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Orchard Myths
Greek Myths
A collection of 16 Greek myths, capturing all the magic of the stories for today's readers in this retelling.
Audio Cassette
First published August 27, 1992
13 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Geraldine McCaughrean
358 books328 followersGeraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 28, 2018
Una edición preciosa y con los mitos griegos más relevantes muy bien explicados para los más pequeños.
July 29, 2022
Poiché la "moda letteraria" del momento è la riscrittura e rivisitazione dei miti e io non ho alle spalle studi classici, mi sono resa conto che molte letture mi erano precluse. Mi sono approcciata, quindi, a questo libro per ragazzi edito da Fabbri Editore ed è stata un'idea vincente!
In modo semplice e chiaro vengono narrati, infatti, i più importanti miti greci, che vanno dalla creazione del mondo, alle gesta dei grandi eroi, quali Odisseo, Giasone, Teseo e molti altri, fornendo le informazioni essenziali, che tutti dovrebbero conoscere prima di dedicarsi ad eventuali approfondimenti.
In modo semplice e chiaro vengono narrati, infatti, i più importanti miti greci, che vanno dalla creazione del mondo, alle gesta dei grandi eroi, quali Odisseo, Giasone, Teseo e molti altri, fornendo le informazioni essenziali, che tutti dovrebbero conoscere prima di dedicarsi ad eventuali approfondimenti.
August 1, 2019
Very fun and easy to read collection of stories that are sometimes tied together.
April 13, 2019
This is a beautiful collection of the classic Greek Myths, which have been simplified very well; making them perfect for use within the primary classroom.
I have recently used this book as impetus for the Year 5 topic on Ancient Greece and we particularly focused on the myths 'In The Beginning and Pandora's Box', 'Theseus and the Minotaur' and 'The Wooden Horse'.
Although mainly used as inspiration for English lessons, we used the story of 'In The Beginning and Pandora's Box' for a hook into our art lessons, where children were looking at developing their use of different medias and in this instance, sketching with pencils and using watercolours. Using calligrams, images and colours, children recreated their own version of the spirits exiting Pandora's Box based on their own emotion or theme of choice.
In English lessons, we used 'Theseus and the Minotaur' for a plethora of activities. Through hot-seating children got a greater understanding of characters' emotions in the myth, which then enabled them to have a go at writing their own diary entry from Pandora's perspective. On World Book Day, the Year 5's then had a go at retelling the story through drama and freeze frames. We also used the setting descriptions in the text and the intricate illustrations as a basis for the children to write and up-level their own descriptive settings. The class then used these examples of myths to plan and write their own, step-by-step, based on the style of writing in this book. During this process we also used speech from the text to look at how to write reporting clauses and we identified different ways to start sentences through a dice game.
I then used 'The Wooden Horse' to get children to look at the features of newspaper reports. They then used hot-seating so the children could collect witness evidence for their own newspaper reports, based on the events in this myth.
All in all, a wonderful book that has many possibilities for use in the classroom!
I have recently used this book as impetus for the Year 5 topic on Ancient Greece and we particularly focused on the myths 'In The Beginning and Pandora's Box', 'Theseus and the Minotaur' and 'The Wooden Horse'.
Although mainly used as inspiration for English lessons, we used the story of 'In The Beginning and Pandora's Box' for a hook into our art lessons, where children were looking at developing their use of different medias and in this instance, sketching with pencils and using watercolours. Using calligrams, images and colours, children recreated their own version of the spirits exiting Pandora's Box based on their own emotion or theme of choice.
In English lessons, we used 'Theseus and the Minotaur' for a plethora of activities. Through hot-seating children got a greater understanding of characters' emotions in the myth, which then enabled them to have a go at writing their own diary entry from Pandora's perspective. On World Book Day, the Year 5's then had a go at retelling the story through drama and freeze frames. We also used the setting descriptions in the text and the intricate illustrations as a basis for the children to write and up-level their own descriptive settings. The class then used these examples of myths to plan and write their own, step-by-step, based on the style of writing in this book. During this process we also used speech from the text to look at how to write reporting clauses and we identified different ways to start sentences through a dice game.
I then used 'The Wooden Horse' to get children to look at the features of newspaper reports. They then used hot-seating so the children could collect witness evidence for their own newspaper reports, based on the events in this myth.
All in all, a wonderful book that has many possibilities for use in the classroom!
March 16, 2019
I was reading it for research when it comes to writing myths for children and I really wanted to enjoy this, but in the second paragraph we get the first inaccuracy and then there's at least 34 more after it (I counted, I'm bitter) that I caught - it's beautifully illustrated (though super white washed for these brown characters) and from the beginning it mixes up the Greek and Roman names for the gods, as well as simply changing the stories for certain characters.
