Ancient Gods and Goddesses

Why there are seasons, how trouble came into the world, and more stories about nature and human beings are eloquently retold through the stories of Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche. Delicate illustrations and rich language make these myths — and the characterization of the Greek gods and goddesses — just right to read aloud to sophisticated listeners.

The essence of Homer’s Iliad is captured by Sutcliff’s rich language combined with dramatic watercolor illustrations. The same team also presents Homer’s other well known epic tale in The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odyssey. These retellings present the entire stories that involve the gods and goddesses and their impact on humans. They are fast-paced, sometimes grisly tales that together make fine stories for more sophisticated readers.

Just like the golden touch of King Midas of the old Greek myth, young John Midas’ greed about candy turns sweet into bitter when he magically gains the ability to turn everything he touches into chocolate. This very funny take on an old tale is a classic in its own right and makes clear the Midas moral.

This richly illustrated, clearly presented look at Greek mythology begins with the first children of Mother Earth, the Titans, to the end of the Greek gods and goddesses’ reign. Similarly, this husband/wife duo introduces younger readers to the mythology of the north in D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths.

Brief retellings of Greek myths and a brief introduction to the gods and goddesses are presented in this thin, attractive volume. Though not as comprehensive as the d’Aulaires book, this is a useful beginning point.

In this installment of friends known as the Time Warp Trio, Joe, Fred, and Sam meet key figures from ancient Greek mythology when they’re transported back to Mount Olympus. It all started during a school play about ancient Greece…

When Max invades his sister’s private space, Ruby tells him the story of what happened long ago to another too-curious character named Pandora. Wells’ retelling and humorous illustrations make the ancient Greek myth a timely tale for contemporary readers.

Elegant illustrations decorate this free verse retelling of the young woman whose curiosity about the contents of a forbidden jar brought trouble into the world. A large format and limited text make this sophisticated telling more accessible.