In this review of Little Myths: Medusa, you’ll discover a fantastic kids’ book that brings the true story of Medusa to life in a fun and engaging way. Thanks to vibrant illustrations and a laid-back, easygoing tone, it’s perfect for sparking wonder and curiosity in kids aged 6-8. The coolest part? You’ll see how Medusa was once a kind and beautiful priestess devoted to the goddess Athena — before her story took a dramatic turn and she became the snake-haired monster with the power to turn people to stone. Medusa’s story is filled with fascinating details, and this vibrant book does an excellent job of capturing them all in just 32 pages.
Medusa (Little Myths) introduces readers to her sisters, the Greek gods like Poseidon and Athena, Perseus, his mother Danae, and even the Graeae — those three grey ugly sisters who share one eye. Think of it like a kids’ version of a Little Golden Book but with all the myth goodness. It covers all the major moments — from her origins to the epic showdown with Perseus — but there are a few surprises thrown in that I’ll let you discover for yourself.
Imagine a story that zips back and forth between today’s fierce Medusa — her hair a wild tangle of serpents — and her past, revealing how everything took a sharp turn for the worse. It’s like a thrilling rollercoaster ride, exploring how Medusa’s legendary curse came to be.
In Medusa: Little Myths, you’ll see some amazing illustrations that really bring the story to life. One of the coolest parts is a double-page spread showcasing the mighty Olympian gods — it’s pretty epic to see! Even though only a few gods like Poseidon, Athena, and Zeus actually play a part in the storyline, it’s fun to spot all of them looking powerful and awe-inspiring across these two pages. It’s an excellent way to introduce young readers to the world of Greek gods while diving into Medusa’s legendary tale!
Medusa: Little Myths is a super kid-friendly book, and what better way to show that than with a fun, playful scene of Medusa as a young girl, happily playing hopscotch with her friends? It’s a charming peek into her childhood — making her story even more engaging and relatable for young kids!
Things took a turn for the worse for Medusa when Poseidon wanted her to be his, and the story gets even more interesting because, in this book, you’ll learn how Medusa actually rejected Poseidon’s advances — right in the Temple of Athena! But here’s the bad part: Athena didn’t see it that way and, instead, cursed Medusa, turning her into the terrifying, snake-haired monster we know today. The best part? Remember, it’s not Medusa’s fault at all! Her story is one of misunderstandings and unfair blame…
About halfway through Medusa: Little Myths, we are introduced to Perseus and his mother, Danae. Perseus, the renowned Greek hero, embarks on a quest to defeat Medusa for reasons of his own. Despite his heroic status, he faces numerous challenges and isn’t universally beloved. Interestingly, this shared struggle hints at a surprising connection between Perseus and Medusa herself.
Just like in the graphic novel Perseus: The Hunt for Medusa’s Head, he has to find the whereabouts of Medusa. To do this, he seeks out the Graeae — three hideous sisters who share a single eye. By daringly snatching the eye away, Perseus forces them to reveal the whereabouts of Medusa, setting him on the path to his dangerous quest.
Most people are familiar with how the story unfolds, but did you know that some of Medusa’s blood was said to have fallen into the Red Sea, where a vibrant coral reef then grew? Interestingly, Medusa (Little Myths) explores four different takes, including the myth of Pegasus’s birth and another intriguing legend. So, chances are, many of you might even learn something new.
MEDUSA (Little Myths): Book Review
Alright, so what’s my take on Medusa from the Little Myths series? Honestly, I really enjoyed this cool little book about Medusa. It’s a fun read that brings mythology to life in a way that I think would be great for the little ones. I’d give it a 7.5 out of 10 because it hits that sweet spot between entertaining and educational. I’m sure young kids will love Medusa (Little Myths) because the illustrations are charming, and the story is fascinating. You can also find books about Persephone and Hercules in the Little Myths series too, so keep that in mind.
Medusa (from Little Myths) would make a great bedtime story. Just keep in mind, if you read it to a young child, they might ask you a heap of questions about Medusa. It’s gentle enough to help kids wind down at the end of the day, but it also introduces them to interesting mythological characters and ideas. Plus, it’s a nice way to spark curiosity about stories that have been around for ages.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun, myth-inspired book that’s perfect for young kids from ages around 6-8, then Medusa (Little Myths) is a great pick. It’s not too heavy, but it’s still packed with enough mythology magic to keep everyone happy. Definitely a book I’d recommend adding to your kids’ library. It’s a cool way to introduce young minds to the stories that have shaped cultures for centuries, all wrapped up in a playful, kid-friendly package.
The only real downside for me is that it didn’t include an action scene with Hermes in it, and a couple of other scenes could have been expanded a bit more. Still, Medusa (Little Myths), written by Emma Adams and illustrated by Erica Salcedo, is extremely well done! I also have to say, I loved the way Medusa was illustrated — she looks fantastic!
Check Price & Availability: Little Myths Medusa: The Making of a Monster
Here are some additional Greek mythology books for kids to check out as well.
Tip: If you enjoy graphic novels, a kid-friendly book with a Medusa theme worth checking out is Oh My Gods!
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