Percy Jackson's Greek Gods

Re-imagining of Greek myths

Re-imagining of Japanese myths

Which do you prefer?

Riordan, Rick and Rocco, John. Percy Jackson's Greek Gods. Los Angeles : Disney-Hyperion Books, 2014.

Plot: Percy Jackson reviews the life histories of some of his most famous relatives. The epic origins of the Greek gods and their roles are discussed and illustrated with classic, empowering images. Percy then promptly deconstructs the gods' "heroics" and bad behavior with call-outs, insults, and modern allusions. As a result, the text provides a guide to ancient mythology through the lens of current viewpoints.

Genre: Mythology, Folklore

Reading Level: Grades 3-8

Similar Titles: Have a Hot Time, Hades!, It's All Greek to Me

Personal Thoughts: It is honestly difficult to read Greek myths with modern sensitivities. Mistreatment, cannibalism, treachery, and incest pepper most stories, making for awkward, mixed emotions toward the "heroes." Instead of glossing over the unpleasant aspects of the tales, Percy Jackson coats the negative with humor and snide comments to the reader. However, he still relates the myths accurately. Greek mythology influences modern storytelling, so the text may be a gentler introduction to the stories than some conventional resources. 

Robin Hood

Beware of falling mosasaur

Robin Hood presented by Disney.

Plot: The tales of Robin Hood remain some of the most popular in the English-speaking world. However, Disney offers a new view of classic folklore by telling the story with animals. The dashing fox, Robin Hood, with the support of the ursine Little John, robs from the rich to feed the poor. Eventually, the duo become bitter enemies with the false king, Prince John. Escaping the traitor prince's traps multiple times buys the two time, but they eventually must confront the evil lion in his own palace. Still, the adventurers manage to find assistance through the local clergy, innocent paupers, and pretty vixen.

Genre: Animals, Movies, Animation, Folklore

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: The Rescuers, The Aristocats

Personal Thoughts: This version of Robin Hood is one I, as well as many tweens, grew up with. It is considerably more light-hearted than many of the original tales, but still manages to capture the adventurous aspects of the first stories. However, I was surprised to learn the story was, originally, about another fox, Reynard. While Reynard was, understandably, not a suitable hero for a Disney film, his antics manage to sneak their way into this movie. The result is a colorful, nicely-made movie.

Meow: Cat Stories from Around the World

Meow, nya, miao, or miav?

Yolen, Jane. Meow: Cat Stories from Around the World. New York : HarperCollinsPublishers, 2005.

Plot: As the title implies, the book offers several stories about felines from a number of locations. Additionally, the text includes popular sayings, rhymes, and proverbs about cats. Colorful, elaborate illustrations adorn the text and complement the stories.

Genre: Animals, Folklore, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades Kindergarten - 4

Similar Titles: Puss in Boots, Three Samurai Cats

Personal Thoughts: The book nicely balances cat stereotypes. For example, the title includes hunting cats, compassionate cats, rude cats, polite cats, smart cats, and silly cats. The variety prevents the stories from becoming monotonous. 

A Practical Guide to Faeries

A fairy and a dragon

Morris, Susan J. A Practical Guide to Faeries. Renton, WA : Wizards of the Coast, 2009.

Plot: A guide to identifying, understanding, and surviving the fair folk. While the traditional pixies find the most mention, the book also brings attention to some of the stranger and more hostile fairies as well. Brightly colored, heavily detailed images complement the text.

Genre: Folklore, Picture Books

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: A Practical Guide to Dragons, A Practical Guide to Monsters

Personal Thoughts: The story focuses the more traditional views of fairies. While old folktales describe fairies as benign or even benevolent, they often lack the capacity to understand a human point of view and the text reflects this. However, they are not necessarily malicious, but very prone to mischief, as the book also reveals. A pretty, creative title. 

Hades: Lord of the Dead

O'Connor, George. Hades: Lord of the Dead. New York : First Second, 2012.

Plot: A retelling of the classic story of Hades and Persephone. However, the text uses an unusually modern format for the ancient tale. It comes in the form of a graphic novel.

