Overview
Pandora has been warned about the forbidden jar. Although she is surrounded with gifts and has rooms, gardens, and a courtyard to explore, Pandora is drawn to one room—the one that holds that jar. Is Pandora’s curiosity a curse?
In a seamless blend of prose and verse—and drawing from traditional mythological sources—Robert Burleigh dramatically tells Pandora's story for young readers. Complemented by Raul Colón's bold illustrations, Pandora is an unforgettable introduction to the classic myth.
Synopsis
An inspired retelling of a classic tale
Publishers Weekly
King-Smith provides frothy fun with this blithe tale about a precocious baby. Four-week-old George shocks his sister, seven-year-old Laura, when he begins to converse in full sentences. George convinces his sibling to keep his gift a secret from their parents, particularly after a tentative test ("Yes, Mommy," he says at six weeks) produces full-blown shock and the couple threatens to call a doctor ("We're going to have to slow things down a bit. That's the trouble with grown-ups something out of the ordinary happens and they panic. Children are so much more sensible," George tells Laura). Meanwhile, Laura finds it's useful having someone to help her with her multiplication tables (her brother knows them all). Eventually, George finds a way to wean his baffled parents from their incessant baby talk, and they soon grow accustomed to his abilities. When he requests an encyclopedia for his first birthday, "They did not even flinch." King-Smith mines his entertaining premise, delivering a steady stream of droll observations and snappy comebacks (" `But George,' said Laura, `how do you know the English language?' `Well, I'm English, aren't I?' "). Brown's impish line drawings of the round-headed family provide the icing on the (birthday) cake, as all of the one-year-old's party guests gape in wide-eyed wonder. Beginning readers will eat it up. Ages 7-9. (Apr.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly
King-Smith provides frothy fun with this blithe tale about a precocious baby. Four-week-old George shocks his sister, seven-year-old Laura, when he begins to converse in full sentences. George convinces his sibling to keep his gift a secret from their parents, particularly after a tentative test ("Yes, Mommy," he says at six weeks) produces full-blown shock and the couple threatens to call a doctor ("We're going to have to slow things down a bit. That's the trouble with grown-ups something out of the ordinary happens and they panic. Children are so much more sensible," George tells Laura). Meanwhile, Laura finds it's useful having someone to help her with her multiplication tables (her brother knows them all). Eventually, George finds a way to wean his baffled parents from their incessant baby talk, and they soon grow accustomed to his abilities. When he requests an encyclopedia for his first birthday, "They did not even flinch." King-Smith mines his entertaining premise, delivering a steady stream of droll observations and snappy comebacks (" `But George,' said Laura, `how do you know the English language?' `Well, I'm English, aren't I?' "). Brown's impish line drawings of the round-headed family provide the icing on the (birthday) cake, as all of the one-year-old's party guests gape in wide-eyed wonder. Beginning readers will eat it up. Ages 7-9. (Apr.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.Children's Literature
This is the story of the classic Greek myth of Pandora, the beautiful woman obsessed with her own curiosity and ultimately tempted to satisfy it. The author gives a good explanation of the myth's origins at the beginning of the book as well as a glossary of Greek gods' names. All of this not only helps the reader understand the plot better, but also the magnitude of Pandora's crime. The text is almost poetic in its verse-like design. Language is used carefully, precisely and pointedly. This adds to the suspense of the story as the reader feels Pandora's temptation rise. The illustrations resemble gallery oil paintings as each is carefully framed on a page. The entire book gives an aura of seriousness and concern; the magnitude of Pandora's weakness is appreciated. Older children will understand the moral behind this story and acknowledge the strength of temptation and the power of hope. It is a book to be discussed. 2002, Harcourt,— Andrea Sears Andrews