From the Publisher
Turnbull narrates with a vibrancy reminiscent of Geraldine McCaughrean, touched with a stateliness all her own. Sarah Young’s mixed-media artwork—regal, yet sensuous compositions in richly textured earthtones touch with gold—is sufficiently representational to assist younger readers with context clues, and sufficiently elegant and sophisticated to satisfy seasoned readers.
—Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books (starred review)
School Library Journal - Audio
Gr 6 Up—The pleasant timbre of Michael Page's expressive voice brings these Greek myths, retold by AnnTurnbull (Candlewick, 2010), to life. An introduction offers a helpful overview of what is contained on the CDs including the versions used, the lineage of the gods and goddesses, and the status of other mythological characters such as the Muses. Divided into general sections—"Earth, The Heavens and the Underworld," "Monsters and Heroes," and "Gods and Mortals"—various myths are masterfully presented, including Orpheus and Eurydice, The Minotaur, Bellerophon and the Winged Horse, Pan and Syrinx, King Midas and the Golden Touch, and Pandora. Mythological creatures and characters are briefly and clearly identified, a great help to listeners who may be unfamiliar with them and how they are related to one another. This will find an audience among students and teachers using the myths in class as well as those listening for entertainment.—Cynthia Ortiz, Hackensack High School, NJ
School Library Journal
Gr 4–8—Turnbull retells 16 myths in this beautifully designed, eye-catching volume that is loosely arranged in three sections. She adds details that help bring to life the stories of Persephone, Orpheus and Eurydice, Arachne, and foolish King Midas. The tales tell of lusty immortals like Zeus, Pan, and Apollo, and mortals whose pride leads to their downfall. The collection ends with the tale of Pandora, whose curiosity let loose a host of ills on humanity. The stellar book design and Young's lush mixed-media illustrations add to the book's appeal. One especially effective spread depicts Theseus at the center of a swirling maze of pathways as the bull-headed Minotaur awaits him at one end and Ariadne at the other. These well-known tales are available in many collections; this latest offering, distinguished by crisp writing and brilliant design, does a fine job of conveying the wonder and majesty of these tales and deserves a place in many libraries.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
MARCH 2012 - AudioFile
Michael Page depicts a world of gods, heroes, and monsters with a steady, well-paced narration of Turnbull’s 16 excellent retellings of these classics. Whether familiar or brand new to these myths, the listener is captivated as Page portrays each larger-than-life character. His narration is straightforward, with few characterizations for voices, except for such dramatic turns as the reeds’ whispering about King Midas having the ears of an ass. From the love affair of Orpheus and Eurydice to Theseus’s battle with the Minotaur and Pandora’s curiosity, Page allows the tales to carry the narration and paces them for ultimate effect. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
