The Minotaur

by Russell Punter

Theseus is determined to slay the monster that lives at the heart of the Labyrinth. But even if he succeeds, will he make it back home to Athens in one piece? Part of the Usborne Young Reading Programme, based on the Greek myth, aimed at children just beginning to read to help build confidence and ability. This title is developed in consultation with Alison Kelly, who is a senior lecturer in education and an early reading specialist from Roehampton University.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Mythology

48 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 2009

About the author

Russell Punter was born in Bedfordshire, England. From an early age he enjoyed writing and illustrating his own stories. He trained as a graphic designer at art college in West Sussex before entering the world of publishing. He has written over one hundred books for children of all ages, ranging from original stories to adaptations of classic novels.

Reviews

[Becky B]

A simplified retelling of the Greek myth about Theseus, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur.

Very simple language used to tell the story, but does still include the Minotaur being killed and Theseus abandoning Minos' daughter on an island and King Aegeus assuming his son is dead and jumping into the sea (though no details about what happened to him after). Would be a good choice for lower reading middle graders who are studying Greek mythology.

Notes on content: Minotaur stabbing with sword shown on page and a mildly bloody scratch before that. As I mentioned in the review, King Aegeus jumps into the sea in a fit of despair but it doesn't say if he dies or just disappears and ends up stranded on a desert island or something.

[Slow Man]

This old Greek myth involves a monster, a labyrinth and a brave son of God Aegeus, Theseus. You can expect an appearance of an accomplice, a cheating heart and a twist that make the story so enticing.

[Natalie]

Tells the story of Theseus who enters the labrynth to kill the minotaur.

Content: One picture of Theseus stabbing the minotaur with his sword, one of the minotaur dead with the sword in his chest, and one of King Aegeus who jumps into the sea to kill himself.

[Krisz]

Not scary retelling, good.

[Christine]

Retelling for kids

[Fenco Chen]

Lexile®: 550L, 1110W, 100%, 6y3m

[Sara]

3.45

An entertaining tale but terribly depressing ending. Ugh I don't know if I will ever be able to wipe it from my mind. Very adventurous and detailed illustrations compliment the story well

[JakeK.]

I think the book has a really sad ending with a cool twist. If Theseus was alive, they would come back with a white sail if not, then a black sail. But the god punished Theseus for leaving someone on an island so the god made Theseus and the sailors to forget it. So while they were coming home, their father saw the black flag and commit suicide.