Rebellion, loyalty, and friendship fuel the personal drama in this moving picture-book retelling of an ancient Greek legend. Close friends Damon and Pythias share nearly everything, including disapproval of their cruel ruler, Dionysius. After speaking out in public against the tyrant, Pythias is sentenced to be executed for treason, and he asks for permission to go home and arrange care for his parents before his death. Damon steps forward to take his friend's place in prison until he returns, knowing that he will die if Pythias does not come back. Johnson's acrylic paintings in glowing shades of red show the friends' bond, as well as portraits of the angry ruler as tension builds during Pythias' absence. Pythias does return just in time to prevent Damon's execution, and the friends' loyalty moves Dionysius. A final note says the story is based on true events. Kids will want to talk about the friendship issues and how the tale reaches into their own lives.--Rochman, Hazel Copyright 2009 Booklist

Gr 2-4-This classic tale of friendship is set in Sicily in the fourth century B.C.E. Dionysius, a "cruel ruler," surrounds himself with bodyguards, reigns with an iron fist, and sneers at the idea of trusting others. Pythias speaks out publicly against the tyrant and is sentenced to death for treason. The young man's request to journey home to bid his parents farewell is granted only after his good friend Damon steps forward and offers to take Pythias's place in prison, vowing to die in his stead should Pythias not return in a month. The traveler is delayed, and Damon prepares to accept his fate. Pythias arrives just in time, and their heartfelt reunion inspires Dionysius to revoke the sentence and ask the two young men for a "favor": "Might I be the third in your friendship?" Johnson's realistic artwork evokes the setting and time period with rich detail, alternating landscapes and city scenes with close-ups of the characters' faces. The paintings glow with deep apricot and jewel tones, while darker colors underscore powerful emotions. The text reads aloud smoothly with strong dialogue and vivid similes. While Dionysius's instantaneous turnaround from harsh oppressor to humble supplicant might be a bit abrupt and simplistic, it is in the spirit of this ancient fable. Share this offering to launch discussions of friendship, faith, and trust.-Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

When Pythias speaks out against the ruler of Syracuse, he is sentenced to death. He asks for a temporary reprieve to visit his parents; in a test of their friendship, Damon takes his place in prison until Pythias's return. This tale about friendship's true meaning is well told but for the schmaltzy ending. The softly lit illustrations, though stiff, convey emotion. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

A tyrant's coldness jeopardizes the lives of two Syracusan youths. In the fourth century BCE, the small island of Sicily is ruled by the Greek commander Dionysus. A ruthless warrior who climbed from the ranks to his current position, he is known for his cruelty and lack of trust; to Dionysus, true friendship is a myth. A brave young man named Pythias speaks out against the tyrant in the marketplace. Getting wind of this, Dionysus arrests him for treason and sentences him to death. Damon offers to take his best friend Pythias's place in prison while Pythias makes the lengthy journey home to say goodbye to his elderly parents. Weeks pass and Pythias does not return; has Damon been a fool for trusting in his friend? The story's ending might surprise young readers. Bateman's retelling of the ancient fable is measured and lucid; Johnson's bright paintings add clarity, though his studied compositions lack movement and his "ragged, travel-worn" Pythias looks a little too clean. An unusual tale to bring to children, but worthwhile. (Picture book. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.