(Heroes in Training #1)
Written by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams
Illustrations by Craig Phillips
My rating: ★★★★
ISBN: 978-1442452633
Publisher: Aladdin
Date of publication: August 7, 2012
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Greek mythology, Olympians, origins, heroes, prophecies
Ten-year-old Zeus doesn't mind chilling in his cave on Crete, enjoying goat's milk and the company of nymphs—except for the constant thunderstorms that try to strike him with lightening. Some adventure or excitement might be more fun... But when some Cronies (half-giant soldiers of King Cronus) come traipsing through and kidnap him, Zeus is about to learn his destiny: a hero in training. Cool! After half-giants, harpies, oracles and other such dangers, Zeus now has a lightening bolt in hand and a hero's quest to save... Poseidon? Who's that?
So while it doesn't follow Zeus' origin story exactly (well, who really knows the story perfectly, anyway?), the book provides an excellent juvenile perspective on history of the king of gods with just enough true elements to make it useful. In this version, Zeus is a little bit clueless and a little bit brave, providing just the right amount of humor and exciting adventure. There's an illustration for each chapter that is really well done; they each tie-in well with the story and look rather Greek, in style (if that makes sense). Really, this book is awesome. With the huge success of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, this book provides a fantastic introduction into the ever-popular world of Greek mythology. It's perfect for younger readers.
Find it at your library or on Amazon
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