*Greek Myths by Marcia Williams

*Greek Myths by Marcia Williams.  Candlewick, 2011.  Ages 4-up. 

Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 4-8, Ages 8-10, Ages 10-12

Marcia Williams’ Greek Myths is a great introduction to Greek mythology.  It includes a number of short story presentations, in comic book format, that allow kids to read a story and understand the plot arc in just a few minutes.  Like storybook Bibles, the content is simplified so that kids get the main ideas, and the fun cartoon illustrations and thought bubbles add whimsy and humor, making this a light read despite the dark elements.

Williams has done a number of books like this on classic subjects, including the Illiad, the Odyssey, Ancient Egypt and Shakespeare.  I can’t vouch for the content of all of them, but this book really helped whet my children’s appetites to learn more about Greek culture.  It also helped them think through many good moral questions.

Cautions: Violence (not graphic), Supernatural (false gods), Dark/Depressing (death, disappointment)

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Worldview Value: 4 out of 5

Artistic Value: 5 out of 5

Categories: Picture Books, Mythology, Starred Review, Classics, Ancient History

Cover image from Amazon.com. 

*indicates starred review