Hey there, my fellow myth enthusiasts! Hermes here, your cheerful messenger from Olympus, eager to share some insight about a true gem: “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths.”
Ha-ha, I may have been a bit playful with my introduction, but consider yourselves fortunate! In this review, you’ll discover all the reasons why this amazing book is an absolute treasure in the realm of Greek mythology.
If you’re searching for the ideal read for the kiddos or something enjoyable for yourself, you’ve come to the right place! This book is like magic for bedtime storytelling! I bet kids will love it all the way into their teenage years. It’s filled with 16 fantastic tales, featuring favorites like Jason and the Golden Fleece and The Odyssey. Perfect for cozy nights or lazy afternoons!
You’ve got to check this out — the book is honestly one of the best books on Greek mythology for kids that I’ve come across. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill retelling because the book is sprinkled with fresh ideas that make the ancient legends feel brand new and exciting! And let’s not forget about the cool illustrations — they’re eye candy for kids!
Seriously, this fantastic book is just bursting with elements that will ignite the imagination of all who read it and fill you with wonder. Whether you’re picking it up for yourself or searching for the perfect gift for a young reader, this collection of Greek myths is a total must-have! So go ahead, grab a copy, and let the adventures begin!
The Orchard Book of Greek Myths: Review
The 16 stories in “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths,” first published in 1992 by Orchard Books, are truly a delightful collection of classic tales. While the book does a fantastic job of bringing these myths to life, I can’t help but wish it included the enchanting story of Cupid and Psyche. After all, it’s one of the most famous love stories in Greek mythology and would have added an extra layer of magic to the collection. But hey, that’s just me nitpicking!
Instead, they chose to spotlight the captivating love story between Apollo and Daphne, which is definitely a strong choice. And don’t get me started on the myth of Echo and Narcissus — it’s such a beautifully tragic tale that’s told with great skill.
There’s also no shortage of adventure sprinkled throughout the book, making it an exciting read. Overall, this collection bursts with enough Greek mythology to keep young minds engaged and entertained for hours. If you’re looking to dive into the world of Greek myths, this book is a fantastic gateway!
The Orchard Book of Greek Myths: Forward
This edition of “The Orchid Book of Greek Myths,” published in 2013 (21st Anniversary Edition), features a captivating foreword by Geraldine McCaughrean that poses a compelling question: “Why, when we no longer believe in gods residing atop Mount Olympus, do we continue to share their stories?” Her insightful exploration offers an equally thought-provoking answer, one that you won’t want to miss discovering for yourself.
1. In the Beginning and Pandora’s Box
The first story in “The Orchid Book of Greek Myths” really draws you in, especially with its concise yet engaging take on Pandora’s tale. In just six pages, the author masterfully weaves together a compelling narrative that sets the stage for the infamous myth.
It begins with Zeus, the mighty king of the gods, assigning an intriguing task to Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus — creating life!
Prometheus takes the challenge to a whole new level by crafting the world’s very first human, which ultimately leads to the creation of the first woman, Pandora, a pivotal character in one of Greek mythology’s most enduring stories.
What I love about this book is its ability to distill the essence of a classic myth into a compact yet captivating package, leaving readers eager to delve deeper into the world of Greek mythology. It’s a great introduction!
2. Persephone and the Pomegranate Seeds
The story of Hades and Persephone has been retold countless times, but this fresh retelling breathes new life into the classic Greek myth.
It stays rooted in tradition, featuring Pluto (Hades) and Persephone, yet introduces some creative twists that make it feel exciting and new.
Unlike the expansive Lore Olympus graphic novel series, this version is concise — spanning just eight pages — while still honoring the essence of the original myth.
The intriguing changes keep things lively and captivating, making this a must-read for anyone looking to experience this timeless tale from a fresh perspective.
3. Echo and Narcissus
If you’re in the mood for a fascinating read, you have to check out this incredible six-page retelling of the Echo and Narcissus myth.
Trust me, it’s not just a story — it reveals how the beautiful Narcissus flower came to be! You’ll also explore Echo’s journey, discovering how she fell into Queen Hera’s bad books and the twist that made Hera rethink her decision.
It’s an engaging and fascinating look at one of Greece’s most enchanting myths!
Oh, poor Narcissus! If only he had embraced Echo’s love.
4. Daedalus and Icarus
Get ready to soar into the world of Greek mythology with the epic tale of Daedalus and Icarus! This classic story is a must-read for kids, and “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths” brings it to life in a way that’s both thrilling and accessible.
The story follows the clever inventor Daedalus and his young son Icarus as they make a daring escape from the island of Crete, where they’ve been imprisoned by the powerful King Minos. With its engaging narrative and vivid illustrations, this retelling is sure to captivate young readers.
This 7-page adaptation is perfect for young readers, and it’s a real treat! With its compelling storytelling and unforgettable characters, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves Greek mythology.
If you’re looking for a more visual take on this legendary tale, be sure to check out the “Icarus” episode from the acclaimed TV series “The Storyteller.” It is truly fantastic!
