Greek Gods and Heroes

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Like running through a museum - Rated
This book is great for children, it is simple, well possibly a bit too simple, I was stunned at how such stories could be summarised in such few words, as some of the greatest myths are written within a few pages, the accuracy of some stories is also very questionable.

The best description of this book would be like running through a museum, all the real interesting details are missed and nothing is really learnt, saying that if you don't know any of the Greek myths and would like to learn them quickly with a pinch of salt then this is a good start.

Excellent introduction to the Greek Myths, and not only for children - Rated
This book is a retelling of many of the greatest myths and legends of the Ancient Greek (and Roman) gods. The stories are told in a simple, engaging style, well suited to a children's book, without ever being patronising - which is quite a feat for an historian of Graves' standing.

This could be read alone by children from about 8 years or be read by an adult to even younger children. For an adult, either wanting a very quick reminder of certain tales - to look up the bare bones of a certain myth, or one who has never heard any of the Greek Myths before, it will also give a useful and very accessible introduction.

Some of the stories are (of necessity, for a children's book, given the sexual adventures of most of the Gods) bowdlerised a little - e.g. Zeus "marries" girls continually, rather than having the rather more impermanent relationships that the adult version of these myths would explain - but not to an extent that it affects the feel or the content.

Great re-telling of the most memorable Greek myths. - Rated
Venerable writer Robert Graves re-tells the most memorable Greek myths in a fun loving style that will entertain children and adults. Graves' narrator voice is sometimes amused, sometimes gently chiding as he describes the adventures of Hercules, the saga of Pandora and her unfortunate box, Midas' tragic touch and Narcissus' self obsession. He also examines the roles and relationships of the twelve Olympians themselves.

This is not a dry textbook style treatment of mythology, but a wonderfully absorbing bunch of yarns that can be read over and over to elementary school children; it will also be a useful reference down the road, when young children become older students. These are great stories, beautifully told.