In simple, accessible prose, with the text on each page kept invitingly brief, Osborne recounts a few episodes from HomerÆs [cf2]Odyssey[cf1]: the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the cattle of Helios. Foreshadowing helps readers keep track of their place in the narrative. However, the illustrations (a map, portraits of the gods, and a chapter-head ornament) are disappointingly meager. Pronunciation guides are included. From HORN BOOK Fall 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 3-9-Closely following Book 12 of the Odyssey, Osborne relates the tale of Odysseus and his men as they travel back from the Land of the Dead to Circe's Island. Circe warns Odysseus of dangers ahead; he and his men soldier on to the seas of the monster Scylla, where six men are viciously eaten, as Circe had foretold. Heeding her words, Odysseus tries to talk his men out of stopping at Helios's island, but they insist, defying the gods by eating Helios's cattle, resulting in their deaths. Odysseus is left alone, floating through the seas, until he lands on the shores of Calypso's island. Osborne presents a readable version of the old story, retaining Homeric refrains and using the descriptive language found in better translations. The story is not modernized, yet will appeal to today's readers. The book includes a helpful map, and end matter such as a pronunciation guide, a list of the major gods and goddesses, sources, and information about Homer and his works. Young readers will find the adventures of Odysseus intriguing, and reluctant middle- to high-school readers could gain access to the Odyssey through this series.-Angela J. Reynolds, Washington County Cooperative Library Services, Hillsboro, OR (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Mary Pope Osborne delivers the third volume in her Tales from the Odyssey series: Sirens and Sea Monsters: Tales from the Odyssey, illus. by Troy Howell. Having emerged alive from the Land of the Dead, Odysseus and his crew now face encounters with the enchantress Circe and the monster Scylla in their journey back to Ithaca. Brief chapters and a fast-paced narrative create an accessible introduction to Homer's epic. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Gr. 3-6. The third volume in the Tales from the Odyssey series begins with Circe's warnings to Odysseus about the trials that are to come. He and his men pass the Sirens' island, narrowly escape the whirlpool of Charybdis, suffer a few casualties from the six-headed monster, and sail to the island where the sun god keeps his cattle. Despite warnings and commands, his men roast the cattle and a dire fate befalls them. Osborne pares down the story to its essential elements, offering children the adventures of Odysseus with a touch of imagery reminiscent of Homer. The result is a respectful though short retelling in clear, simple language complemented by large type and generous spacing, which gives the pages an inviting look. The book ends with a brief discussion of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses, pronunciation guides, and a note on Osborne's sources. An especially good choice for readers finished with the author's Magic Tree House books and ready for a taste of the classics. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2003 Booklist