The Race of the Golden Apples

by Claire Martin, Leo Dillon (Illustrator), Diane Dillon (Illustrator)

A Greek princess, raised by bears in the forest and then returned to her rightful place in the kingdom, refuses to marry unless the man can outrun her in a footrace

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mythology

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 1991

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Greek myth of Atalanta, the abandoned daughter of King Iasus, who is raised in the wild by Crona the she-bear, and watched over by the goddess Diana, is told in picture-book form here by author Claire Martin and illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon. Eventually returning to the human world, Atalanta is accepted by her father, who hopes to arrange a marriage for her. Cold-hearted, as the result of her early abandonment and the slaughter of her bear relatives, swift-footed Atalanta stipulates that she will only marry the man who can beat her in a race. When Hippomenes - the young man who slew Atalanta's bear-sibling years before, thinking her in danger - sees her again, he falls in love, and determines to win her. Beseeching the help of Venus, Hippomenes enters the race with three golden apples, whose strategic use will win him his heart's desire...

There are a number of different myths about Atalanta, depending upon the classical source. In some accounts, she accompanies the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece, while in many tellings, she is also a participant in the hunt for the Calydonian boar. The story of her race with Hippomenes, and the use of the three golden apples of Venus/Aphrodite seems to be the one that is most often retold however, particularly in the pages of children's literature. The Race of the Golden Apples, one of only two titles from Claire Martin - the other being Boots and the Glass Mountain - is the second picture-book retelling of this story that I have read, following upon Shirley Climo's Atalanta's Race: A Greek Myth . On the whole, I liked it better than the Climo title, enjoying both Martin's retelling and the gorgeous artwork of the Dillons. Unlike a friend of mine, I was not bothered by the use of some Roman names here - Diana rather than Artemis, Venus rather than Aphrodite - as this tale is taken from Ovid's Metamorphoses , and no doubt reflects the mixture of Greek and Roman names used in that work. Recommended to young mythology lovers, and to anyone who appreciates the Dillons' amazing illustrative work.

[Saffron Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating is based solely on the beautiful art by Leo and Diane Dillon. The storytelling is adequate, however I did take exception to the use of Roman names for goddesses when the story takes place in Greece and other names in the story are Greek.

Edit 09/25/2021: I have been made aware that Claire Martin’s source material was Ovid’s Metamorphoses which while mostly Greek stories, did contain Roman names. Therefore I have changed my opinion and no longer take exception to their use in the story.

[Anna Mock · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first of two picture books I have of this story. I like the telling of this story better in this book because it shows the characters in more of a two dimensional way and leads to interesting discussion with the kids. The illustrations are more unique, though not always lovelier. Just creative and interesting.

[Bvlmc Buchanan Verplanck Elementary School · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with her rescue and rearing by the Goddess Artemis in the forest, to events that hardened her heart as she reunited with her father, to the race for her hand in marriage this beautifully illustrated myth tells the story of Atalanta.

[Nore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered out of the blue to rate this. I read it over and over as a kid and the art left such a strong impression on me that I still think about it 20 years later! I should really buy a new copy.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for art, 3 stars for story.

Leo and Diane Dillon's art was breathtaking, as usual. I love the myth of Atalanta, but this telling was not my favorite.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mythological story of Atalanta and the golden apples. It's a shame there's no cover image pictured for this one: the Dillons made Atalanta bright and the focal point of each spread. Images are bound by frames that make it look like the action is frozen in place. And this is a story with LOTS of action!

[Elaine Duree]

My daughter (8) and I really liked this story. It is a sweet Love story, the princess seems very modern. I liked that it lead into the under current of Greek mythology. Meaning, the not so well know storied. And yet this story is about the most well known constellations.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story because it is one I hadn't read before. However as a children's book it is kind of sad and shows the darker side of humanity.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame that the cover doesn't appear, because the Dillon's art is the highlight of this story. It is a simple retelling of the Atalanta myth, but the illustrations are fantastic!

[Lily Hadrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not very exact and they didnt get all the facts right but nobody's perfect...Get it? Noe Body? from the Odyssey?