Greek myths and heroes have been the perennial literary and entertainment diet of young and old for decades and with Hollywood ramping up the superhero genre, it looks they'll be around for eons to come.
In the event that you would entertain the idea of 'feeding' your children alternatives to Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs, here is a list of 10 books compiled by Teaching Expertise (which includes Publisher descriptions) intended for the younger demographic; children and teens:
1. D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology-and continues to enthrall young readers.
Here are the greats of ancient Greece-gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters-as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today.
No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come.
"For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation."-The Horn Book
"The drawings . . . are excellent and excitingly evocative."-The New York Times
2. Greek Myths: Meet the Heroes, Gods,& Monsters of Ancient Greece
A beautifully-illustrated book filled with over 30 Ancient Greek Myths for children aged 7-9.
Journey into a world of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, extraordinary creatures and fantastic monsters with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Ancient Greek mythology. Perfect for children aged 7 to 9, this collection contains more than 30 enthralling new retellings of favourite Greek myths as well as some you might not have heard before.
3. Poseidon: God of the Sea and Earthquakes
Introduces the Greek god Poseidon and explains his importance; features well-known Greek myths about this god; and includes map of ancient Greece and family tree of the Greek gods.
4. The One-Eyed People Eater
Odysseus tackles a monstrous challenge in this illustrated Level 3 Ready-to-Read retelling of the Cyclops myth, from Goddess Girls author Joan Holub.
On their way home to Greece after fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus and his army are shipwrecked on an island--the island where Cyclops, the one-eyed monster, lives! Cyclops traps Odysseus and his men and threatens to eat them one by one. Can Odysseus come up with a clever plan to outsmart the people-eater and return his men to safety?
5. Hour of the Olympics
The #1 bestselling chapter book series of all time celebrates 25 years with new covers and a new, easy-to-use numbering system!
No girls allowed at the Olympic Games! That's the rule when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to ancient Greece. But when Annie tells jack to go to the games without her, he knows she's up to something. Will Annie find a way to see the games? Or will she get herself—and Jack—into Olympic-size trouble? Find out in Hour of the Olympics.
6. Beast Keeper
Beasts of Olympus is a series of 144-page illustrated chapter books set in a magical Ancient Greece where strange things still walk the Earth. Beast Keeper tells the story of Pandemonius (a.k.a. Demon, the half-god son of Pan) who, on his tenth birthday, is called upon to look after all the mythical creatures that belong to the stables of Olympus.
7. Athena the Brain
Athena finds out she’s a goddess and goes to Mount Olympus Academy in this first book in the Goddess Girls Graphic Novel series, based on the popular and long-running Goddess Girls series.
Athena always knew she was smart and special, but she didn’t realize that she was a goddess! When she’s whisked away to Mount Olympus Academy, she worries about fitting in and dealing with her dad, Zeus. Luckily, she meets the Goddess Girls and finds the best friends she’s ever had.
8. Pandora Gets Jealous
Pandora Atheneus Andromaeche Helena (or Pandy, for short) has no idea what she'll bring for her school project. By accident she discovers a simple box, said to contain something so terrifying and horrible that no one must ever, ever touch it for fear of inflicting all of mankind with the wrath of the Gods and Goddesses. This, of course, makes the box the perfect thing for Pandora to bring for her school project. Unfortunately, things don't go quite the way she was hoping, and the box accidentally gets opened, unleashing all kinds of evil and misery into the world. Hauled before Zeus, Hera and the rest of immortals, Pandy's given the task of collecting all the evils within a year's time.
9. Medusa Jones
In ancient Greece lived a little girl called Medusa Jones. Medusa was a Gorgon, but apart from that, pretty normal. So she has snakes for hair instead of gorgeous blond ringlets like Cassandra. So her best friend is half horse. Is that any reason for the popular kids to be SO mean?
10. The Tail of Emily Windsnap
A young girl learns she’s half mermaid and plunges into a scheme to reunite with her father in this entrancing, satisfying tale that beckons readers far below the waves.
For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep Emily away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery — about her own identity, the mysterious father she’s never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water’s surface. With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident — an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.
