The One-Eyed Giant and Other Monsters from the Greek Myths

Grade 1-3?With descriptive yet concise language, each one- or two-page retelling of the 10 myths in this collection captures the spirit of the tale. The author's respect for children and affection for her topic is apparent from carefully crafted text. On Typhon: "He could imitate the sound of any beast. The spread of his wings darkened the earth...He was married to the terrible snake-woman, Echidna, who ate men raw. The two of them were the proud parents of a hundred terrible monsters." The full-color illustrations, line drawings silk screened in gold ink and hand-colored with watercolors, reflect classical inspiration, but are vivid and pronounced in childlike, nearly cartoon simplicity. Text pages are set off with attractive Greek-scrolled borders. This book complements Rockwell's Robber Baby (Greenwillow, 1994) with the addition of some of the less familiar characters, including the Hydra, the Cyclopes, the Graiae, Medusa, and the Minotaur. It will be a satisfying read-aloud for families as well as a welcome classroom addition.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.