5. Arachne the Spinner
The story of Arachne is a real gem, beautifully captured in “The Orchid Book of Greek Myths.” If you’re into graphic novels, you should also check out George O’Connor’s Athena, where Arachne’s myth gets some cool visual storytelling too.
In this version, the stunning grey-eyed goddess goes by the name Athene — just one of those little twists that makes the story even more intriguing.
Now, imagine this: Arachne, full of confidence, struts around claiming that no one — not even the gods themselves — can weave as beautifully as she can. That’s a bold claim!
But things take a turn when Athene, tired of Arachne’s bragging, decides to challenge her. Spoiler alert: Arachne ends up getting transformed into a spider, which is where we get the name “arachnid.” Ouch! Talk about a harsh punishment for a little boasting! The moral? Well, it’s pretty clear: never, ever brag — seriously, just don’t do it!
I must say, the way this story is told is absolutely masterful. One of my favorite lines has to be when Athena says, “Weave your tapestries forever! And however wonderful they are, people will only shudder at the sight of them and pull them to shreds.” Whoa, that hits deep! What an incredible blend of artistry and cautionary tale, right?
6. King Midas
Prepare yourself for an enchanting six-page romp through the whimsical world of King Midas! This tale is masterfully crafted, featuring the delightful showdown between wild Pan and the ever-mighty Apollo — a musical contest that ultimately led to King Midas sporting a rather unfortunate pair of donkey ears.
Trust me, when it comes to the whims of Greek gods, it’s best to tread lightly. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t anger any of them! But that’s not all! Read about the most infamous escapade of King Midas: the “golden touch” that turned his life into a sparkling, albeit cursed, catastrophe.
Spoiler alert: not everything shines bright with gold, especially when you can’t even enjoy a meal without turning it into a hefty gold nugget!
7. Perseus
The captivating twelve-page saga of Perseus stands as one of the most extensive tales in “The Orchid Book of Greek Myths.”
While there exists an array of comics and graphic novels, such as “Perseus: The Hunt for Medusa’s Head” that explore this legendary myth, you won’t regret reading this classic account.
8. The Twelve Labours of Heracles
Honestly, reading about the twelve labours of Heracles can feel super long-winded — like trying to untangle an endless ball of yarn from Ariadne’s infamous thread. Give me a movie adaptation any day!
Watching a hero like Heracles on screen is way more exciting than reading about him slaying monsters and completing tasks. I mean, let’s get real, who needs to imagine the details when you can just enjoy the action on film?
The “12 Best Hercules Movies” list has got me covered!
If you’re into graphic novels, you gotta check out the 4-in-1 Graphic Novel (Greek Myths) for another awesome take on the legend of Hercules.
But honestly, after diving into “The Orchard Book of Greek Myth,” I’d say it’s the ultimate read if you’re looking for a killer short story without all the extra illustrations!
9. Apollo and Daphne
In the shadows of ancient Greece, where the gods wove destinies with a mere flick of their whims, the tale of Apollo and Daphne unfolds — a love story steeped in yearning and despair.
It begins not with a serenade, but with the envious irritation of Cupid, the mischievous god of love, whose capricious heart felt slighted by Apollo. With a swift release of his magical arrows, Cupid unleashes his divine retribution.
The first arrow hits Apollo, setting off a fierce passion within the radiant god of prophecy for the beautiful and elusive water nymph, Daphne. But Cupid’s plan goes further than that, as a second arrow, forged from lead and carrying a darker energy, changes everything.
This second arrow pierces Daphne’s heart, sowing a seed of loathing inside her. Now, Apollo’s after her, but Daphne wants nothing to do with him. And in that moment, Cupid can’t help but wonder, “What have I done?” It’s a classic tale of unrequited love, a story of how the gods can play with our fates, and the unpredictable nature of love itself.
This is precisely why I chose to include the timeless love story of Apollo and Daphne in my collection, “10 Inspirational Greek Myth Love Stories.” It’s a classic tale that never fails to captivate.
Additionally, the rendition found in “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths” offers an intriguing perspective that is well worth exploring.
10. Theseus and the Minotaur
The five-page retelling of the story of Theseus and the Minotaur grabs all the key points of this classic myth. It kicks off in ancient Crete, where King Minos has a half-man, half-bull monster causing chaos in the labyrinth.
Enter Theseus, a hero with guts and determination, who decides to take down the Minotaur and save Athens from its terrifying grip.
Along the way, he meets Princess Ariadne, who’s completely smitten with him. She hands him a ball of thread to help him navigate the confusing labyrinth, secretly hoping that Theseus will marry her.
When the time comes for him to face the Minotaur, he defeats it just as the stories have told countless times before.
The battle shows off his bravery and smarts as he cleverly outwits and overpowers the beast. After that, he escapes the labyrinth and sails away from the island with Ariadne by his side. But things don’t end well, especially for King Aegeus.
11. Jason and the Golden Fleece
Curious about the Jason and the Golden Fleece myth as told in The Orchard Book of Greek Myths? You’re in for a treat!
Right off the bat, you’ll discover that Jason named his ship the Argo, which means “swift” — pretty fitting for a legendary adventure, right? I have to admit I never knew that. I always thought it was named after the person who built the ship. I guess two answers can still be correct.
And before you know it, we meet Phineas, an old, blind guy who’s being hounded by the pesky Harpies. He makes his entrance on page 2 of this six-page tale!
But here’s the twist: the ending might just surprise you! It’s quite different from the usual retellings of Jason’s epic quest for that elusive Golden Fleece. Trust me, you won’t see it coming!
The legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece is one of the most jaw-dropping Greek myths out there, and if you’re hooked, you’re probably a huge fan of the iconic 1963 film Jason and the Argonauts.
To fuel your curiosity even more, I’ve even created my own tribute dedicated to the movie: Jason and the Argonauts Movie Myth Tribute. It had to be done!
If you’re looking for another easy read, you may want to check out Jason and the Golden Fleece by Nel Yomtov.
And if you’re up for more adventure, Jason and the Argonauts: Kingdom of Hades might catch your interest, too. You won’t believe it, but in this graphic novel, the Argonauts actually venture into the Underworld!
12. Orpheus and Eurydice
The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice is beautifully crafted. The ending is positive and uplifting, reminiscent of many stories in “The Orchid Book of Greek Myths,” which feature happy conclusions ideal for children, much like traditional fairy tales where they live happily ever after.
In this particular story, the spirits of Orpheus and Eurydice ultimately reunite, hand in hand, as they journey to the Fields of Eternal Happiness, where they can sing and make music together forever.
13. Atalanta’s Race
While reading the enchanting tale of Atalanta’s Race, I found myself utterly captivated. Its pages hold secrets that are sure to mesmerize many young minds. The illustrations are nothing short of stunning, each one serving as a portal to the heart of the story.
This particular Greek myth, shrouded in mystery and seldom found on the shelves of children’s literature, imparts a sense of rarity and intrigue to this extraordinary book.
14. The Wooden Horse: Troy
The ten-year war of Troy all kicked off because of Helen of Troy — pretty wild, right? If you’re looking for a kid-friendly version of the story, this version is actually a lot of fun!
The main focus is on the famous wooden horse, which was Odysseus’s clever trick to sneak into the city of Troy while pretending to leave a gift. It’s a well-told tale!
If you’d like to explore the Trojan War further, you should definitely check out the first graphic novel in the Age of Bronze series. It’s a brilliant read!
15. Odysseus: The Odyssey
The story of Odysseus in “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths” is the longest, weighing in at 14 pages, and it totally makes sense why — there’s just so much action-packed drama in this epic tale!
Odysseus and his crew face off against the infamous one-eyed cyclops. Odysseus then angers Poseidon, the god of the sea, who shows his wrath after Odysseus blinds his son, Polyphemus.
Then there’s the wild encounter with Circe, the enchantress who turns his crew into animals like pigs, and let’s not forget the wicked sirens and the whirlpool of Charybdis that threaten their journey.
But amidst all the chaos, our hero finally makes it back to his beloved wife, Penelope. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing — he’s got to tackle the pesky suitors who are vying to take his place as the king of Ithaca. What a ride!
If you find this story intriguing, you’ll certainly want to explore these 33 movies and adaptations inspired by the Odyssey. Don’t miss out on some remarkable films and television series that bring this timeless tale to life!
16. Freedom for Prometheus
Concluding the book with the tale of Prometheus brings us full circle, beautifully intertwining with the story of Pandora from the very beginning. This connection serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring themes of hope and resilience.
As we wrap up “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths,” we’re hit with a powerful vibe that’s all about believing in ourselves and the good we can bring to the world. It’s all about celebrating the strength we’ve got to lift ourselves up, think deeply, and chase after a brighter tomorrow.
Orchard Book of Greek Myths: Rating & Recommendation
I’d give “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths” a spectacular 9.5 out of 10! Seriously, what an incredible read! It’s such a gem for kids and young readers — really, I can’t think of many ways it could be improved.
The cover of the 21st Anniversary edition is absolutely stunning; it would make a perfect gift for any young adventurer in your life! If there’s one thing I wish for, it would be a few more illustrations. I think a little extra visual flair could’ve pushed it over the top to a solid 10.
But honestly, this book is so beautifully written and refreshing that I can easily see kids picking it up again and again without ever getting bored. Kudos to the talented duo behind it — Geraldine McCaughrean for the retelling and Emma Chichester Clark for the illustrations. What a superb job!
And hey, if you love this book, definitely check out their other creations like “The Orchard Book of Roman Myths.” I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Check Availability and Pricing: The Orchard Book of Greek Myths and The Orchard Book of Roman Myths
Here’s a top tip: definitely grab the hardcover version of the book! Since you’ll be using it a ton, it’s worth going for a sturdy copy that can take a bit of wear and tear. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
By Jupiter! I wish I had discovered “The Orchard Book of Greek Myths” earlier. It seems to have been hiding under the radar as one of the ultimate gems in Greek mythology literature.
Now that I know about it, it certainly deserves a spot on my list of the 10 Best Books about Greek Mythology and Gods. I suppose I’ll have to make some room for this fantastic new find, and perhaps another one will have to step aside to let it shine.
Another superb book for kids and young readers is The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus by Aliki. What to do?
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