Genre: Folklore, Graphic Novels

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Zeus: King of the Gods, Perseus and Medusa

Personal Thoughts: The title combines the visual appeal of manga with the readability of American comics, making the story visually appealing and easily read. However, none of the characters appear remotely sympathetic, with the possible exception of Hades. Even then, he seems highly apathetic to his duties, subjects, and family. Still, the title may make normally intimidating Greek culture a bit more accessible to the modern reader.

The Loathsome Dragon

Sprite says racist stereotypes are harmful and are everyone's problem

He is a very sensitive dragon

Wiesner, David and Kahng, Kim. The Loathsome Dragon. New York : Clarion Books, 2005.

Plot: The title retells a classic English folktale. After the passing of his beloved wife, the good king eventually remarries, granting Princess Margaret and Prince Richard a stepmother. However, the new queen, jealous of the king's pride in Margaret, curses the princess and transforms her into a terrible dragon. To save her, the prince must return despite the fury and manipulations of his stepmother. He must also kiss his bewitched sister three times.Yet, how can any prince trust a loathsome dragon?

Genre: Folklore, Picture Books

Reading Level: Grades 3-5

Similar Titles: The Well at the End of the World, The Great Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Toothed Dog: A Folktale from Great Britain, The Green Mist

Personal Thoughts: The title is lovingly filled with the story staples never really seen anymore. Perhaps I am being cynical, but what last, popular, non-parody title featured a genuinely malicious dragon, wicked stepmother, or heroic prince? Anyway, the elaborate illustrations complement the story without distracting from it, making it an enjoyable picture book.

Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Czechoslovakia.

Haviland, Virgina. Favorite Fairy Tales Told in Czechoslovakia. Boston, Little, Brown : 1966.

Plot: The text offers a five-story collection of tales from Czechoslovakia. A few stories follow typical themes, such as princes and princesses, but with unexpected twists, such as hair retrieval. Others seem very familiar, such as "The Twelve Months," a variation of Cinderella. Unlike the French heroine, however, the Czech maid finds assistance not through a fairy godmother, but through the personifications of the twelve months of the year. One story seems truly unique. It features a monstrous chicken's attempt to devour everything and everyone in his path. Readers seeking an unfamiliar familiar will enjoy the title.

Genre: Fairy Tales, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Favorite Fairy Tales Told in England, Once Upon a Fairy Tale: Four Favorite Stories

Personal Thoughts: While this particular series is fairly old, it remains relevant through use of everyday language, timeless stories, and creative illustrations. The illustrations often follow the "national style" of the tales place of origin. In this title, the pictures use few colors and simple facial features with elaborate clothing, hair, and backgrounds, enhancing the exotic appeal of the stories.

Side Note: Toothless! Leave that maiden alone!

The Flying Emu and Other Australian Stories

Morgan, Sally. The Flying Emu and Other Australian Stories. New York : Alfred A. Knopf : Distributed by Random House, Inc., 1993.

Plot: Morgan, an Australian, offers a collection of stories told by her mother and brothers. Like many folktales, they attempt to describe virtues, vices, and origins. Unlike many folklore books aimed at tweens, Morgan does not avoid some of the less delicate aspects of life, claiming her brothers took every opportunity to have the villains fart, belch, or vomit. Nevertheless, the stories maintain an exotic expression of some popular concepts, such as courage, endurance, and justice. They also offer caution to gluttons, gossips, and fussbudgets.

Genre: Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Stories from the Billabong, A Ring of Tricksters

Personal Thoughts: Unfortunately, I am not familiar with Australian folklore, so I do not know if the stories are typical of the culture. Nevertheless, the title does offer a colorful and well-written introduction to stories from Land Down Under. Some of the more popular concepts of lore find stories, while unusual animals, such as kangaroos, dingos, and crocodiles find mention as well. The title offers entertaining stories for the reader seeking something unusual.

Tongues of Jade

Yep, Laurence. Tongues of Jade. New York, NY : HarperCollins, 1991.

Plot: Yep's collection of Chinese folktales at the time of the Gold Rush reflect the ideals, fears, and expectations of immigrants missing their much-loved homeland. Many, such as "Green Magic" focus on familial bonds and personal talents. Others, like "Fish Heads" and "The Little Emperor" caution the immigrants against forgetting their manners and proper behavior while visiting the Golden Mountain. However, even good intentions can lead to unintended results, as tales about professors, kittens, and beggars reveal. A few stories, particularly those including ghosts or monsters, seem to only provide entertainment, but often hide deeper meaning to the careful reader. Overall, the title offers a glimpse of Chinese systems transitioning to Chinese-American culture.

Genre: Folktales, Fairy Tales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Rainbow People, Mightier than the Sword, The Seven Chinese Brothers

Personal Thoughts: The text provides an intriguing sequel to The Rainbow People. Much like the previous title, the book presents timeless stories in a timeless fashion by avoiding slang, excessively-elaborate diction (see what I did there), and watercolor illustrations. Additionally, the stories play on consistantly relevant themes, such as courage, generosity, bravery, and faithfulness. 

Mythical Birds and Beasts from Many Lands

Mayo, Margaret. Mythical Birds and Beasts from Many Lands. New York : Dutton Children's Books, 1997.

Plot: The text includes classic stories of some of the world's most famous mythical creatures. Unicorns and Phoenix enjoy stories highlighting their unusual lifestyles and near-divine power. Other tales, particularly the story of the mermaid and pegasus, serve to warn listeners of pride and perilous creatures. A few tales attempt to explain the origin of particular land or cultural features, such as the story of the thunder bird, Quetzacoatl, and naga. The book also features bright, elaborate illustrations of the creatures and their actions.

Genre: Animals, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Water Horse, Greek Myths

Personal Thoughts: The book manages to utilize solid storytelling to introduce little-known creatures like the naga and refresh popular ones like the unicorn. Personally, I do not particularly care for the illustration style, which mixes watercolor, printed text, and layered paper. Yet, the pictures still manage to add to the exotic aspect of the "Many Lands" title. Highly recommended for fans of mythology and fairy tales. 

A Book of Magic Animals

Manning-Sanders, Ruth. A Book of Magic Animals. New York : Dutton, 1974.

Plot: A collection of supernatural animal stories from around the world. Some of the creatures, such as a clever monkey, small-toothed dog, golden goose, and eloquent bear, merely hide human beings under the enchanted coats of their respective animals. Other beasts are genuinely what they appear to be, such as a generous ox from Europe. A few, though, hide genuinely magical traits within their furry bodies or slimy skin. All of them participate in the destruction of evil to achieve happy endings.

Genre: Animals, Folktales

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: A Book of Dragons, The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales from Around the World, Aesop's Fables

Personal Thoughts: A book tragically no longer in print. Rather than try to tempt readers with new stories or updated revisions, Manning-Sanders simply records the stories in a classical manner, which manages to capture ageless themes in a refreshing form. The title proves a book does not need to be original to be entertaining, but needs to offer a good story.

Opposing Viewpoints: Unicorns

Gaffron, Norma. Opposing Viewpoints: Unicorns. San Diego, Calif. : Greenhaven Press, 1989.

Plot: Everyone knows unicorns do not exist...maybe. Beyond the single horn, the creatures described as unicorns varied widely, ranging from "traditional" horned horses to scaled, sacred kirins. Yet, nearly every culture shared stories throughout history of single-horned creatures. The book suggests the universal appeal of the unicorn may hint at an actual creature. To support the claim, various aspects of the unicorn myth find examination in the image-heavy title.

Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Animals

Reading Level: Grades4-9

Similar Titles: Secret World of Unicorns, Opposing Viewpoints: Water Monsters

Personal Thoughts: The title has potential, but the argument fails to convince the reader. Unicorns, argues the book, could exist. Unfortunately, instead of supplying explanations, the title seems content to relay myths and superstitions. While such items entertain the reader, they fail to support the claim. The failure seems unfair, since support for the argument exists. For example, most myths state the unicorn lives in Asia, Europe, or Africa, all of which suffered many large animal extinctions during the times of the myths. A one-horned creature could easily fit among them. Additionally, nearly every continent contains stories describing a unicorn, implying a one-horned creature may have existed. However, no such statements exist within the text, leaving the attempt to oppose the common belief against unicorns unsatisfactory.

The Footsteps of the Werewolf

Pipe, Jim. The Footsteps of the Werewolf. Brookfield, Conn. : Copper Beech Books, 1996.

Plot: The book splits between the fictional story of Bernard and the history of werewolf folklore. Bernard's story follows the young silversmith on his way to his uncles. A chance encounter leave him with more than anticipated, causing him to inadvertently become the monster he fears most. Opposite of each page of his story are facts on various werewolf topics. Such topics include werewolf origins, superstitions, scientific explanations, and modern variations.

Genre: Non-fiction, Folklore, Monsters, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: Encyclopedia Horrifica, The Weeping Werewolf: Moongoble and Me

Personal Thoughts: This is best described as a better version of Can Science Solve the Mystery of Vampires and Werewolves. The information-based pages offer an overview of the mythology behind shapeshifters, but also offers real-world examples of historical incidents and scientific explanation. The short story offers a means of attracting the audience's attention while referring to the informative side of werewolf lore. Overall, the book appears to balance information and entertainment effectively.

A Book of Dragons

Manning-Sanders, Ruth. A Book of Dragons. New York : E. P. Dutton & Company, 1964.

Plot: A collection of folk and fairy tales involving dragons. The stories range from the cruel princess devour in "The Thirteenth Son of King Erin" to the benign companions in "Pepito". Some, like the Yellow Dragon and Chien Tang, possess a near-deity status, bringing rain and prosperity to those who gain their favor. Others use their powers to steal whatever or whoever they see fit, such as in "The Nine Doves," "The Three Dogs," and "Baskets in a Little Cart." However, all manage to provide opportunities to raise heroes and create legends.

Genre: Folklore, Fairy Tales, Fantasy

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: How to Train Your Dragon, Grimm's Fairy Tales, My Father's Dragon

Personal Thoughts: The collection manages to include stories capturing every major literary dragon type. Dragons may act as villains, heroes, providers, and problems in the tales and, unlike many collections, Manning-Sanders does not seem to favor one role over another. Instead, readers enjoy each of the variants in a single resource.

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

Coatsworth, Elizabeth Jane. The Cat Who Went to Heaven. New York : Macmillan 1958.


Plot: A poor artist reluctantly yields to his housekeeper's desire to keep a small calico kitten. Despite the stigma against cats as unholy, Good Fortune (as the housekeeper calls her) shows pious tendencies, such as releasing sparrows and meditating before the household's shrine. When the artist receives a request from the local temple to paint a portrait of the dying Buddha, he pours his efforts, time, and very soul into the project that may establish him. Good Fortune watches and appears to encourage him, until she realizes he will not paint a cat. According to Buddhist belief, cats refused the teaching and cannot enter Nirvana. Yet, Good Fortune does not show anger or vindictiveness. Instead, she appears depressed and seems to cry. After spending days reflecting on the Buddha to create the portrait, the artist realizes the need for compassion. Despite the religious and economic pressures, he paints a cat in the picture, realizing it will cost him his future.

Or will it?

Genre: Fiction, Animals, Folklore

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Boy Who Painted Cats, King of the Wind

Personal Thoughts: According to some of the reviews on Amazon.com, some people find the Newbury Metal winner offensive because the people are mean to cats, the cat dies, and the people are exclusive. I think such reviews miss the point. Yes, the cat dies. Yes, people are mean to the cat. Yes, some kids probably will not like the book because of that. Yet, the story also brings up important concepts like mercy, compassion, and courage.

Often, people encourage each other to do the right thing through stories. The prince saves the princess. The girl stands up for herself. The little group changes the world. Such stories are good and should be told. Yet, it seems most tales neglect the cost of such actions, such as physical pain, social intolerance, and long-lasting consequences. To show compassion, the artist risks ridicule, poverty, and dishonor. Yet, he does not regret it. His actions were worth taking because they were right and compassionate, even if no one ever acknowledges or even understands them. Only after he runs the risk does he find the glory.

The story is not about one good cat. It is about realizing what is right and doing it, no matter the consequences.