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The Mythology Handbook: An Introduction to the Greek Myths

Name: The Mythology Handbook: An Introduction to the Greek Myths
Author: Hestia Evans
ISBN: 9780763642914

by Hestia Evans, Dugald A. Steer (Editor), Various

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Overview

Gods! Heroes! Monsters! Explore the amazing myths of ancient Greece with this fun, interactive workbook — an essential companion to Mythology.

Which god never leaves Olympus without his winged sandals? How do you stop a hydra from growing more heads? Who was Nike before she inspired running shoes? Can you fi nd your way out of the Underworld? Sure to fascinate both avid mythologists and new fans alike, this lavish, highly informative handbook is brimming with facts and special features, including:
. flaps
. maps
. stickers
. eight hero and monster cards
. fact files on beasts and heroes
. many heroic and monstrous activities

Synopsis

Gods! Heroes! Monsters! Explore the amazing myths of ancient Greece with this fun, interactive workbook — an essential companion to Mythology.

VOYA

Greek mythology can be intriguing to almost anyone. Stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes can tempt even the most challenging or unmotivated student. The tales are timeless and are openly alluded to in many great pieces of literature. This book provides a solid introduction into Greek mythology and culture. Supposedly written by the Lady Hestia Evans for her two children, the book is divided into three sections—The Immortals, Gods and Men, and A Time of Heroes. Each section is filled with lessons that the reader can complete after digesting the information. The lessons are brief but offer a good introduction into the major workings of Greek mythology. Some lessons also provide information on Greek culture, such as architecture, art, and theater. The text is a bit childish but would be perfect for middle grade readers. They will find this book, with its smaller trim size than other 'Ology books, both inviting and informative. The Lady Hestia even provides colorful stickers for the reader and two copies of the Greek alphabet, which can be used to send coded messages between two people. The author has also included a time line of Greek history, a family tree explaining the relationships between the gods and goddesses, and an explanation of the Greek alphabet, overall providing a good introduction into the world of Greek mythology for younger readers. Reviewer: Jonatha Basye

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Editorials

VOYA - Jonatha Basye

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

Originally written in the nineteenth century by an adventurer and explorer named Hestea Evans for her two children Hector and Hippolyte, this condensed look at Greek mythology briefly introduces the gods, goddesses, and stories about ancient Greece. Divided into three sections, the book cleverly introduces the stories of ancient Greece and the players within it without overwhelming young readers. Appropriately illustrated using period and contemporary drawings, each lesson concludes with an activity challenge for the reader. It is a brief introduction into a subject that was once de rigueur for students of all ages but went out of fashion in the twentieth century. The book concludes with a time line of Greek history; a family tree of gods, goddesses, monsters and heroes; Greek and Roman alphabets; and a map of ancient Greece. A portable Greek alphabet and pages of stickers are also included to entertain young readers, as they were in the original edition. Even parents may learn a thing or two from this book. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger, Ph.D.

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up—This follow-up to Mythology (Candlewick, 2007) again uses the voice of a fictional 19th-century scholar. Here, Lady Hestia Evans offers a guide to elements of Greek myth for her two children, providing information in "lessons" (e.g., "Life on Olympus" or "Religion in Ancient Greece") with exercises based on each topic. Some of the activities encourage students to do further research (look up Hesiod's "Heroic Age"), while others suggest that they draw new monsters, write hymns with the Muses' help, or design a new pentathlon for the Olympics. Mazes and a word search (using Greek letters) are also included. Unlike its predecessor, The Mythology Handbook does not have many pull-out parts, but a selection of stickers that will not circulate well is appended along with a small envelope containing a letter with a message written in Greek for youngsters to decode. More ambitious readers may have already picked up Edith Hamilton's Mythology, which offers far more in-depth versions of the selections touched on here. However, the activities are engaging, and the illustrations of creatures and maps of the ancient world will add to the knowledge of even more experienced myth fans. This is a worthwhile addition to libraries where the "ology" books circulate well, and for classrooms seeking activities to tie into mythology units.—Alana Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT