A Gift from Zeus

by Jeanne Steig, William Steig (Illustrator)

Featuring Prometheus, Midas, Venus, Adonis, Perseus, and other Greek and Roman characters, a collection of sixteen myths are brought to life with a special twist.

Genres: Mythology, Literature, Short Stories

176 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definately not for young kids, as it mentions nudity, sex, rape, incest and murder (all the ingredients for classical greek mythology).

Apart from that, easy to read, light summary of 16 classical myths, illustrated in the quirky, distinctive style of William Steig.

[Cleo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky, ridiculous, and for mature audience, my goodness. Tales are told pretty simply. The author is Jeanne Steig, illustrated by William Steig. It does read with a William Steig vibe, if you like his style, which I do.

[Nancy O'Toole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeanne Steig's A Gift from Zeus, gathers sixteen classic Greek myths and attempts to retell them for children. The result is a somewhat uneven collection. Steig does a great job of simplifying complicated stories for children while leaving them mostly intact, but the language is somewhat inconstant. At times, it feels very modern, conversational and satisfyingly funny, but other times it feels rather formal. There is also some confusion as to what audience this book is intended for. On one hand, the language, length, and use of a children's illustrator would suggest this book was intended for chidren, but the subject matter seems more consistent with material available to adolescents. The author has made sure not to censor the myths, leaving in all of the rape, incest, and bestiality that can be found in the original tales. Another inconsistency is the author's frequent switch back and forth from the Greek to Roman names for the Gods (one example, Zeus is mostly referred to by his Greek name, but there are a few cases where he is called Jupiter). The author has included a list in the back that explains the identity of all of the Gods listed in the stories, but to a casual reader with no knowledge on Greek myths, they might not think to make the connection that the Venus referred to in the previous tale is the same as the Aphrodite in the next. It is also somewhat confusing why a collection of sixteen favorite myths does not include a retelling of “The Twelve Labors of Hercules.” If the author had chosen to include an introduction or conclusion for this collection, it would have given them them a chance to explain these choices in more detail, but they have not. The book is also illustrated by William Steig, who artwork provides the occasional visual element to the tale. The illustrations are similarly uncensored, often including exaggerated breasts and violence. Although the illustrations can often be amusing, they have a messy sketchy quality that may be interpreted as sloppy by some readers. It's great that William and Jeanne Steig have chosen to make a collection of tales for children, although their execution of this choice is somewhat uneven.
Recommended Grade Level- Middle School
(note- this review was written for a class)

[Kurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the writing in this book a lot. Kudos to Jeanne Steig for that. The illustrations, by her husband, and author of Shreck, amongst others, are not without their charm. However, I don't find his work particularly appealing, either. They are amusing, but many times I find myself laughing at them, not with them.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for children. Some bawdy and somewhat sexually explicit narrative. Entertaining, but don't let the cartoonish illustrations lead you to believe that this is just another collection of Greek/Roman myths.

[Brenna Smotzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 Myth
Title (italicize): A Gift From Zeus: Sixteen Favorite Myths
Author: Jeanne Steig
Illustrator (if separate from author): William Steig
Genre: Mythology
Theme(s): Greed, Jealousy,, Bad behavior, Good, Redemption
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text):
“It’s impossibly boring down here,” said Zeus. “How on earth can you bear it?”

Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words):
Jeanne Steig puts together a collection of Greek Mythology for children that highlights the humor yet seriousness of life itself. Each story has it’s own message to readers and highlights new characters.

Professional Recommendation/Review #1 (cut & paste, details below):
Name of Reviewer: Gloria Hummingbird
Name of Source (journal, association/organization, etc.): CLCD
Link to source: http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Short blurb from the review(cut & paste):
Lovers of Greek mythology will enjoy the "lighter side" of these favorite myths. "Perseus," is written in a rhyming style, which helps the flow of the story. The essence of the myth makes for an enjoyable read. The illustrations go well with the myths, and the whole book is tied together with grace, beauty, and laughter. Who would ever get that impression with Greek mythology? This book is recommended for older children. It is a great read-aloud book that will tie well with a Greek mythology study unit or geography unit.

Professional Recommendation/Review #2 (cut & paste, details below):
Name of Reviewer: Janice M. Del Negro
Name of Source (journal, association/organization, etc.): CLCD
Link to source: http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Short blurb from the review(cut & paste):
Steig adapts sixteen classical myths (including the stories of Prometheus, King Midas, Leda, Arachne, Venus and Adonis, and Orpheus and Eurydice) into tellable tales with an emphasis on the foibles of gods and men. Human weaknesses--greed, envy, lust, vanity, hubris--afflict both mortals and immortals, and, while the gods emerge unscathed, most of the human characters are not so lucky. The author embraces the bawdy humor and sexual tragedy of the tales, considering those humans who were unfortunate enough to become entangled in the lecherous pursuits of the gods as well as those who were unfortunate captives of their own desires. Rhyming verse is interjected into the tales to serve as humorous asides to the action (the Chimaera, for example, was rampaging about the countryside, dining on youths and maidens, which she preferred to the old and leathery. Old folks have horrid gristly strips/ that bruise a monster s dainty lips, she explained. And as she devoured the youths, she chanted gleefully A tender maid for breakfast,/ A toothsome lad for lunch,/ Oh, the succulent flesh/ Of the young and the fresh!/ Crunch, crunch, crunch ). William Steig s airy line drawings feature imaginatively proportioned (occasionally bare-buttocked) heroes, cavorting (occasionally bare-breasted) maidens, and amorous gods in frequently hilarious positions. This is a witty, sophisticated piece of work, sure to remind adult readers more of Steig s New Yorker cartoons than Sylvester and the Magic Pebble.

Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words)
I agree for the most part with these reviews, however, they both say that this book is for older readers (I’m assuming middle school age) but I think that older elementary school children would love this book as a read aloud. This book shows interesting perspectives in each story. This book has a lot to offer children because of it’s engaging storylines, interesting pictures, and deeper meanings.

Evaluation of Literary Elements (3-4 sentences in your own words):
The illustrations in this book are extremely colorful and lively. The are not extremely detailed and are more of a cartoon style, but nonetheless beautiful. The illustrations aren’t on every page but they still help the reader envision this foreign world.
This is a great introduction book into the world of Greek Mythology. The text is simple and easy to read. The only really challenging thing to read is the names of the characters. There are all different stories and different writing styles and this is a great book for kids to be able to see both side by side.

Consideration of Instructional Application(3-4 sentences in your own words):
I think I would do my mini-lesson on keeping track of characters in books. I would read a few of these stories out loud since most of these characters are unknown to kids and keep a chart on the board of all of the different characters and their personality traits. I think this will show them a good way to keep track of characters when reading a new book or when reading a book with confusing names and unknown characters. After the mini-lesson I would take them to the library and have them pick out a new book and keep track of the characters using a character chart. I could also connect this to a unit on greek mythology and other myths or to how authors choose to express their ideas (some as short stories and some as verse, etc).

[Chloe Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book when I was young. I was probably younger than the target audience, but these stories have stayed with me, probably because the telling is so vivid and frank. I think of it often, which I think is one of the best compliments I could give.

[Shelley Alongi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The poetry is pretty good. I didn’t think this book was for children I must’ve missed something somewhere. I liked the modern twist everything. But I knew most of these stories so I didn’t really learn anything new. I did like the sarcasm and humor that was thrown in unexpected places.

[Jennifer Martelon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Title: A Gift From Zeus
Author: Jenna Steig
Illustrator: William Steig
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): Different themes present throughout stories
Opening line/sentence: “It’s impossibly boring down here,” said Zeus.
Brief Book Summary: This book consists of sixteen different and favorite Greek and Roman myths. These myths are attempted to be rewritten for children.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Steig, Jeanne A Gift from Zeus: Sixteen Favorite Myths
   170 pp. HarperCollins/Cotler 2001. ISBN 0-06-028405-6 LE ISBN 0-06-028406-4
(1) YA Illustrated by William Steig. The Steigs bring Greek myths up to date by reaching back two millennia to the Roman poet Ovid. In most of the myths, Jeanne Steig replicates Ovid's racy, richly detailed plots. The full-page vignettes reflect the text's comical, bawdy spirit with a sunny palette and deftly drafted figures, distilling the essence of the tale. This book spirals from simple tales of creation and divine dalliances to myths of more complexity, tales featuring human aspirations, life stories, and tragedies.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Gloria Hummingbird (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 14, No. 3)) Lovers of Greek mythology will enjoy the "lighter side" of these favorite myths. "Perseus," is written in a rhyming style, which helps the flow of the story. The essence of the myth makes for an enjoyable read. The illustrations go well with the myths, and the whole book is tied together with grace, beauty, and laughter. Who would ever get that impression with Greek mythology? This book is recommended for older children. It is a great read-aloud book that will tie well with a Greek mythology study unit or geography unit. Nonfiction (398.2). n/a. 2001, Joanna Cotler Books, 166p, $17.89. (PUBLISHER: Joanna Cotler Books ([New York]:), PUBLISHED: c2001.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I think that both reviews tell us the basics of what elements are included in this book. It gives you an idea of what to expect while reading this book. However, I do not agree with the second review when they say that the illustrations go great together with the text. My personally opinion is that I think the illustrations are mature for children. I understand that the illustrations are trying to include how illustrations were during the time these myths were written. However, I think for the audience that I was looking to use this book with, which was kindergarten through second I think that the illustrations would not be appropriate. I also think that the language that is used and how the myths are written are not for children either and they may become confused of the point of the stories.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book contains many different myths into one book but the language the author uses I think is advance for the age group I was looking to read this book to. Therefore, I do not think that this book has strong literary elements for the audience that I was seeking to get involved with this book.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would not use this book in my classroom because since I am aiming to teach younger children like grades kindergarten and first grade, these myths may be hard for them to comprehend and follow.

[Jody Mena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually a very good book! The myths were told in a very colloquial manner, which was refreshing and interesting. A lot of us have heard all of these myths before here or there, but as some may have forgotten in this age of written words, and almost overwhelming media sensationalism, that its not always the facts of a story that are important, but HOW the story is told. Storytelling is nearly a lost art, but it still has the power to stir the imagination when its done right, and the same tale, told by different people or in different ways, can turn out to be a whole different story. They myths in this book are perfect storytelling stories. While reading, you should read these aloud, especially the rhyming parts - poetry was meant to be read aloud, after all, for the sensual pleasure hearing of the rhyming and rhythm, like a kind of music. I'd love to memorize some of the myths as they're written in these books to recite later, they're perfect for it!

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

People who give this wonderful book a bad review on the grounds that they or their toddlers were shocked by it deserve to be chained to a rock, or turned into swine. This is NOT a children's book (though we read it to our children when they were about ten, and they have not turned into criminal misfits yet). What it is: a wonderfully irreverent / childish / violent / bawdy / absurd / funny / unexpected take on the most famous Greek myths, refreshingly cleansed of all the piety and earnest dullness that usually clings to them. One of GIFT's chief pleasures is the precision with which William Steig's fabulous illustrations match Jeanne Steig's style: just look at the cover, and you know at once exactly what the text will be like.

[Skylar Burris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here is the description on the book: "Featuring gods and goddesses, flying horses, Minotaurs, and monsters, this rhyming saga is designed to be a humorous introduction to mythology for young readers. Full color." We began reading a random story to start, which my daughter chose from the pictures on the back, and I discovered four problems with the description. One, the story did not rhyme. Two, it was not a saga (but a short story). Three, it was not particularly humorous. And four, it was not suitable for young readers, unless you think your young reader is ready to hear graphic details of intimate encounters with naked marble statues of women.

[Loki · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars for Perseus, Bellerophon, and Theseus. I could kind of understand them more; I was already familiar with parts of them. The other ones had more like kissy stuff.

Mom's note: Reading Greek mythology to your 5 year old may not be the best choice. This book was full of, um, ungodly behavior, mostly of a sexual nature. I had to stay a line ahead so I could edit the worst of it. However! I love that Loki really had an interest in this book (has he ever met a book he didn't like?) and through reading it, we both got a good introduction to the characters and stories of Greek mythology. They rarely have happy endings, which vexes me.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the top Greek myths. Fun, punchy, clear. However, NOT FOR LITTLE KIDS! It's saucy! The author has no reservations about mentioning Zeus ravishing virgins, etc., in almost every chapter. Furthermore, lots of boobies in the pictures. It's all correct, but if you aren't ready to explain consensual sex, rape and more to your kids, hold off a few years before letting them read this.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a tad raunchy for the intended audience (children). Otherwise, interesting stories; but Caldecott-winning William Steig's illustrations made everyone look slightly deformed, so that those who were described as so beautiful that everyone was in love with them, looked somewhat hideous in the illustrations.

[Lelani Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Greece, I love Greek/Roman mythology and whenever I need a giggle, or a chuckle, or a refresher on classical mythology, I pick up this book. It's charming and amusing, re-tells classic tales of woe, and foe. Limbs wave, leaves flutter, among other sexy shenanigans that gods and goddesses get up, or down to. Tee hee.

[DilanAc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars because it is such a beautiful book. I don't think I have ever seen such thick paper ever used in even a coffee table book. And really that is what this is - a coffee table book. Some of the myths are interesting but they are mostly just recounted not given real life through an interesting storytelling manner.

[Nevada Libert · Rating 4 out of 5]

these are great greek myths.

[Cassie Helwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book, but NOT. Children's book like it is portrayed to be.