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I Am Hermes!: Mischief-Making Messenger of the Gods
At birth, Hermes, son of Zeus and the Nymph Maia, says his first word: "Gimme!" In this brilliant, hilarious graphic novel about the mischievous, fun-loving messenger of the gods, Caldecott Medal winner Mordicai Gerstein, transports classical mythology to the 21st century.
"The world!" the newly born Hermes says. "It's even better than I expected! I love it! I want it all!"
This book is filled with joy, exuberance, and humor. On his first day of life, Hermes manages to trick a turtle into surrendering its shell and a ram into surrendering its horns, thereby inventing the lyre, music, and song! He also manages to steal his brother Apollo's precious cows, but later redeems himself by outwitting the giant brothers Otus and Ephialtes, who have kidnapped Mars.
These adventures and more, all derived from classical mythology, are told with great humor as well as a twenty-first century sensibility by the colossally talented Mordicai Gerstein.
The art in this graphic novel is truly spectacular, with 250 illustrations, executed by a master artist and filled with unique humor.
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
"The world!" the newly born Hermes says. "It's even better than I expected! I love it! I want it all!"
This book is filled with joy, exuberance, and humor. On his first day of life, Hermes manages to trick a turtle into surrendering its shell and a ram into surrendering its horns, thereby inventing the lyre, music, and song! He also manages to steal his brother Apollo's precious cows, but later redeems himself by outwitting the giant brothers Otus and Ephialtes, who have kidnapped Mars.
These adventures and more, all derived from classical mythology, are told with great humor as well as a twenty-first century sensibility by the colossally talented Mordicai Gerstein.
The art in this graphic novel is truly spectacular, with 250 illustrations, executed by a master artist and filled with unique humor.
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year
72 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2019
9 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Mordicai Gerstein
101 books72 followersMordicai Gerstein was an American artist, writer, and film director, best known for illustrating and writing children's books. He illustrated the comic mystery fiction series Something Queer is Going On.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 8, 2022
8 - 12 years
August 25, 2023
Greek mythology with a touch of humor for graphic novel fans.
December 13, 2022
While intended for children, this book is a light-hearted delight that can be enjoyed by all ages. It details the adventures of Hermes from his perspective, with a mischievous grin and a sense of humor as he gets into his beloved brand of trouble. It explains his roles as a god (spoiler: there's many) and simplifies the vast mythos that surrounds the deity. The art style is vibrant and colorful and full of personality. The cover has golden glitter on it! What more could you want?! I adore this book to pieces and is a proud part of my collection.
October 19, 2019
For Read Aloud .
3rd Grade Classroom - I personally enjoy reading graphic novels aloud because I find it encourages students to keep their attention forward to follow the story. Due to time constraint, I was only able to complete the first chapter. The story is fairly dense, and presented in a humorous manner. The mythology is well researched and the format makes it super accessible. Several students expressed their desire to continue this book on their own.
3rd Grade Classroom - I personally enjoy reading graphic novels aloud because I find it encourages students to keep their attention forward to follow the story. Due to time constraint, I was only able to complete the first chapter. The story is fairly dense, and presented in a humorous manner. The mythology is well researched and the format makes it super accessible. Several students expressed their desire to continue this book on their own.
November 2, 2019
The way that Hermes was presented here in this graphic novel was ABSOULETLY aDORKable in his own way. As you tutn each page you're able to get a genuine feel for Heremes's personality. It almoat makes you feel the messenger God himself is sitting nearby as you read it. THIS one will bring many smiles to your face and allow a burst of laughter to brighten your world. 🌎 WELL written and beautifully illustrated! If you're an Ancient Greece fan? And you haven't read this one? You NEED to. :D ❤😊
May 8, 2020
A compilation of various stories of Hermes retold in graphic novel form with little imaginative additions from the author/illustrator.
If readers aren't quite ready for Percy Jackson or O'Connor's Olympians graphic novels, this is a nice younger reader graphic novel intro to Greek mythology characters. Gerstein makes things more kid friendly and even has a little fun with what Hermes is doing now at the end.
If readers aren't quite ready for Percy Jackson or O'Connor's Olympians graphic novels, this is a nice younger reader graphic novel intro to Greek mythology characters. Gerstein makes things more kid friendly and even has a little fun with what Hermes is doing now at the end.
October 19, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I have always loved greek mythology. This book was adorable with its cute cartoons, and it was funny seeing all the mischief that Hermes got himself into and how he got himself to be the legendary "Mischief messenger of the gods". Many kids books are typically just picture books, I think its very important to show a different type of book to kids like a comic book. Again, this book was great, I loved it!
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April 19, 2020This was a cute book about the Greek Gods, specifically Hermes. I read a similar book about Zeus during the beginning of the year. I found that both Greek God books would be perfect for a lesson on Mythology. I found it to be a great book for grades 2nd and 3rd and something they could learn from and find entertaining.
August 13, 2021
This was a fun, short read! It’s a graphic novel about some of the Greek myths related to Hermes, from Hermes’s perspective. I enjoyed it, but it also made me feel like Hermes’s kids in the Percy Jackson series got totally ripped off. Hermes is the god of so many things, and his kids in that series are just like, good at stealing stuff and doing pranks, and that’s it.
December 11, 2021
A tongue-in-cheek glimpse into life on Mount Olympus, as seen through the eyes of the mischievous messenger Hermes. It's a mythological retelling of several tales in which Hermes figures prominently. Comic panel storytelling, with humor and situations that are appropriate for middle grade readers. Clever turns of phrase, definitely funny.
June 15, 2019
What an entirely painless and entertaining way to learn about the Greek Gods. The voice of Hermes is so thoroughly self aggrandizing and funny and the illustrations are lively and work well in the graphic novel format.
January 16, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel about Hermès. I think I will add it to my library, i don’t have much on Greek mythology. The illustrations and colors are so beautiful, fun, and engaging. I am a fan of the format of short story chapters used. Short list of resources in the back of the book.
May 2, 2020
Like his I am Pan, this is more colorful, antic and irreverent that the other excellent myth graphic novels (O’Conner) it is a lot of fun, full of detail and jokes and multiple stories. I have had a hard time getting Pan to circulate - the cover is off putting- I hope Hermès has better luck.
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May 24, 2019
A random pick up! Much cute.
May 28, 2019
A graphic novel origin story for Hermes the Greek God. Fun way to introduce his stories.
June 6, 2019
Great artwork and overall very cute!
July 8, 2019
A fun graphic novel of classic mythology filled with playful humor. Nice artwork.
July 19, 2019
This book has illustrations that pair perfectly with the text. It makes for a whimsical illustration of the life of Hermes.
August 12, 2019
It was an ok read for me, I'm sure for a kid it would be a fun introduction to some Greek myths.
September 2, 2019
Enjoyed the layout and playfulness of the book. Enjoyed the characters and the illustrations.
September 30, 2019
Hijinx with the god of mischief.
January 14, 2020
Gathers up the best-known stories about Hermes in a really fun graphic format. Painless learning.
December 21, 2020
Much like its main man, Hermes, this introduction to his myths has a lot of character.
May 7, 2021
This is a fun, entertaining read about the Greek Gods.
May 31, 2021
Fun introduction to Hermes. Illustrations were engaging and it held the interest of my 4yr old.
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May 27, 2022I Am Hermes is a good comic book. I like the picture and story. I also like that funny parts.
June 4, 2022
Cute funny intro to Hermes and the Greek gods. The first half was better than the second, but I am also not the target audience.
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June 26, 2024read this for work. was cute
December 4, 2020
Ancient mythology stories centered around Hermes rewritten for lower grade readers in graphic novel form. The art style is fun-tastic! I've read some of these myths before, and I really love how Gerstein is able to take these old legends and make them kid-friendly and attractive to kids. This sort of reminds me of the younger version of Hermes: Tales of the Trickster. I'd love to own both.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews