The McElderry Book of Greek Myths

The McElderry Book of Greek Myths

By: Eric A. Kimmel










BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric. 2008. The McElderry Book of Greek Myths. Ill by Pep Montserrat. New York: M.K. McElderry Books. ISBN 1416915346

PLOT SUMMARY

This well thought-out anthology includes 12 popular Greek myths, retold in the precise style of Eric Kimmel with the illustrative talents of Pep Montserrat. Represented are familiar characters such as Prometheus, Pandora, Arachne, King Midas, Icarus, and Medusa as well as others. This child friendly collection is an excellent primer on some of the most well-known Greek myths that are represented and referenced in current young adult literature.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Eric Kimmel has taken 12 popular Greek myths and retold them in a direct, precise manner. The conversations between characters are concise and move the story along. It is printed in a pleasing font that is neither too big, nor too small. Each of the stories are told in a 3 - 10 page range, including illustrations. The highly moralistic re-tellings do so in such a manner that the themes resound without preaching.

The illustrations of Pep Montserrat are a perfect match for the re-tellings of Kimmel. His images and artwork touch on Ancient Greek design motifs, and the style with which he creates his characters is exciting, fitting with that of the author. The images are computer generated and tend to favor hues of strong blues, reds, greens, and browns that all meld well together. The layout of illustration and text is obviously well thought out, with a combination of full page spreads, text enmeshed with a two page illustration, and small, well-placed individual illustrations such as the one of Pygmalion and Galatea on the final page of their myth.

As an anthology, this is a successful offering. The table of contents reveals a layout of myths that makes sense in its order. While there are no source notes included, the myths are familiar enough to the readers that will pick it up. The illustrations integrate with the text and extend the meaning beyond. The length of each myth lends itself quite easily to being a read-aloud between parent and child with the parent, perhaps, omitting some of the more violent passages for those with delicate sensitivities. The re-telling of "Pandora's Box" and "Pygmalion and Galatea" were particularly well put together for a read aloud session. Eric Kimmel has done a wonderful job re-telling these perennial favorites from Greek mythology and, paired with the talented illustrations of Pep Montserrat, created an enjoyable anthology for children and adults alike.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

*Best Children's Books of the Year, 2009, Bank Street College of Education
*Storytelling World Award, 2009, Honor Book Storytelling Collections

*Starred review in Children's Literature..."Gods and goddesses powerful and benevolent, men and women wise and foolish, and fierce monsters fill the pages of this book. Familiar Greek myths are retold in language that is both dramatic and simple. Included are the stories of "Pandora's Box", "King Midas and the Golden Touch", "Persephone and Hades", "Jason and the Golden Fleece", and "Daedalus and Icaris". The stories are abridged, but the telling is smooth and natural with lots of tension and action to hold the attention of the reader or listener. Kimmel weaves his dry and clever wit into the tales while retaining their dignity. The computer generated illustrations reflect the design motifs of Ancient Greece and facial expressions convey a wealth of emotions from the devilish, wicked Hades to the smitten lovers Pygmalion and Galatea. The careful wording of the text, the size of the font, and the placement of the colorful illustration show that meticulous care has been given to make this book a worthy addition to mythology collections."

*Starred review in Booklist..."These accessible retellings of Greek myths form the third entry in the McElderry Books Collection, which also includes volumes of Grimms' fairy tales and Aesop's fables. Kimmel uses spare, direct language and lots of exciting action in his short selections, and passages of dialogue among the characters add to the ancient stories' sense of immediacy. On every page, Montserrat's stylish computer-generated artwork picks up on ancienct Greek design motifs and creates memorable charactes from the mythical archetypes--from sword-wielding soldiers to Medusa and her writhing, poisonous snakes. The organization is thoughtful: the myth of Prometheus, who filled the world with living creatures and gave humans fire, is the first entry. And Kimmel begins the collections with solid answers to the question, "Why bother retelling these ancient stories?" One disappointment: there are no source notes. Give this to readers older than the target readership, especially those seeking a quick overview of myths referenced in recent novels, such as Rick Riordan's The Lighting Thief."

CONNECTIONS

*Have students imagine they are a hero of Greek mythology, preparing for a journey. Before they go, they must order their necessary supplies. Have them write a letter to Heroic Discount Supplies, 744 Olympian Way.

*Guide a values discussion on heroes. The heroes of mythology are often portrayed as having great strength and raw courage in the face of danger. Compare that to present day. Discuss and have them write about "Who is your hero...and why?" They can also prepare a presentation, if so desired.

*Create character cubes on their favorite character from Greek mythology. Each side of the cube is filled in with notes or illustrations of their character (their feats, descriptions of, facts regarding...)

*Allow the students to work in small groups to act out a Greek myth of their choosing. They can create props, backdrops, and costumes accordingly.