Usborne Publishing’s Greek Myths: Ulysses and the Trojan War is a great read for older kids who are into mythology. While the title suggests it’s just about Ulysses (aka Odysseus) and the Trojan War, the book actually covers a lot more, including the entire saga of the Trojan War and the incredible adventures in the Odyssey.
If you didn’t know, Ulysses is the Latin name for Odysseus, the clever hero who spent ten years fighting in Troy and another ten trying to get back home to Ithaka — his island kingdom where he lived with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus.
I’d say this book is best suited for readers aged twelve and up. It’s packed with lots of illustrations — both in black and white and in color — which really bring the stories to life. The book is slightly larger than A4 in size, making it perfect for flipping through and exploring. The illustrations vary from small images to full double-page spreads, each unique and eye-catching, giving the book a distinctive look and feel.
One interesting thing about this version is the way the dialogue is written. It often seems to have a more formal style, reminiscent of tales from King Arthur stories. For instance, I noticed words like “Sir” being used, which felt a bit out of place at first, but it also gives the book its own special charm.
Originally published in 1998, this book gives a lively and accessible spin on the classic Greek myths. It’s a great pick for anyone wanting to learn about the legendary stories — from the mythical beginning of the Trojan War began all the way to when Odysseus finally getting his revenge.
In the final last pages of the book, there are three pages that introduce the key characters, helping kids really get to know who’s who. There’s also a handy map of Greece to show where everything took place. And the last page explains where these stories come from, giving a bit of background on their origins.
Review of GREEK MYTHS: Ulysses and the Trojan War
Usborne Publishing’s Greek Myths: Ulysses and the Trojan War begins with the chapter called The Beauty Contest. Here’s how the first page starts out: Eris, the goddess of spite and really not very popular, wasn’t invited to the wedding of Thetis and King Peleus. But she showed up anyway, and that’s pretty much how the Trojan War got started. Well, there’s a bit more to it than that. Eris threw a golden apple on the ground, inscribed with “For the fairest.” By the way, have you ever seen a picture of Eris looking so sinister?
Naturally, the golden apple got everyone’s attention — especially Hera, who thought she was the most beautiful of all the goddesses. But Athena and Aphrodite, who also believed they were the most lovely, weren’t happy about it either.
Zeus, the king of the gods, was called upon to settle the dispute, but he was too clever to pick a favorite and risk causing a fight among the gods. Instead, he handed the decision over to Paris, a prince who had no idea that his choice would spark such chaos. When it came to the beauty contest, Paris chose Aphrodite because she promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world. That was the beginning of Troy’s downfall, and it’s all told in an interesting way in the book.
Eventually, you’ll see this double page illustration showing the celebrations that unfolded in Troy, as the city believed the Greeks had departed after presenting the wooden horse as a gift. The Trojans proudly brought the massive wooden horse inside their city walls, unaware that hidden within its hollow belly were Greek warriors patiently awaiting their moment to strike.
Ulysses and the Trojan War: The Odyssey
The story of The Odyssey continues on after the Trojan War storyline. Here, you’ll discover the many adventures encountered by Ulysses (Odysseus) as he strives to return home to the island of Ithaca. Among these tales is his daring confrontation with the Cyclops alongside his crew. Interestingly, in this portrayal, the Cyclops’s face is quite distinct from the typical depictions you might have seen, making this version truly unique.
So, the story essentially starts with Telemachus, Odysseus’s son, on a mission to find his dad. You’ll hear about Calypso, the nymph who keeps Ulysses captive on her island, and how he finally manages to escape her clutches. Then, there’s that epic royal welcome he receives — well, kind of — and the legendary encounter with the Cyclops. You know, the one where Ulysses and his men blind the giant to make their escape? That’s a classic moment!
You’ll see Ulysses taking a trip to the land of the dead, a spooky and surreal experience.
Next up is Circe’s island, where his men are turned into animals — talk about a wild adventure! Then, they visit the island of the Sun, where the Sun’s cattle graze. Hungry as the men are, it turns out to be a big mistake, because messing with those sacred animals leads to serious trouble.
It also features that intense moment when Ulysses faces off with the sea monster Scylla, with her multiple heads reaching out from the rocks — talk about a harrowing encounter. And of course, all this chaos eventually brings Ulysses back home, where he has to reclaim his kingdom. Overall, Greek Myths: Ulysses and the Trojan War is an epic read because it packs in two of the biggest stories from Greek mythology in one book. Most books only focus on one myth, so that’s what makes this one extra special.
GREEK MYTHS: Ulysses and the Trojan War (Review Rating)
I’ll give GREEK MYTHS: Ulysses and the Trojan War a rating of 7 out of 10. You can tell lot of work has gone into its creation. While it didn’t draw me in as much as I would have liked, I’m sure many older kids (ages 12 -15) would love to read this book.
The book is divided into two main sections. The first part, spanning pages 3 to 78, explores the events of the Trojan War. The second part, from pages 70 to 155, delves into the adventures of Ulysses.
The story is beautifully retold by Anna Claybourne and Kamini Khanduri, with captivating illustrations by Jeff Anderson. The design is thoughtfully crafted by Kathy Ward and Zoe Wray, while Anna Claybourne also lends her expertise as the editor. The series is overseen by series editor Felicity Books.
Check Availability and Pricing: GREEK MYTHS: Ulysses and the Trojan War
The book also comes with a completely different looking cover, which would likely appeal to young readers even more.
Tips: Books such as The Odyssey graphic novel, with its own unique illustration style, are easy enough to read, but Usborne Publishing’s written version of the story with illustrations sprinkled throughout the book encourages you to engage your imagination even more.
For anyone with a big interest in the Trojan War, there is also the Age of Bronze graphic novel series.
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