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.
Max and Ruby in Pandora’s Box
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…
It’s All Greek to Me
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.
The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus
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.
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths
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.
The Chocolate Touch
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.
Black Ships Before Troy: The Story of The Iliad
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 Beautiful Stories of Life: Six Greeks Myths, Retold
Have you ever wondered why the leopard has spots or why a spider has a big butt? This collection of six stories uses African folklore and storytelling techniques to explain natural phenomena.
Why Leopard has Spots: Dan Stories from Liberia
Polo’s adventure begins as his others do: leaving home for an imaginative journey. Here, the small dog sails away in his boat but gets frozen in ice. He gets help from a new friend whose fiery breath allows them to sail off together. Words are not needed in this enjoyable tale.
Polo and the Dragon
This lush collection of twelve traditional Latin American tales brings the history and culture of thirteen countries into a vivid new perspective. Readers will have a unique glimpse of the early indigenous cultures, and of the literature that later blossomed with the blending of the Spanish and Native cultures.
Golden Tales: Myths, Legends, and Folktales from Latin America
Simeon loves a noblewoman from afar and seeks to find the music from deep inside him. His quest turns to despair until a series of events allow him to discover his real worth. Well told and strikingly illustrated, this modern fable resonates with readers.
Simeon’s Gift
The murder of a young knight, a white wolfhound, and a faithful page in medieval France all come together to create a fast-paced, gripping mystery.
Dragon: Hound of Honor
After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, 12-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: he is a demigod, half human, half immortal. He’s a 21st century son of the ancient Greek god Poseidon on the biggest adventure of his young life — a quest to find out who stole Zeus’s lightening bolt! Together with his trusted friends, Percy travels through the United States, battling monsters and hunting the elusive title character. (Book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)
The Lightning Thief
Dazzling illustrations combine with lyrical language to emulate a creation myth. Set in the Himalayan Mountains, this original tale dramatically explains why the sun and moon wax and wane and of friendship between a girl and the Snow Leopard.
Snow Leopard
Not all pirates did their dirty work on the sea and not all of them were men. The stories in history and lore of the Sea Queens are presented in an evocative format with bold illustrations, separating fact from fiction.
Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World
Greek gods and goddesses are the stuff of contemporary superheroes. Dramatic full-color, exaggerated comic book illustrations are used to present a dozen of the ancient heroes, sure to thrill contemporary, more experienced readers.
The Mighty 12: Superheroes of Greek Myth
The Whydah Galley was a real, fast-moving ship that was involved in 18th century slave trade, transporting people from Africa to the Caribbean until captured by pirates. How the Whydah and her treasures were discovered by underwater archaeologists is revealed in informal text and dramatic illustrations. Additional resources are included.
Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship
Regardless of where they are found, mazes are amazing! Visit mazes that can be found around the world in this brief, informative, and intriguing look at these mysterious labyrinths.
Mazes Around the World
Tales drawn from the oral tradition are retold with verve and musical language certain to delight listeners of all ages. Bryan’s paintings decorate each tale, bringing characters and plot vividly to life.
Ashley Bryan’s African Tales, Uh-huh
Three leprechauns can’t help but create a bit of mischief on their way to place their pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow; that’s what leprechauns do! This spritely original tale, accompanied by energetic illustrations evokes the magic and mayhem often attributed to the Little Folk of Irish lore.
That’s What Leprechauns Do
Part of DK’s set of ultimate superhero guides, this volume features the superhero team the Justice League, complete with back stories, trivia,and big beautiful pictures. Meet the original Heroes.
JLA: The Ultimate Guide to the Justice League of America
How did the world come to have stories? It’s all because Ananse the Spider Man was able to perform three amazing feats — and send stories from Nyame throughout the world of people. Strong woodcuts illustrate this traditional African tale which explains how stories came to earth.
A Story, A Story
The girl who tended horses loved them so much that she joined them, literally! The carefully crafted, handsomely rendered illustrations echo the Native tradition studied by the reteller/illustrator.
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
In this retelling of a beloved Mexican folktale, Tomie dePaola presents Lucinda, a young girl who is helping her mother weave a new blanket for Baby Jesus to be used in the Christmas procession to the church. When her mother falls ill, however, Lucinda tries to continue weaving and is distraught when the blanket’s threads get tangled. She is sure that she has ruined the celebration — until a Christmas miracle brings forth the flaming red-star flowers that we still enjoy each December. Beautiful artwork will enthrall readers.