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Cupid and Psyche: A Beautiful Greek Myth Love Story About Courage and Trust for Kids
Psyche is the most beautiful woman in the world, yet the oracle at Delphi foresees she will fall in love with a creature feared even by the gods themselves.
Magically, Psyche finds herself in a magnificent castle fitted with sweet music, attentive servants, and a charming but invisible host. Soon she falls in love with this man she has never seen, but in a moment of doubt she betrays his trust. To win back his love, Psyche must show that she is as brave as she is beautiful by performing three impossible tasks.
Perhaps the greatest love story of all, Cupid and Psyche is unsurpassed in its richness and drama. Marie Craft's lively, suspenseful retelling of this classic Greek myth will appeal to young and old alike. And these legendary lovers have inspired forty lush luminous paintings by award-winning artist Kinuko Craft.
Lavishly illustrated and thrillingly told, here is a book to be treasured forever.
Magically, Psyche finds herself in a magnificent castle fitted with sweet music, attentive servants, and a charming but invisible host. Soon she falls in love with this man she has never seen, but in a moment of doubt she betrays his trust. To win back his love, Psyche must show that she is as brave as she is beautiful by performing three impossible tasks.
Perhaps the greatest love story of all, Cupid and Psyche is unsurpassed in its richness and drama. Marie Craft's lively, suspenseful retelling of this classic Greek myth will appeal to young and old alike. And these legendary lovers have inspired forty lush luminous paintings by award-winning artist Kinuko Craft.
Lavishly illustrated and thrillingly told, here is a book to be treasured forever.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 1996
22 people are currently reading
2203 people want to read
About the author
M. Charlotte Craft
4 books15 followersCharlotte Craft studied comparative literature at Columbia University in New York. After graduating, she traveled to Japan, where she worked as an interpreter and photographer. She now lives in Scotland with her family. The New York Times complimented her first book, Cupid and Psyche, for its “clear, simple text” and noted that the book a “excels in conveying the mythology.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 7, 2022
The excellent artwork and an adaptation that stays true to the original myth as told by Apuleius make this a picture books worth having in hardback for display, and also perfect for gifting. I especially loved that Kinuko Y. Craft went for a Grecian aesthetic for both her character (costume & hair) and her landscape, that suits the narration very well.
November 18, 2009
Another fantastic book by the Craft duo!
I did not know the story of Cupid and Psyche prior to reading this, and thus my enjoyment of the story was enhanced. I was pleasantly surprised by the detail of this book and the overall goodness of it. There were a few points that I felt took away, just a bit, from the overall "perfect-ness" of our protagonists:
*Cupid was obviously a mischief maker
*Why did Psyche believe her sisters (though, I felt Craft managed this motive well what with the terrible prophecy the oracle had given her)
*Why did Psyche become vain enough to feel the need to improve her beauty (though again, I must commend Craft for making this motive more about Psyche wanting to "freshen up," in essence, for Cupid. I was a tad disappointed there wasn't more follow-up on Psyche's "lesson" from this, but this is being incredibly picky of me!!)
*And there is the question of if they love each other because they love each other, or because of Cupid's arrows, but it feels, at least, that it is a true love.
I also wanted a bit more information on why Cupid wouldn't reveal himself to Psyche. This is more just me wanting more of a great story though, and not a critique really. And I thought it was great Cupid wanted Psyche to love him for himself, not what he appeared to be.
Psyche's sisters are the typical "envious and evil" that we encounter in so many fairytales (and they do meet an unpleasant end.
But, overall I really enjoyed the story! The illustrations are beautiful, as I'd expected them to be, and the way in which Craft incorporated the semi-transparent gods is tremendous!
What really won me over was this line of Cupid's:
"Love cannot live without trust."
Any book that mentions the importance of trust in a relationship, especially if it's mentioned in a fairytale, earns extra points from me! Highly, highly, recommended!
I did not know the story of Cupid and Psyche prior to reading this, and thus my enjoyment of the story was enhanced. I was pleasantly surprised by the detail of this book and the overall goodness of it. There were a few points that I felt took away, just a bit, from the overall "perfect-ness" of our protagonists:
*Cupid was obviously a mischief maker
*Why did Psyche believe her sisters (though, I felt Craft managed this motive well what with the terrible prophecy the oracle had given her)
*Why did Psyche become vain enough to feel the need to improve her beauty (though again, I must commend Craft for making this motive more about Psyche wanting to "freshen up," in essence, for Cupid. I was a tad disappointed there wasn't more follow-up on Psyche's "lesson" from this, but this is being incredibly picky of me!!)