I definitely learnt a lot about how to write myths for children but if I wanted the kids in my life to know the Greek names for the gods or how the stories actually went, I wouldn't show them this book. :((
I definitely learnt a lot about how to write myths for children but if I wanted the kids in my life to know the Greek names for the gods or how the stories actually went, I wouldn't show them this book. :((
July 19, 2023
"The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" is a delightful treasure trove of ancient tales that captivated my 4-year-old's imagination and kindled a shared love for these timeless myths. The book's accessible and engaging retellings make it an excellent choice for young readers, providing an enchanting introduction to the world of Greek mythology.
One of the book's most impressive aspects is its ability to simplify complex stories while retaining their essence. My child found the narratives easy to understand and follow, making each myth an exciting adventure to embark upon together. The book's language and illustrations effortlessly transported us to the realms of gods and heroes, creating cherished moments of bonding and exploration.
The choice to commence with the story of Prometheus' actions and their consequences was a brilliant decision. It set the tone for the collection, introducing fundamental themes of responsibility and consequence that recur throughout the myths. The journey through the varied tales was a captivating experience, and my child was deeply moved by Prometheus' eventual freedom, illustrating the power of redemption and the triumph of the human spirit.
However, while "The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" triumphs in engaging young minds, I share your sentiment that some of the stories could have been further developed. A more detailed exploration of a few key myths would have allowed for a richer understanding of the characters' motivations and actions, enhancing the overall experience and providing more room for imaginative play and discussion.
Despite this minor reservation, the book remains a cherished addition to our collection. It has ignited a passion for Greek mythology in my child's heart, sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration of the ancient world. "The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and depth, making it an ideal choice for families eager to introduce their young ones to the captivating realm of myths and legends.
In conclusion, "The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" is a magical gateway to the world of ancient tales, perfect for young readers and their families. With its captivating storytelling and beautiful illustrations, the book breathes life into classic myths, making them accessible and enjoyable for children. While some stories could benefit from more elaboration, the book's overall impact and ability to inspire young minds make it a four-star gem that will remain a cherished favorite on our bookshelf.
One of the book's most impressive aspects is its ability to simplify complex stories while retaining their essence. My child found the narratives easy to understand and follow, making each myth an exciting adventure to embark upon together. The book's language and illustrations effortlessly transported us to the realms of gods and heroes, creating cherished moments of bonding and exploration.
The choice to commence with the story of Prometheus' actions and their consequences was a brilliant decision. It set the tone for the collection, introducing fundamental themes of responsibility and consequence that recur throughout the myths. The journey through the varied tales was a captivating experience, and my child was deeply moved by Prometheus' eventual freedom, illustrating the power of redemption and the triumph of the human spirit.
However, while "The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" triumphs in engaging young minds, I share your sentiment that some of the stories could have been further developed. A more detailed exploration of a few key myths would have allowed for a richer understanding of the characters' motivations and actions, enhancing the overall experience and providing more room for imaginative play and discussion.
Despite this minor reservation, the book remains a cherished addition to our collection. It has ignited a passion for Greek mythology in my child's heart, sparking curiosity and encouraging further exploration of the ancient world. "The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and depth, making it an ideal choice for families eager to introduce their young ones to the captivating realm of myths and legends.
In conclusion, "The Orchard Book of Greek Myths" is a magical gateway to the world of ancient tales, perfect for young readers and their families. With its captivating storytelling and beautiful illustrations, the book breathes life into classic myths, making them accessible and enjoyable for children. While some stories could benefit from more elaboration, the book's overall impact and ability to inspire young minds make it a four-star gem that will remain a cherished favorite on our bookshelf.
March 12, 2020
Una delle cose che più amo fare quando mi immergo nel mondo letterario è scoprire tematiche che mi accompagnano da una vita dal punto di vista della narrativa per ragazzi e bambini.
Le più belle storie dei miti greci è un libro che ho scelto proprio per questo motivo. Da appassionata della mitologia greca fin dalla prima adolescenza, ogni volta che noto una nuova pubblicazione che ha come obiettivo quello di far conoscere questo mondo meraviglioso ai ragazzi drizzo le antenne e mi precipito a leggere nuove prospettive.
Questo libro in particolare è stato pubblicato per la prima volta in Gran Bretagna nel 1992, ma l’edizione di cui vi parlo oggi è del febbraio 2020, a cura di Fabbri Editori. Una delle più note autrici per ragazzi ripercorre i miti greci più famosi, accompagnata dalle vivide illustrazioni di Emma Chichester Clark.
...continua sul blog: https://tralemaniunlibro.blogspot.com...
Le più belle storie dei miti greci è un libro che ho scelto proprio per questo motivo. Da appassionata della mitologia greca fin dalla prima adolescenza, ogni volta che noto una nuova pubblicazione che ha come obiettivo quello di far conoscere questo mondo meraviglioso ai ragazzi drizzo le antenne e mi precipito a leggere nuove prospettive.
Questo libro in particolare è stato pubblicato per la prima volta in Gran Bretagna nel 1992, ma l’edizione di cui vi parlo oggi è del febbraio 2020, a cura di Fabbri Editori. Una delle più note autrici per ragazzi ripercorre i miti greci più famosi, accompagnata dalle vivide illustrazioni di Emma Chichester Clark.
...continua sul blog: https://tralemaniunlibro.blogspot.com...
January 8, 2021
Me ha encantado este libro por muchas cosas. La edición es preciosa, tiene unos dibujos fantásticos, la mitología griega es un tema que me apasiona y los mitos que ahí se relatan me han encantado. La mayoría de los mitos ya los conocía, pero otros me han gustado mucho.
Son mitos que se leen muy rápido porque aparte de tener un letra grande, tienen muchos diálogos y algunos dibujos que cogen la página entera. Bueno lo dicho, es un libro que recomiendo muchísimo.
He empezado muy bien el año. 08/01/2021.
Son mitos que se leen muy rápido porque aparte de tener un letra grande, tienen muchos diálogos y algunos dibujos que cogen la página entera. Bueno lo dicho, es un libro que recomiendo muchísimo.
He empezado muy bien el año. 08/01/2021.
May 9, 2021
It’s been almost 20 years since I read this as a 6 year old so this is in some ways pure nostalgia. Undoubtedly the book that bit me interested in Greece and they are well told for that age group and make a fun read. That being said reading it now I’d love more and obviously some minus points for mixing up the Roman and Greek on occasions ect but still a fun quick read.
Despite the flaws I’d still recommend this to young kids as the introduction to Greek Mythology. If I ever have kids this is where I’ll start.
Despite the flaws I’d still recommend this to young kids as the introduction to Greek Mythology. If I ever have kids this is where I’ll start.
April 9, 2021
Easy to read, bite-size versions of some of the most famous Greek myths, though I have been reading this with a class of French 11 year olds and even they were confused why she changes/ignores several basic facts about the stories and uses Roman names one minute and Greek names the next. Why does "Heracles" (Greek name) go to the underworld to see "Pluto?" (Roman name.) Make your mind up Geraldine!
June 12, 2022
Geraldine
McCaughrean is a superb, vivid storyteller and this is a beautifully illustrated and dramatic
version of sixteen of the Greek Myths that does justice to the exciting stories for today’s
children. Icarus, Jason, Theseus, Midas are all there, as well as less well known stories such
as Arachne the boastful spinner who is turned into a spider. One quibble – why use Roman
names in a collection of Greek Myths? Other than that, perfect for teaching this topic. 9+
McCaughrean is a superb, vivid storyteller and this is a beautifully illustrated and dramatic
version of sixteen of the Greek Myths that does justice to the exciting stories for today’s
children. Icarus, Jason, Theseus, Midas are all there, as well as less well known stories such
as Arachne the boastful spinner who is turned into a spider. One quibble – why use Roman
names in a collection of Greek Myths? Other than that, perfect for teaching this topic. 9+
October 17, 2020
I’ve had this book for years and read it many, many times but have just finished reading it aloud to my daughters as part of our topic on Ancient Greece.
This is a really accessible introduction to the Greek myths for children, accompanied by some beautiful illustrations.
My only complaint is the use of some Roman names, such as Pluto, instead of the Greek.
This is a really accessible introduction to the Greek myths for children, accompanied by some beautiful illustrations.
My only complaint is the use of some Roman names, such as Pluto, instead of the Greek.
June 6, 2022
McCaughrean is such an excellent writer and storyteller that I can overlook Clark's cartoony illustrations (not a big fan). I especially appreciate McCaughrean's ability to tell the stories as they really are--death and heartache included--while not delving too deeply into the graphic details.
Wonderful collection overall, and much enjoyed by my young daughter.
Wonderful collection overall, and much enjoyed by my young daughter.
May 25, 2025
This is a lovely shortened version of some of the Greek myths for kids. I read it to my girlfriend, for whom English is not a first language, and she gasped aloud at some of the turns in the stories. Really nice!
June 9, 2017
As a child, I read Greek mythological stories. This is a nice illustrated book about Greek mythology. This book brought back my childhood memories. Recommend for 7+ kids
November 26, 2018
A great resource if you’re ever covering the Ancient Greeks!
April 7, 2021
Great illustrations and well told short stories!
May 8, 2021
Grat bedtime reading for six year old boy
April 1, 2023
Una lectura muy amena, una breve recopilatoria del mito romano.
April 30, 2015
A collection of 16 simplified Greek Myths bound in one book. The stories are short and easy to read. Some of the names are different to the ones that are commonly known (Pluto instead of Hades, Heracles instead of Hercules). The book also has very colourful illustrations which can be useful when looking at Ancient Greece in Topic/History. The book is suitable to be read to KS1. Confident readers can read the book independently (or take turns reading to the class).
This book would link nicely into the KS2 History curriculum (Legacy of Greek culture-art, architecture and literature- in British history) as an introduction to Greek stories and how they are used today. It also links into the English curriculum (Years 3 and 4 - Myths and Legends) and can help pupils to recognise themes in the stories and identify the purpose of telling the stories. I'd recommend this book for KS1 and lower KS2.
This book would link nicely into the KS2 History curriculum (Legacy of Greek culture-art, architecture and literature- in British history) as an introduction to Greek stories and how they are used today. It also links into the English curriculum (Years 3 and 4 - Myths and Legends) and can help pupils to recognise themes in the stories and identify the purpose of telling the stories. I'd recommend this book for KS1 and lower KS2.
May 3, 2012
This excellent collection of 16 favourite Greek myths catches all the magic of the stories for today's readers with its lively retellings and appealing illustrations. it is ideal for introducing the topic of Greek Myths. Included in this collection are the adventures of Jason, Theseus and Odysseus, the story of Icarus who flew too close to the sun, and King Midas whose touch turns everything to gold. The stories are told in a clear and simple way, yet also fully manage to convey their depth. The pictures are excellent and manage to convey just the right sense of magic and adventure. In addition, there are also lesser-known stories such as Atalanta, the goddess who can run faster than any man and Arachne the spinner who boasts too much and is turned into a spider. These stories have been wonderfully adapted and capture all the thrills and drama of the original tales.
January 8, 2010
Twelve Labors of Heracles
By:Geraldine McCaughrean
Heracles the mighty was born and born super strong. His father told him he would never be trusted if he drank alcohol but one day he could not resist. He had killed his friends and family and his punishment was to work for the king. He was put through several hard labor chalanges.
I liked this book becuase it was a different version than I have ever been told. It is also different than the movie which to me made it unique.
I recommend this book to any one that has heard the story of Heracles because I think they will be surprised with this twist. It would also be a good book for people that enjoy greek myths.
By:Geraldine McCaughrean
Heracles the mighty was born and born super strong. His father told him he would never be trusted if he drank alcohol but one day he could not resist. He had killed his friends and family and his punishment was to work for the king. He was put through several hard labor chalanges.
I liked this book becuase it was a different version than I have ever been told. It is also different than the movie which to me made it unique.
I recommend this book to any one that has heard the story of Heracles because I think they will be surprised with this twist. It would also be a good book for people that enjoy greek myths.
June 23, 2016
This was a frustrating one for me. I listened to the audiobook, and many of the pronunciations were different than what I was used to hearing, like Heracles instead of Hercules. And the author kept mixing Greek and Roman names. This had Pluto and Persephone as one of the stories. Another story told of Zeus and his brothers Pluto and Poseidon. There were a few stories that I wasn't too familiar with and a few oldies that I knew. Overall, just ok.
October 3, 2010
Since i skipped the 8th grade, I didn't get any school doses of Mythology...and so I decided to delve down the path and try to get familiar with a few of the stories. These were well told. And I realized that I had heard several of the stories before. I like learning and will continue to seek new frontiers.
November 10, 2009
Filled with great Greek myths. All the classic myths are in it. They really enjoyed it and would have had me read the whole thing in a day if time and my throat held out. The illustrations aren't the best, but our family loves Greek myths!
February 1, 2010
This book has tons of different myths storys in it. Like bigfoot and just plan weird storys thats why why the call them myths i guess.
I like myth books but im not compleatly into them and want to read them all the time. I do recomend this book really to only myth readers out there.
I like myth books but im not compleatly into them and want to read them all the time. I do recomend this book really to only myth readers out there.
March 20, 2008
McCaughrean is a wonderful writer; love these retellings. The illustrations don't do much for me, though--they're a little cartoonish.
August 26, 2009
Engaging color illustrations on every page. Appropriate for 5/6 year olds. But no pronunciation guide or map.
December 27, 2010
This book was just okay. It is not as detailed as "My Favorite Greek Myths". I still recommend it but there are better books out there on this subject.
May 3, 2012
Nice, simplified Greek myths w/ pictures for elementary aged.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews