A Child's Introduction to Greek Mythology: The Stories of the Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, Monsters, and Other Mythical Creatures

by Heather Alexander, Meredith Hamilton (Illustrator)

The newest book in Black Dog's best-selling, award-winning series explores the fascinating world of Greek mythology from the myth of Narcissus to Odysseus versus the Cyclopes. Includes a Gods and Goddesses Family Tree Poster and Stickers!

Packed with action, adventure, tragedy, and triumph, A Child's Introduction to Greek Mythology acquaints kids ages 9-12 with all the fantastic and memorable classic Greek myths. The book is organized into two main parts. The first section introduces the gods and goddesses, from Apollo to Hades, as well as nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, and the mortal descendants of Zeus, such as Hercules and Midas. Part two is dedicated to the myths Pandora's Box, Prometheus' Discovery of Fire, the Trojan Horse and many more. Sidebars feature word definitions and fun facts, as well as games and projects. As with all of the other books in the Child's Introduction series, Meredith Hamilton's witty and charming illustrations add yet another dimension to the excellent and absorbing text.

Genres: Mythology, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, History, Greek Mythology

96 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2011

Reviews

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite several editing mistakes, the book is a huge hit with both me and my child. Perfect length to get kids interested and give them a basic familiarity with the major players of Greek mythology. Now she may take more interest in reading the longer and more in-depth versions of the myths. It is important to me that she be familiar with the stories and characters because they have integrally shaped our language and culture. This knowledge will add richness to any future reading of literature that references these stories.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these stories!

[Amanda Megee]

Title: A Child’s Introduction to Greek Mythology (specifically the story of “The War of Beauty and the Trojan Horse”)
Author: Heather Alexander
Illustrator: Meredith Hamilton
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): Greek gods/goddesses, mythology, war
Opening line/sentence: “Everyone, gods and mortals alike, was talking about the wedding of King Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis.”
Brief Book Summary: An apple that is meant “for the fairest” gets fought over by Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Paris chooses to award Aphrodite with the golden apple, and with that he gets to have the most beautiful woman in the world – Helen. Menelaus, Helen’s husband, gathers a troop of soldiers to eventually attack Troy and get Helen back. After many years, the Greeks fool the Trojans by giving them a wooden horse (filled with soldiers), and a war breaks out in the city of Troy eventually leading to its downfall.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Kimberly, High School English Teacher
I am using this book to introduce Greek Mythology to my 9th grade English classes. The language is easy to understand, the pictures provide a better visual than most Google images, and the poster of the family tree helps the students make connections between gods/goddesses. This book is excellent for children as well as anyone interested in learning about the basics of Greek mythology. I highly recommend it.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Barnes & Noble
Packed with action, adventure, tragedy, and triumph, A Child's Introduction to Greek Mythology acquaints kids ages 9–12 with all the fantastic and memorable classic Greek myths. The book is organized into two main parts. The first section introduces the gods and goddesses, from Apollo to Hades, as well as nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, and the mortal descendents of Zeus, such as Hercules and Midas. Part two is dedicated to the myths themselves: Pandora's Box, Prometheus' Discovery of Fire, the Trojan Horse and many more. Sidebars feature word definitions and fun facts, as well as games and projects. As with all of the other books in the Child's Introduction series, Meredith Hamilton's witty and charming illustrations add yet another dimension to the excellent and absorbing text.

Response to Two Professional Reviews: I agree when I think the language is not only easy to understand for younger readers, but it is engaging and descriptive. At times, the reader can really feel that they are a part of the story. The illustrations show the detail of the Greek gods and goddesses making it a perfect book for introducing Greek mythology.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: Since there is a collection of stories within the book itself, each story has its own plot, style, and themes. I think that the overall style of the book is important – there is a history of Greek mythology in general, followed by all of the myths with illustrations for each. The plot in each story does not waiver much from the original plot back in the old myths – it only makes the story line more appropriate for younger children.
Consideration of Instructional Application: Greek mythology is something that is taught throughout elementary school in social studies class. I think this book is a great way to introduce Greek mythology because not only does it show the basic information, but it also has a collection of myths about the famous gods and goddesses. These stories could be used for in-class presentations by students, or can even be acted out in a small “play” setting to help the students obtain more information.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I liked most (and it caused me to purchase this book) was the family tree (in full color) of the most important gods, goddesses, etc. The family tree is a separate piece of paper added to the book via an envelope on the inside cover. I thought it would add clarity to the morass of Greek gods and goddesses. I was disappointed because the info wasn't as clear as I'd hoped.

Children will enjoy the stickers (Apollo, Heracles, Ares, Nike, Dionysus, Hermes, Artemis, Pan, and the Three Graces) and temporary tattoos of gods , goddesses, monsters and mythical creatures (Pegasus, Zeus, Amazon, Harquis, Griffin, Chimera, Eros, Poseidon, Gorgon, Athena).

This is the first time I've added a criticism of this kind; the font on the titles of the different stories (the chapters) was hard to read. I had to figure out the names listed in the story, so I could read them. Also, the font of the numbers (pages of the book) was also hard to read.

The pronunciation guide of the Greek names was a real help.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9.5 year old daughter really enjoyed this book, and I did too. The first bit, describing each of the gods, goddesses, hero’s and monsters felt a bit dry to read aloud, but once we were reading through the actual myths afterward we found the first part very handy to refer back to. In fact, it all probably made more sense and was more interesting on the second pass. Illustrations are great, and my daughter loved the family tree poster - it came out every time to see if we could find the god/goddess in question.

It is also my first thorough introduction to Greek mythology so I can’t compare it yet, but I felt as though it really covers who’s who and what’s what. I think we’re very well poised to start the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series now!

[L.A.]

I’m not giving this book a rating. I was going to read a different book in the series at the recommendation of a friend, but this is the only version my library has available. It is very easy to read to my first grader and 2-year-old, and I would expect it to be easy for them to read when they get older as well. I enjoyed it and learned a lot! It’s the nature of the topic that I find not remotely appropriate for children, and I’m not sure at what age it would be: gods and goddesses were quite immoral and violent. There were lots of great stories I was able to read, and it definitely introduced them to Greek mythology. But I had to read everything first to decide what I was reading and what withholding. Never a popular method with the young ones.

[Dhanya Jothimani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good starting place for someone looking forward to know a bit on Greek Mythology. There was a section on a brief summary of God, Goddess and Monsters - it might seem tedious to read and remember everyone. But, the stories that followed give a better context to each of them. The stories were enjoyable. Also, I liked some references of ancient places to modern day cities/countries. Also, it's interesting to know zodiacs were prevalent in ancient Greece.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know little about Greek Mythology, characters and stories, this is a great place to start. Whimsical illustrations, short stories in the vernacular which would be great for children to share with adults. My library copy came sans family tree insert (darn!). Typos and other editorial errors diminish my rating, however.

[Foxlynx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, but thought that some of the stories were too short or it felt like some things were choppy and not thought out too well, course that could just be because I know the stories and know what's been left out. Although I was able to elaborate on certain points and tell my kids about other versions of the stories.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this alongside D’Aulaire’s Greek Myths with our 8-year old and we loved both books. They complement each other well. This one has simple writing and sometimes shorter versions of the stories, but includes lots of other information about the gods, Ancient Greece, and the places that the language of the myths is still present in modern American English. Very fun!

[Dawn Laws · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Greek mythology. It includes lots of stories with text and illustrations of Greek Gods, Goddesses, heroes, monsters and more.

I rated this 5/5 because it is packed with information and useful to anyone young and old.

[Nicole McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5 year old loves it!

[Diana Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 7 year old loved it and was captivated by both the stories and the illustrations.

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to Greek Mythology for children. I liked that it covered not only the gods and goddesses but also heros.

[Lemon Juice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great edition of Greek mythology for kids.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice overview and a good selection of Greek Myths.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only an introduction for children, this volume is useful for adults as well. I did not know that "alphabet" came from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, nor did I know "panic" came from 'Pan'. The pronunciation guide is minimally useful, as it does not provide the stressed syllable, and does not include all Greek names used throughout. I wonder why Hephaestus and Aeacus, and place names, such as Asphodel, were not included. Good explanation of why many versions of these stories exist and background information is very helpful. fans of Rick Riordan and Harry Potter will find much to ponder consider based on the Greek gods. Each story presented on a different color page helps separate them.

[Bayou des Cannes Cajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating and read a multitude of times by myself out loud to my children and by my children independently. If you want a couple of Greek Mythology books for your children simply get this along with our favourite- D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths. Either of these books make wonderful editions to a new parent's library.

[Alyssa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is very explanitory on the old greek mythology, and on how they started. I also like how they really explain in detail about the difrent gods. I also enjoy how they add diffrent story's about the legends and songs. I aslo like the drawlings they have in the book it helps explain better.

[Keri Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

These "Child's Introduction to ______" books are excellent. We own the introduction to art and Greek Mythology. Josie loves these books. It's a good pre-Edith Hamilton book for kid's to learn more about Greek Mythology. Josie's grandma bought this for her and we bought her the Percy Jackson series to go along with this.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will always be near and dear to my heart. It was the very first book I ever read about Greek Mythology, all those years ago. I learned so much when I was seven about myths, back before Percy Jackson was a thing. I liked it before Greek Mythology was cool! All thanks to this book!

[Helio Winter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possui um grande número de estórias da mitologia grega.
Por isso, ela acaba contando-as com pouca profundidade.
Boa introdução para crianças dos grande mitos.

[Alessandra Leal Brasil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprei para minha afilhada e acabei lendo antes de dar de presente. O livro é uma graça, perfeito para crianças e gostoso de ser lido por adultos também.