*And there is the question of if they love each other because they love each other, or because of Cupid's arrows, but it feels, at least, that it is a true love.
I also wanted a bit more information on why Cupid wouldn't reveal himself to Psyche. This is more just me wanting more of a great story though, and not a critique really. And I thought it was great Cupid wanted Psyche to love him for himself, not what he appeared to be.
Psyche's sisters are the typical "envious and evil" that we encounter in so many fairytales (and they do meet an unpleasant end.
But, overall I really enjoyed the story! The illustrations are beautiful, as I'd expected them to be, and the way in which Craft incorporated the semi-transparent gods is tremendous!
What really won me over was this line of Cupid's:
"Love cannot live without trust."
Any book that mentions the importance of trust in a relationship, especially if it's mentioned in a fairytale, earns extra points from me! Highly, highly, recommended!
February 17, 2009
I thought this was exquisite! The story is beautiful and beautifully told and the artwork is sumptuous. I truly felt transported while I experienced this thoughtful and heart-ful celebration of love.
July 4, 2019
A picture-book retelling of the classic Greek myth, in which Cupid, the god of love and the son of Venus, falls in love with a mortal princess named Psyche. When Psyche is told that she will marry "a creature feared by the gods themselves" she is terrified, but soon discovers that her invisible bridegroom is gentle and loving, and she spends her days in contentment. But a visit from her envious sisters causes Psyche to doubt her new husband, and in a moment of weakness, she betrays his trust. Separated from all she has come to love, the mortal Psyche must accomplish three inhuman tasks, or relinquish all claim on her beloved Cupid...
The tale of Cupid and Psyche is of great antiquity, not only in various oral traditions, but in the written record as well, having first been recorded as part of Apuleius's 2nd century novel, The Golden Ass . It is an ancient variant of the more contemporary Beauty and the Beast tale, and exhibits some striking parallels to Madame le Prince de Beaumont's fairytale of that name.
I collect illustrated fairy tales and myths, and have in my collection a few other versions of this story, which I hope to eventually review here. But I thought I would start with this title, because I am a great fan of Kinuko Craft, the illustrator of this particular retelling. Her paintings are simply gorgeous - colorful, lush, and very detailed - I can look at them for hours. They are terribly romantic, but I do not find them sentimental. Her darker illustrations can be very compelling, as in the full-page depiction of Proserpine. That portrait, as well as the picture of Psyche mourning the loss of Cupid by the lily-pond, are my favorite illustrations in the book.
I also approve of M. Charlotte Craft's narrative, which I found to be a skillful adaptation of a much longer and more complex text, making this wonderful story more accessible to young readers. A note to readers: although this is indeed a Greek myth, the Roman names are used for almost every mythological figure, a function no doubt, of the identity of the first person to write the story down...
The tale of Cupid and Psyche is of great antiquity, not only in various oral traditions, but in the written record as well, having first been recorded as part of Apuleius's 2nd century novel, The Golden Ass . It is an ancient variant of the more contemporary Beauty and the Beast tale, and exhibits some striking parallels to Madame le Prince de Beaumont's fairytale of that name.
I collect illustrated fairy tales and myths, and have in my collection a few other versions of this story, which I hope to eventually review here. But I thought I would start with this title, because I am a great fan of Kinuko Craft, the illustrator of this particular retelling. Her paintings are simply gorgeous - colorful, lush, and very detailed - I can look at them for hours. They are terribly romantic, but I do not find them sentimental. Her darker illustrations can be very compelling, as in the full-page depiction of Proserpine. That portrait, as well as the picture of Psyche mourning the loss of Cupid by the lily-pond, are my favorite illustrations in the book.
I also approve of M. Charlotte Craft's narrative, which I found to be a skillful adaptation of a much longer and more complex text, making this wonderful story more accessible to young readers. A note to readers: although this is indeed a Greek myth, the Roman names are used for almost every mythological figure, a function no doubt, of the identity of the first person to write the story down...
January 3, 2023
Craft's illustrations are truly exquisite! Rather than attempt to adapt to Greek artisitic conventions she uses Grecian clothing and hair styles to give the appropriate feel. The setting is more influenced by late medieval and early Renaissance landscapes and floral decoration. One beautiful full-page plate of a mourning Psyche reflected in a lily pond is strongly reminiscent of Waterhouse's paintings.
I also liked that the text, without too much addition on the author's part to the original, suggested more of a relationship between Cupid and Psyche. They converse and become at ease with one another, rather than having interactions limited to the bedchamber as in some versions. When they are separated they both realize that they do love one another and try their best to rectify the situation caused by the spite of their relatives.
I also liked that the text, without too much addition on the author's part to the original, suggested more of a relationship between Cupid and Psyche. They converse and become at ease with one another, rather than having interactions limited to the bedchamber as in some versions. When they are separated they both realize that they do love one another and try their best to rectify the situation caused by the spite of their relatives.
January 18, 2021
I went into this not knowing what I was getting into at all, and subsequently found myself a little confused. I had never heard of it before and read it as part of an old collection featuring many short stories, and so I had no context.
I kinda liked it, kinda not, I think I may have missed the point (judging from other reviews!) and as a fairytale it wasn't as entertaining as I was hoping. But it was quick, pretty interesting read, and I might try it again having a better sense of what it's supposed to be.
It ended happily though, so bonus points for that ;)
I kinda liked it, kinda not, I think I may have missed the point (judging from other reviews!) and as a fairytale it wasn't as entertaining as I was hoping. But it was quick, pretty interesting read, and I might try it again having a better sense of what it's supposed to be.
It ended happily though, so bonus points for that ;)
February 5, 2019
Great retelling of the myth. It is told in a way that captures all the complexities of the Cupid and Psyche myth without making it an adult tale. There are no hints of sensuality or eroticism.
The best part of this can be found in the illustrations. There are no semi-nude lovers in bed chambers, on the contrary the illustrations focus on the moments while Cupid and Psyche are separated from each other where they realise that they indeed do love one another.
This re-telling also focuses attention on an important message to its young readers: The importance of faith and trust in relationships without which love cannot survive.
It is only when I read this I realised how fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty have their roots in the myth of Cupid and Psyche.
Artwork:
The best part of this can be found in the illustrations. There are no semi-nude lovers in bed chambers, on the contrary the illustrations focus on the moments while Cupid and Psyche are separated from each other where they realise that they indeed do love one another.
This re-telling also focuses attention on an important message to its young readers: The importance of faith and trust in relationships without which love cannot survive.
It is only when I read this I realised how fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty have their roots in the myth of Cupid and Psyche.
Artwork:
April 29, 2020
Absolutely wonderful book. Why don't publishers keep making beautifully-illustrated children's books like this? Why has it moved from this glorious artwork to those silly, childish drawings? This is a high standard if book story and illustration. Superb in every way.
November 20, 2022
Gorgeous paintings and story is true to the original Greek tale.
February 18, 2015
This is a decent, fairly straightforward retelling of a Greek Beauty-and-the-Beast type myth.
The gorgeous illustrations, reminiscent of Renaissance paintings in their rich colors and sumptuous details, clearly take the center stage. The prose itself is rather bloodless by comparison, but is neat and succinct and gets the story where it needs to go.
I sought this out in order to better understand C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces, which is a novel-length retelling of the myth from the point of view of Psyche's older sister, and to compare it to the other versions of the Beauty and the Beast story which I'm more familiar with. I would like to see a retelling that digs in a little deeper, but this is a good start, and worth picking up for the pictures.
The gorgeous illustrations, reminiscent of Renaissance paintings in their rich colors and sumptuous details, clearly take the center stage. The prose itself is rather bloodless by comparison, but is neat and succinct and gets the story where it needs to go.
I sought this out in order to better understand C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces, which is a novel-length retelling of the myth from the point of view of Psyche's older sister, and to compare it to the other versions of the Beauty and the Beast story which I'm more familiar with. I would like to see a retelling that digs in a little deeper, but this is a good start, and worth picking up for the pictures.
July 27, 2021
Cupid and Psyche is the first picture book retelling of this myth I've read. Since I don't know the "original" story well, I can't judge the retelling of it, but Kinuko Y. Craft's illustrations are, of course, absolutely gorgeous. It makes me want to (finally!) pick up Till We Have Faces (Psyche's sisters aren't named in this retelling).
March 2, 2018
Rating: 5+++++ / 5
Another insta-favourite, as I knew it would be. Beautifully told, considering that it's my first in-depth introduction into the story, and even more beautifully illustrated, with rich illustrations, colours, and beautiful characters and backgrounds that I just wanted to get lost in, much as I did the story.
Will be re-reading this over and over and over again many times.
Another insta-favourite, as I knew it would be. Beautifully told, considering that it's my first in-depth introduction into the story, and even more beautifully illustrated, with rich illustrations, colours, and beautiful characters and backgrounds that I just wanted to get lost in, much as I did the story.
Will be re-reading this over and over and over again many times.
December 27, 2024
I found this book is this adorable antique store and I had to have it. Not only am I a sucker for greek mythology, but the artwork was just so beautiful. Growing up, I had other books done by this author and artist and they were my favorite. I heard this book is out of print and I had never read it before so it was really a treat! Beautiful children’s book, and the story along with the artwork made it a wonderful read.
April 26, 2017
Beautiful.
(it's not quite j398--at my library it's J 292.211 to be precise--but we're going to go with that lumping because they're my shelves and I do what I want)
(it's not quite j398--at my library it's J 292.211 to be precise--but we're going to go with that lumping because they're my shelves and I do what I want)
December 24, 2018
This is a beautiful book. The illustrations are stunning and the story is well told. This is a beautiful version of the Cupid and Psych story.
January 2, 2022
Great pairing with Till We Have Faces.
January 7, 2025
This rating is for the edition adapted by M. Charlotte Craft and illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft.
December 1, 2014
I have read (and loved) so many versions of this tale but this is, by far, the best I have seen for children. The illustration is absolutely captivating. The story is well-told. I appreciate that this story is told in a way that reveals all of the complexities of the Cupid and Psyche dilemma yet refrains from making too adult. I had no fear reading this aloud to my children and being concerned that they would be exposed to immorality.
We love Greek and Roman mythology and so, along with D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths and Roger Lancelyn Green's Tales of the Greek Heroes, this book is a classic that belongs in the home library of any mythology fan.
I cannot wait until my children are old enough to re-read this and then pick up C. S. Lewis's Till We Have Faces.
We love Greek and Roman mythology and so, along with D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths and Roger Lancelyn Green's Tales of the Greek Heroes, this book is a classic that belongs in the home library of any mythology fan.
I cannot wait until my children are old enough to re-read this and then pick up C. S. Lewis's Till We Have Faces.
January 28, 2024
Kinuko Y. Craft's artwork in "Cupid and Psyche" is truly mesmerizing and brings the story to life in the most enchanting way. As a devoted admirer of *Eros and Psyche* specifically, I was particularly enthralled by Craft's exquisite depiction of them. The illustrations are a testament to Craft's immense talent and attention to detail, seamlessly complementing the beautiful love story.
In conclusion, Eros and Psyche are my favs 🤭🤭 and I eagerly anticipate future retellings that bring forth the timeless beauty of Cupid/Eros and Psyche, and I hope to see more artists and authors inspired to create their own interpretations of these cherished tales.
In conclusion, Eros and Psyche are my favs 🤭🤭 and I eagerly anticipate future retellings that bring forth the timeless beauty of Cupid/Eros and Psyche, and I hope to see more artists and authors inspired to create their own interpretations of these cherished tales.
November 25, 2016
I am a huge lover of children's books, and Cupid & Psyche is my favorite Mythology story, so I had to have this. Bought it many years ago. I love it. The illustrations are amazing!
April 21, 2018
Beautifully drawn and great story.
December 30, 2019
*casually reads the shortest "books" to complete her reading challenge*
March 12, 2022
I love the story of Cupid and Psyche, and this book's illustrations are wonderful.
October 30, 2017
I don't know what it is but lately I've been on a fairy tale kick. Cupid and Psyche was always a favorite of the Greek myths and coming across this beautifully drawn adaptation is a nice touch. There's also a animated version on youtube (about 26 mins. long) that is really beautiful and almost completely silent, safe for background music and the occasional sound from one of the characters.
Anyway, this truly is a beautiful adaptation, like Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark the art really enhances the story. It's a timeless tale that's been re-told and re-used in other Christianized classics like Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Hans my Hedgehog, and many more. But this was the first! after all Psyche has sex with Cupid/Eros before they're married and before she even knows who he is! though I will say, that the fact that Cupid had to accidentally pierce himself with the arrow always did bother me, like he only loves her because he's under his own spell. In some versions he just falls in love with her naturally but in this version Craft went with the old love charm.
I've read a lot of versions of this myth so the first half of the story usually is pretty consistent across the board (usually) its the second half of the story (were Psyche is on redemption road for Cupid's love) that is usually different. Like in Edith Hamilton's version Psyche gets help from various creatures, this version Cupid looks out for her, in other versions Aphrodite's tries to kill her (well for a second time) but in the end she always ends up with Cupid and marries him and becomes a goddess.
Anyway, this truly is a beautiful adaptation, like Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark the art really enhances the story. It's a timeless tale that's been re-told and re-used in other Christianized classics like Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Hans my Hedgehog, and many more. But this was the first! after all Psyche has sex with Cupid/Eros before they're married and before she even knows who he is! though I will say, that the fact that Cupid had to accidentally pierce himself with the arrow always did bother me, like he only loves her because he's under his own spell. In some versions he just falls in love with her naturally but in this version Craft went with the old love charm.
I've read a lot of versions of this myth so the first half of the story usually is pretty consistent across the board (usually) its the second half of the story (were Psyche is on redemption road for Cupid's love) that is usually different. Like in Edith Hamilton's version Psyche gets help from various creatures, this version Cupid looks out for her, in other versions Aphrodite's tries to kill her (well for a second time) but in the end she always ends up with Cupid and marries him and becomes a goddess.
March 23, 2024
Love, it is an untasted food, an unfamiliar smell, a ghost of a caress. An unknown until it becomes known, a craving for what we do not know. Seen in others, but that is not enough for us. Psyche's curse is that she is too beautiful, a beauty to rival the Gods, and from it, no suitors dare approach, but her beauty awakens ire of one God in particular.
Even the plans of the Gods get upset by the winds of fate, from jealousy of Hera she brings upon herself worse events than those she sought to end. She is representative of the Dark Mother, raising and dotting upon her privileged son stunting the man into a baby like caricature. The relationship between Cupid, Psyche and Hera gave me Oedipial vibes, particularly give their close resemblance, from it you can make connections archetypical representations of the masculine and feminine.
There were two other short stories included in the book, but they lacked the substance of the title story. There was little by way of motive in the characters and was more a fragment than a cohesive narrative.
Rating: 2 / 5
Recommended for those interested in Ancient Greece and their myths.
Slide across and hit me back with your pick of the 🖐...
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Even the plans of the Gods get upset by the winds of fate, from jealousy of Hera she brings upon herself worse events than those she sought to end. She is representative of the Dark Mother, raising and dotting upon her privileged son stunting the man into a baby like caricature. The relationship between Cupid, Psyche and Hera gave me Oedipial vibes, particularly give their close resemblance, from it you can make connections archetypical representations of the masculine and feminine.
There were two other short stories included in the book, but they lacked the substance of the title story. There was little by way of motive in the characters and was more a fragment than a cohesive narrative.
Rating: 2 / 5
Recommended for those interested in Ancient Greece and their myths.
Slide across and hit me back with your pick of the 🖐...
@fivequotebookchallenge
July 8, 2020
This story never gets old! By far my favorite classical Greek myth of all time, besides the story of Persephone and Hades. One of the things about this myth that draws me in every time is how Psyche is set on a perilous quest in order to achieve her goal/desire (aka her love for Cupid.) Not to mention that she's not focused all on looks (vanity), but rather getting to know a person for who they really are. The scenes of her time in Cupid's palace vividly entranced and reminded me of the old French story of "Beauty and the Beast," especially with Cupid rumored to be a beastly creature. Lastly, what I also enjoyed about this retelling was the intricate artwork throughout the book. It was so beautifully crafted and a great accompaniment for the story!
January 24, 2019
Another wonderfully crafted, beautifully illustrated retelling. I love Craft's artistry in conjunction with the story. I also love how we get the perfect amount of words to get a real sense for the characters and their worlds. This is a stunning story and I appreciated that it was retelling a Roman Myth instead of the popular Greek. It made it refreshing (though to be clear I love both Greek and Roman Myths). I highly recommend this to children and adults alike; whomever is interested.
February 23, 2017
I knew a tiny bit about the Cupid and Psyche myth when I began reading this version. It's a great lesson in trust and patience. Also, another beautifully illustrated book by Craft. I'm terribly excited to own it. I think this book will appeal to readers of all ages. That said, being this is the fairytale version, perhaps I'll dig deeper and read more about this great love.
September 2, 2019
Exceptional. This is one of KY Craft's most brilliant displays of artwork. I adored what she did here and found myself going back several times just to savor her illustrations. Gorgeous, all of them. Goddesses, Hades, Styx, ooooh, make sure this one is in your collection to keep. I'm sad I've been without it for so long.
THIS IS STUNNING WORK.
THIS IS STUNNING WORK.
May 4, 2023
Not my favorite telling of the myth (Psyche is supposed to be pregnant during her trials), but perfectly good. I like this myth and it's all there minus some details. I came for the art and that did not disappoint, especially when this book contains one of my favorite Craft illustrations when Pysche is crying by the pool: perfection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews