The cover of “Hermes Tricks The Gods And Other Greek Myths” is pretty eye-catching, so it definitely makes a strong first impression. Knowing that the story centers around Hermes pulling off some clever tricks in ancient Greece is a big bonus for me. Who doesn’t want to find out what kind of mischief Hermes was up to back in the day?
When I flip the cover, the first thing I notice is a different title on the next page — “HERMES TRICKS THE GODS AND TWO LOVES OF APOLLO AND HALCYON DAYS.” At first, I thought maybe it was a trick, since flipping the page again shows the same long title. But then, I peek at the back cover, and everything clicks. Turns out, this book is part of an Ancient Myths Collection, and it actually contains three stories. The first is about Hermes pulling tricks on the gods, and the other two explore different tales — one about Apollo’s two loves, including Hyacinthus, and another about Zeus and Halcyone.
So, what started as a story about Hermes’ tricks turned into a little surprise — three myths in one book! Now I’m wondering: are any of these Greek myths for kids any good?
Hermes Tricks the Gods: Book Review
One thing I really like about this children’s book is how it mixes illustrations right in with the text. Almost every page has some kind of drawing, even if most aren’t that good. Kids love seeing pictures, so it probably makes the book much more appealing to them.
The first page of the story was pretty fun, telling you that Hermes is stuck being seventeen forever. And get this — he even cooks for the gods. Yeah, you heard that right!
This story goes back to the day when Hermes was newly born, in the cozy cave of his mother, Maia. She whispers to her newborn that he’s actually the son of Zeus. Maia had to keep her son a secret because of Hera, Zeus’s jealous wife. Maia knew Hera would hate Hermes if she learned of his existence, which would put her son in deadly danger.
Hermes’s first adventure? Oh, it’s a good one. He turns a tortoise’s shell into a musical instrument — the very first lyre — with a little help from his mother’s hair, which he cleverly uses as guitar strings. Pretty inventive, right?
Later, we even get to hear a poetic song Hermes sings about his brother Apollo before he decides to round up some cows.
Speaking of cows, Hermes, being the cheeky little trickster he is, drinks milk from Apollo’s shiny brown cattle. After he’s had his fill, he decides to lead the cows back along the path from where he came. However, not in a straightforward way. Nope, he makes the cattle walk backwards, causing the tracks to appear as if they’re coming rather than going. He ends up hiding the cattle, thinking he can then drink milk any time he desires.
Hermes crashes for a nap when he arrives back home, exhausted from all the mischief. But peace doesn’t last long. Soon, Apollo shows up, furious and demanding to know where his cattle are. Hermes tries to act innocent, but it’s clear he’s the culprit. Apollo, furious but seeking justice, takes Hermes to the court of the gods to settle the matter.
Young Hermes, surprisingly confident, defends himself with words, even offering Apollo the very lyre he just invented. Zeus is impressed — and he declares Hermes the messenger of the gods. But there’s a catch: Hermes must return Apollo’s stolen cattle. Interestingly, Apollo and Hermes quickly become friends, chatting about everything from philosophy to music to politics.
Apollo even warns Hermes that Hera will always hate him forever, no matter what. But Hermes isn’t convinced — he’s confident that Hera, Queen of the heavens, will quickly like him. To prove it, he offers to teach Apollo how to play the lyre if she doesn’t. But if he can get Hera to allow him to stay on Olympus, Hermes wants Apollo’s magic wand.
Apollo instantly agrees and can’t comprehend how Hermes could achieve such a feat. What happens next? Well, you’ll have to read “Hermes Tricks The Gods” to find out what happened in this take. It’s packed with the most epic trick Hermes ever pulled — honestly, the best trick in the whole book. Clever move, Hermes!
That’s a wrap for this review of “Hermes Tricks The Gods and Other Greek Myths.” I’m stopping here because, let’s face it, the book should be all about Hermes. Pages 5–26 dive into Hermes’s life and clever tricks. Pages 27–40 explore the “Two Loves of Apollo,” and pages 41–48 cover the “Halcyon Days.” Based on the first story, I bet the next two are just as fascinating.
But for now, I’m giving all my attention to Hermes — the god of travel and messenger of the gods. Because, honestly, Apollo and Zeus tend to hog the spotlight, and Hermes deserves his moment in the sun.
Hermes Tricks the Gods: A Mythical Adventure Worth Reading?
I’d rate “Hermes Tricks The Gods” a solid 6.5 out of 10. I was close to giving it a six, but I decided to bump it up half a point because I actually learned something from reading this children’s book — something I had either forgotten or never knew before. Just keep in mind, this rating reflects only the first story about Hermes.
This fun-filled story about Hermes shows how he became the coolest Messenger of the Gods! Perfect for young adventurers, it sparks imagination and gives a simple, super entertaining peek into Greek mythology. Get ready to meet the cleverest god around!
The illustrations add a sense of wonder, even if they’re nowhere near classic. Hermes himself looks somewhat cute, but most of the other gods come off a bit — well… ugly — more hellish-looking, and yep, BUTT UGLY in the cases of Zeus and Hera! I think Tony Ross’s art style would have shined even brighter if everyone looked a bit cuter and more appealing — like Hermes and Maia — especially since this is a book targeted at kids!
What really stands out is how the story presents Hermes’s clever tricks in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. Geraldine McCaughrean’s writing is sharp and engaging, capturing Hermes’s genius in a manner that makes him out to be a true mastermind.
It’s definitely worth checking out! And if you’re into Greek mythology books for kids, you can find a whole collection of book reviews right here!
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