece and got out of the Black Sea, Jason sailed right past Iolcus - why didn't he just go home right there? I know, I know, he wouldn't have had so many adventures!
Thus, we need books like this to provide the background, and if we read closely, we'll experience plenty of adventure and gross-factor! However, some of the incidents are a bit clumsily told and I needed to reread a couple spots to be sure I understood the event being described, especially with so many gods and goddess involved!
Jason's quest is broken into two-page spread sections. Each section also provides details on a god or goddess that was mentioned in that section. Backmatter also includes an overview and bibliography.
Large pages hold many detailed, full-color ink lines with watercolor.
And, don't miss the map on the endpapers! If you follow the story and the map, it doesn't seem to make sense that after he got the Golden Fleece and got out of the Black Sea, Jason sailed right past Iolcus - why didn't he just go home right there? I know, I know, he wouldn't have had so many adventures!
Read
January 26, 2017Finally I know who Jason and the Argonauts are! Soap opera drama and violence abound. Oh, those crazy Greek gods...
April 8, 2017
This is a beautifully illustrated version of the famous Greek myth of the Argonauts and their epic quest to help Jason retrieve the Golden Fleece. Each two page spread contains a specific episode of Jason’s story, a large attractive illustration, and a sidebar with further information about an element of that portion of the story or one of the gods or goddesses. Introducing the gods and goddesses one at a time in this way helps distinguish them from each other. A map on the end pages displays the course of the trek and further clarifies events. An author’s note reveals the author’s fondness for the tale, informs readers about varying retellings, and describes how he chose which incidents to include.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews