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Gaia: Goddess of Earth
Author Imogen Greenberg and award-winning illustrator Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel presents a spunky, feminist take on the Greek myth of Goddess of Earth .
Long before the age of the Olympian gods, Gaia created the world in all its beauty. But from Gaia also came the Titans, who ran wild and free through this world—until her husband Ouranos turned on Gaia and declared himself the ruler of all she’d created. Her son Cronus then rose to power, but soon he too became hungry for more power—so much so that he swallowed his own children.
But Gaia managed to hide the youngest son, Zeus, from Cronus. Zeus grew up and defeated Cronus and saved his brothers and sisters. Gaia thought this would be the end of all the needless war, but Zeus was not satisfied—he swore to rid the world of anyone who challenged his power. Gaia was furious. She wanted no part in the world of Zeus. She would not fight his destruction with more destruction. It might be too late for Zeus, but it wasn’t too late for the mortals—or for the earth itself. Follow the goddess of earth through her struggles with gods and mortals as she discovers her strength and eventually finds the peace she has always longed for.
Tales of Great Goddesses are graphic novels that bring the stories of some of the most powerful and fascinating mythical goddesses to life!
Long before the age of the Olympian gods, Gaia created the world in all its beauty. But from Gaia also came the Titans, who ran wild and free through this world—until her husband Ouranos turned on Gaia and declared himself the ruler of all she’d created. Her son Cronus then rose to power, but soon he too became hungry for more power—so much so that he swallowed his own children.
But Gaia managed to hide the youngest son, Zeus, from Cronus. Zeus grew up and defeated Cronus and saved his brothers and sisters. Gaia thought this would be the end of all the needless war, but Zeus was not satisfied—he swore to rid the world of anyone who challenged his power. Gaia was furious. She wanted no part in the world of Zeus. She would not fight his destruction with more destruction. It might be too late for Zeus, but it wasn’t too late for the mortals—or for the earth itself. Follow the goddess of earth through her struggles with gods and mortals as she discovers her strength and eventually finds the peace she has always longed for.
Tales of Great Goddesses are graphic novels that bring the stories of some of the most powerful and fascinating mythical goddesses to life!
96 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
2 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 8, 2022
Yet another retelling of Greek mythology, this one with a slight feminist slant, but too simplistic in script and art for me. I normally like diversity recasting for the characters of old stories being retold, but the shake-up here results in the images of a Black Cronus devouring his children, which unintentionally evokes some old negative stereotyping around cannibalism.
April 10, 2022
I wanted to love this book with every fibre of my being, but unfortunately I do not. If you’re looking for a children’s book about protecting the earth, peace, love and justice for all then this is an absolutely wonderful read that you will enjoy. If you’re looking for a children’s book on Greek mythology then this is absolutely not the book to buy. 95% of this book is inaccurate in terms of mythology, and children will learn a lot of false information from reading this.
The pictures are cute and the dialogue made me chuckle in places, I think overall people with no knowledge of mythology will find this book to be cute and amusing, but if you know anything about mythology I’d give this book a miss otherwise it’ll send you into a ranting fit of rage (like it did to me….) the most accurate thing about the whole book? Aphrodite is responsible for the Trojan war. And yes, before anyone asks, yes, they called him HERCULES AND NOT HERACLES. *insert eye rolling emoji*
Thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of this book to review, and for having me on the blog tour!
The pictures are cute and the dialogue made me chuckle in places, I think overall people with no knowledge of mythology will find this book to be cute and amusing, but if you know anything about mythology I’d give this book a miss otherwise it’ll send you into a ranting fit of rage (like it did to me….) the most accurate thing about the whole book? Aphrodite is responsible for the Trojan war. And yes, before anyone asks, yes, they called him HERCULES AND NOT HERACLES. *insert eye rolling emoji*
Thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of this book to review, and for having me on the blog tour!
January 11, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of Gaia: Goddess of Earth by Imogen and Greenberg.
This was a lovely retelling of Greek mythology at it's earliest- Gaia, the personification of Earth and one of the Greek primordial deities.
Mother of the sky, the sea, and the Titans we hear so much about, Gaia is an essential and wonderfully interesting part of Greek Mythology.
The artwork in this graphic novel was wonderful. A lovely sense of 'children's book illustrations' whilst still being brilliant for a middle-grade or adult reader.
Greek mythology has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, and this retelling of Gaia, Rhea, The Furies and The Fates is a fantastic read for both young and old.
I will definatly want to being this lovely book into the classroom, and dive into the other works of the Greenberg sisters (whom I have very happily discovered from recieving this eARC).
This was a lovely retelling of Greek mythology at it's earliest- Gaia, the personification of Earth and one of the Greek primordial deities.
Mother of the sky, the sea, and the Titans we hear so much about, Gaia is an essential and wonderfully interesting part of Greek Mythology.
The artwork in this graphic novel was wonderful. A lovely sense of 'children's book illustrations' whilst still being brilliant for a middle-grade or adult reader.
Greek mythology has fascinated me for as long as I can remember, and this retelling of Gaia, Rhea, The Furies and The Fates is a fantastic read for both young and old.
I will definatly want to being this lovely book into the classroom, and dive into the other works of the Greenberg sisters (whom I have very happily discovered from recieving this eARC).
June 17, 2024
Dysfunctional family and sibling rivalries abound in this fun, witty graphic novel retelling of the Gaia Greek myth. I’m a big fan of Isabel Greenberg and in this one she teams up with her sister, Imogen.
May 8, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Abrams Kids for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own!
This was a super cute little children's graphic novel about Greek mythology! I think it did a really good job of telling the story while also being engaging and funny! There were also feminist themes throughout it that I thought were very well done and had a great representation of strong women.
I loved the lessons that this gives for children, like teaching about kindness, peace, and even taking care of the earth. It focused on showing children that it's okay to stand up for the right thing and to believe in justice.
This is a great book for any budding little Greek mythology lovers!
This was a super cute little children's graphic novel about Greek mythology! I think it did a really good job of telling the story while also being engaging and funny! There were also feminist themes throughout it that I thought were very well done and had a great representation of strong women.
I loved the lessons that this gives for children, like teaching about kindness, peace, and even taking care of the earth. It focused on showing children that it's okay to stand up for the right thing and to believe in justice.
This is a great book for any budding little Greek mythology lovers!
January 30, 2022
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with what this book brought me. I totally understand what it was trying to do and I do think that the authors achieved some of the goals that they clearly set out to with this book. That being said it felt like a bit of a missed opportunity and not as authentic as I would have preferred.
But lets start of with the things I did enjoy. I loved the art style throughout this book, I thought that each character was clear and distinguishable by their appearance and the colour palette was very aesthetically pleasing. I also thought that the pacing and length of this book was perfect, it didn't seem drawn out or rushed at any point and will work well for the target audience. In general I think children will really like this story, even more so with if they don't know much about greek mythology. The themes on looking after the natural world and human greed were ones I think were handled well and are important.
That being said it is very inaccurate in its mythology which to me is a real shame, I understand that not everything is kid friendly when it comes to these myths but some of the more drastic changes I felt actually dampened the message the book was trying to spread. I also think the font on the book should be revised to make sure it is accessible as I definitely found some parts challenging to read.
But lets start of with the things I did enjoy. I loved the art style throughout this book, I thought that each character was clear and distinguishable by their appearance and the colour palette was very aesthetically pleasing. I also thought that the pacing and length of this book was perfect, it didn't seem drawn out or rushed at any point and will work well for the target audience. In general I think children will really like this story, even more so with if they don't know much about greek mythology. The themes on looking after the natural world and human greed were ones I think were handled well and are important.
That being said it is very inaccurate in its mythology which to me is a real shame, I understand that not everything is kid friendly when it comes to these myths but some of the more drastic changes I felt actually dampened the message the book was trying to spread. I also think the font on the book should be revised to make sure it is accessible as I definitely found some parts challenging to read.
April 13, 2022
“The women all agreed. They had chosen a green war. There was no fighting, no spears and no thunderbolts – only small acts of kindness and huge acts of sacrifice.”
Through the lens of Greek mythology, Gaia is a story that aims to educate children on the harm that has been done already and that continues to be done to the Earth.
The illustrations are bright and bold, making it quick and easy to read. I thought it was really beautiful to look at. The story was narrated by the Three Fates who often appeared in the corner of a page to make a comment on what was happening or to cheer on a hero.
Classic Greek myths, such as Zeus’ defeat of Kronos and the Trojan War, form a backdrop to the authors’ intent of the book. Although they may not have been entirely accurate (I’m not sure accurate Greek myths are necessarily kid-friendly), they successfully shared the authors’ point that the Earth has been destroyed since it was created more or less - either the Gods have been waging war over it or humans have just been… human.
I think it was a really fun, really easy introduction to Greek mythology for kids, with the added bonus that it might teach them to value and look after the environment. The reader is made to sympathise with Gaia, who sees her creation constantly being destroyed or taken advantage of, so children should hopefully work to lessen this hurt.
Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this for review!
Through the lens of Greek mythology, Gaia is a story that aims to educate children on the harm that has been done already and that continues to be done to the Earth.
The illustrations are bright and bold, making it quick and easy to read. I thought it was really beautiful to look at. The story was narrated by the Three Fates who often appeared in the corner of a page to make a comment on what was happening or to cheer on a hero.
Classic Greek myths, such as Zeus’ defeat of Kronos and the Trojan War, form a backdrop to the authors’ intent of the book. Although they may not have been entirely accurate (I’m not sure accurate Greek myths are necessarily kid-friendly), they successfully shared the authors’ point that the Earth has been destroyed since it was created more or less - either the Gods have been waging war over it or humans have just been… human.
I think it was a really fun, really easy introduction to Greek mythology for kids, with the added bonus that it might teach them to value and look after the environment. The reader is made to sympathise with Gaia, who sees her creation constantly being destroyed or taken advantage of, so children should hopefully work to lessen this hurt.
Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this for review!
February 1, 2022
The chance to see the wonderful work by Imogen early was never going to be a thing I could pass up, so when I saw it recently on NetGalley I knew I had to request to read this, and I am so glad I did, as they introduce us in this new picture book to Gaia, the greek goddess of the Earth.
Telling the story of Cronus, The Battle of The Titans and the aftermath, this book covers in a really empathetic but kind way of what happened during those times and the impact it had on Mount Olympus according to Myth, and what Gaia did next to make the world a better place after everything had happened, and it is always done so well.
Accompanying these stories is incredible art as usual in any book from these authors, as they give us the greek gods and goddesses in their amazing art style which make clear the scenes that were going down in mythology. It's truly a beautiful book to take in and I loved all the detail anc characters they introduced throughout this book.
A wonderful first taste for a child what mythology is, Gaia: Goddess Of Earth is also a book I would treasure for a long time to come to.
Telling the story of Cronus, The Battle of The Titans and the aftermath, this book covers in a really empathetic but kind way of what happened during those times and the impact it had on Mount Olympus according to Myth, and what Gaia did next to make the world a better place after everything had happened, and it is always done so well.
Accompanying these stories is incredible art as usual in any book from these authors, as they give us the greek gods and goddesses in their amazing art style which make clear the scenes that were going down in mythology. It's truly a beautiful book to take in and I loved all the detail anc characters they introduced throughout this book.
A wonderful first taste for a child what mythology is, Gaia: Goddess Of Earth is also a book I would treasure for a long time to come to.
January 10, 2022
Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
◆ Thank you so much NetGalley for this ebook for review ◆
You can always count on the Greenberg sisters to believe top quality retellings of ancient history, whether fact or myth. And what a great story to choose to tell - the earliest of Greek creation myths, told with the focus of Gaia, Rhea, the Furies and the Fates (a.k.a. the women who are so rarely remembered). This myth is not only often underappreciated in favour of the more popular and adventurous Gods of Olympus (as opposed to the Titans who preceded them as much of this is), but it also tips off readers about where many other classical figures and creatures came from such as the Cyclopes, the Furies and Fates, even Zeus's thunderbolts and the Greek's devotion to the Olympian deities. For a young reader, none of that will be significant but they'll have a wonderful time reading and exploring the world accompanied by Isabel's ever-lovely illustrations. Top tier children's books here pals, and just as enjoyable for anyone older.
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
◆ Thank you so much NetGalley for this ebook for review ◆
You can always count on the Greenberg sisters to believe top quality retellings of ancient history, whether fact or myth. And what a great story to choose to tell - the earliest of Greek creation myths, told with the focus of Gaia, Rhea, the Furies and the Fates (a.k.a. the women who are so rarely remembered). This myth is not only often underappreciated in favour of the more popular and adventurous Gods of Olympus (as opposed to the Titans who preceded them as much of this is), but it also tips off readers about where many other classical figures and creatures came from such as the Cyclopes, the Furies and Fates, even Zeus's thunderbolts and the Greek's devotion to the Olympian deities. For a young reader, none of that will be significant but they'll have a wonderful time reading and exploring the world accompanied by Isabel's ever-lovely illustrations. Top tier children's books here pals, and just as enjoyable for anyone older.
January 29, 2022
I enjoyed this retelling of the story of Gaia. It provides a straightforward account of Gaia's involvement in the creation of the cosmos and Earth. It is clear from the beginning that this is story aimed at younger readers that addresses the ecological crisis today and the need for global stewardship.
As a teacher of Religious Education, I would like to use this graphic novel in my classes. Just recently, I covered the origin story of Zeus and spoke about Gaia. I found it difficult to find visual resources for my students at the time. However, going forward I will add this novel to my collection of resources as I feel my students would really enjoy it. The plot is not complicated or convoluted and is easy to read and follow.
The illustrations are visually appealing and imaginative. I adore the imagery used for Gaia. I feel how she is depicted is appropriate and apt for such an important goddess and creator. The book challenges gender generalisations and stereotypes throughout and it is pleasing to see Gaia as the main character.
I do have a criticism and it is that of the Furies. I did not enjoy how they popped up sporadically with their withering comments. I don't think they added anything to the story until their appearance towards the end of the story. I found them frustrating and slightly irritating.
As a teacher of Religious Education, I would like to use this graphic novel in my classes. Just recently, I covered the origin story of Zeus and spoke about Gaia. I found it difficult to find visual resources for my students at the time. However, going forward I will add this novel to my collection of resources as I feel my students would really enjoy it. The plot is not complicated or convoluted and is easy to read and follow.
The illustrations are visually appealing and imaginative. I adore the imagery used for Gaia. I feel how she is depicted is appropriate and apt for such an important goddess and creator. The book challenges gender generalisations and stereotypes throughout and it is pleasing to see Gaia as the main character.
I do have a criticism and it is that of the Furies. I did not enjoy how they popped up sporadically with their withering comments. I don't think they added anything to the story until their appearance towards the end of the story. I found them frustrating and slightly irritating.
July 15, 2022
A graphic novel focusing on Gaia, this story has a lot of material to work with. As the oldest being in Greek mythology, aside from Chaos, Gaia created the world, and all the other gods are descended from her. I'm not bothered by the way the author retold the myths even if some stories were very different from the original Greek tales, but I felt the pacing and style was lacking. I liked the final part of the novel the best and wonder if the story had started there and then flashed back to Gaia's wars with the men in her life, there would have been more interest. While the e-ARC that I received was not fully colored, it did provide a preview of what the final graphic novel will look like. I think the artwork is interesting and I like that characters are portrayed with varying skin tones. It complements the storytelling and it reminded me of ancient Greek artwork that I've seen, which works well. Overall, a fine book, but nothing I was too excited about.
May 1, 2025
If you like your mythology with a side of modern snark, you might like this book fine.
Several old myths are woven together with Gaia at their center, an understandable amount of variation exists from how I best know most of the tales (but Hercules not a demigod? That one I haven’t heard). My main issue is the end of the book where Gaia, the furies, and the fates all join together as the women who love order and justice and pledge to work for those things in the earth; and then invite the reader to work with them. It’s a nice enough sentiment, but one modern twist too far for my taste.
Myths sometimes come with warnings or lessons, but usually they just show the complexity of humanity - the good, the bad, the messy. They’re not really meant to be a call to action. Let the stories seep into our culture and conscience and work that way, don’t make up work for them to do that wasn’t meant for them.
Several old myths are woven together with Gaia at their center, an understandable amount of variation exists from how I best know most of the tales (but Hercules not a demigod? That one I haven’t heard). My main issue is the end of the book where Gaia, the furies, and the fates all join together as the women who love order and justice and pledge to work for those things in the earth; and then invite the reader to work with them. It’s a nice enough sentiment, but one modern twist too far for my taste.
Myths sometimes come with warnings or lessons, but usually they just show the complexity of humanity - the good, the bad, the messy. They’re not really meant to be a call to action. Let the stories seep into our culture and conscience and work that way, don’t make up work for them to do that wasn’t meant for them.
January 27, 2022
Greek myth in graphic novel form, as Gaia sees her husband then her son ruin the Earth she had created, and then smuggles Rhea's child away from the danger, not quite realising how he would turn out. It would be fine, given that it has a nice level of detail, except some of the art is quite unattractive, and it is sooooo colloquial, full of speech bubbles like "Yoo hoo! Cyclopes!" and Zeus calling people his "pal". Finally, the jury will remain out as to whether Gaia's example is nicely poised at the finish here, or under-used and should be more obviously the point of the story. Two and a half stars.
April 9, 2022
Firstly, thank you to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book, the pictures are colorful and vibrant and it has a great message within the story too which is a nice touch. I've always been a big fan of greek mythology, If you're after a fun and quick read & a quick introduction to greek mythology then this book is for you. However there are several inaccuracies throughout the story & I also feel like the style/size of the text inside needs changing too. The illustrations within the book are big bold and beautiful but the writing is so tiny I nearly missed it at times.
I really wanted to love this book, the pictures are colorful and vibrant and it has a great message within the story too which is a nice touch. I've always been a big fan of greek mythology, If you're after a fun and quick read & a quick introduction to greek mythology then this book is for you. However there are several inaccuracies throughout the story & I also feel like the style/size of the text inside needs changing too. The illustrations within the book are big bold and beautiful but the writing is so tiny I nearly missed it at times.
April 8, 2022
A wonderfully easy to understand interpretation of Gaia’s involvement in the creation of the world. It may not be wholly accurate but there are so many retellings of these myths that who are we to determine which telling is accurate 🤷🏼♀️.
I loved the story, the illustrations, the snippy asides and I’m a 34 year old woman. Children, middle-grade readers and beyond will enjoy this story and hopefully take something away from the underlying themes.
I’m buying an actual copy as soon as I can. If you can get your hands on a copy for the children in your life I couldn’t recommend it enough.
I loved the story, the illustrations, the snippy asides and I’m a 34 year old woman. Children, middle-grade readers and beyond will enjoy this story and hopefully take something away from the underlying themes.
I’m buying an actual copy as soon as I can. If you can get your hands on a copy for the children in your life I couldn’t recommend it enough.
June 18, 2023
I was already a gushing fan of Isobel Greenberg's graphic novels and illustration, so I was predestined to love this feminist, graphic retelling of the myth of Gaia. I wish so much that I was still working in the library so I could purchase this book and share it with readers.
The first part of the book introduces readers to the different gods and goddesses with both an illustration and a write up. The rest of the book is the story of these characters told from Gaia's perspective.
The first part of the book introduces readers to the different gods and goddesses with both an illustration and a write up. The rest of the book is the story of these characters told from Gaia's perspective.
April 6, 2022
This is such a great book for middle grade readers. I liked the illustrations and enjoyed the story. I am not an expert on mythology or anything in the subject area. So whether it’s considered accurate or not I wouldn’t know. Very bright and colorful.
*thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
*thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
July 6, 2022
This is a fun introduction to Gaia and Greek mythology. I like the illustrations, and that the stories were told from a feminist and environmentalist perspective. Some of the myths were so glossed over they became pretty inaccurate, and the text is far too tiny. But I do like this and think older elementary aged kids and middle schoolers might take an interest in mythology after reading this.
February 6, 2022
This is a wonderful way for younger people to learn about mythology and includes a lovely message to encourage them to change the world. The signature Greenberg illustration style is bright, colourful and engaging.
July 1, 2022
Didn’t work for me. Fitting a lot of mythology into a few pages feels rushed . Loss of beauty and richness of the myth. Art style great as always but Color felt dark. A bit preachy and was creeping into infographic territory.
March 27, 2023
I like the way these graphic novels are set up, simplified Greek myths with an easy explanation of all the gods and how they fit together. This one is also full of girl power stories and strong females with a positive message to be kind and take care of the planet.
August 3, 2023
As often as traditional Greek mythology centers war, heroes, and winning at all costs, this treatment of the ancient stories emphasizes the virtues of kindness, balance and peace. The art and text are whimsical, and the focus on harmony is refreshing.
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April 23, 2022
A good read, for those obsessed with mythology. Similar in vein to George O'Connor's Olympians series, but this book is more appropriate for middle grade audiences.
July 10, 2022
This was cute! I loved the artwork. I’m not sure if this is 100% accurate to mythology but I think kiddos will love it!
**Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
**Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy to review!
July 10, 2022
An entertainingly snarky, feminist take on the Greek myth.
November 24, 2022
Showing how the Sisterhood fights the Drums of Chaos
Modern take on the Greek mythology with a pro-female look.
Modern take on the Greek mythology with a pro-female look.
December 22, 2022
Gorgeous illustrations. Unfortunately the text is so small I could hardly read it.
June 20, 2023
I even learned stuff I didn't know about some of these myths! Which...if you know me, that's pretty surprising. LOL
April 18, 2024
A lovely graphic novel for a foundation Gaia. I will have it in my library to read to nieces, nephews, and little kiddos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews