Gr 3-5-These chapter books offer details about three Greek myths and are shorter and easier to read than Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson & the Olympians" (Hyperion) books-though they will appeal to fans of that series. Each title covers elements of the tales that are not often included, adding new angles to stories children might already be familiar with. For example, Demeter devotes pages to the plight of the nymph who saw Persephone's capture. These titles also make it easier to see the connections among stories that are often told separately, such as the roles Daedalus and Icarus play in Theseus and the Minotaur. The language is clear and easy to follow, while at the same time evocative and lyrical. This style is a perfect match for the acrylic illustrations, which call to mind the faces and figures found on Greek vases. Writing and illustrations come together to paint a complete picture of the myths for young readers. The titles both relay their stories and allow glimpses into the ancient world and larger mythology. A must have for libraries with Greek myths enthusiasts, and a solid choice for all others.-Heather Talty, formerly at Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

While Demeter, goddess of the harvest, is far away, Hades seizes her daughter, Persephone, and takes the terrified girl underground to be the queen of Hades. In a version of the story that emphasizes Demeter's quest for her daughter, Lupton and Morden skillfully use short sentences to create dramatic effects. An early passage reads, Mist. Silence. Bitter cold. The Land of the Dead. On his throne sits the Lord of Darkness, Hades, his eyes as dark and deep as open graves. Henaff's illustrations depict events in simplified, highly stylized acrylic paintings, evidently inspired by ancient Greek art. Each book in the Greek Myths series concludes with three visual features: a family tree of Greek gods, a cluster of 12 portraits of individual Olympians, and a map of the ancient Greek world. Released simultaneously with Lupton, Morden, and Henaff's Theseus and the Minotaur and Orpheus and Eurydice, this is a fine, expressive retelling in a high-quality paperback edition.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist