MYTHOLOGICA AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GODS, MONSTERS AND MORTALS FROM ANCIENT GREECE /ANGLAIS
What’s inside...
An illustrated encyclopedia of Greek mythology like no other, Mythologica features startlingly beautiful and exquisitely otherworldly portraits of mythological characters in eye-popping color from artist Victoria Topping and authoritative text from Classics scholar and Greek mythology expert Dr. Stephen Kershaw. Uncover the colorful lives of 50 powerful gods and goddesses, earth-dwelling mortals, and terrifying monsters as you journey back in time to ancient Greece. From the fearless Athena and her meddlesome ways to the brave and bold Odysseus and his remarkable journey home, discover why these incredible stories are still a part of our culture today. Listed alphabetically, each boldly designed spread presents a figure from the myths, including their name in Greek, their defining attributes, and a summary of their story, along with multiple sidelights that provide additional facts. Interspersed with the profiles are summaries of famous mythological tales and historical events, like the Odyssey, the Trojan War, and the story of the Argonauts. An electrifying visual portrayal of each figure transports you directly into their wild world. Victoria Topping’s artwork is a fusion of technological and traditional techniques that combines photography, painting, and cut-paper collage to perfectly express the blending of human and fantastic traits from which mythical beings are made. The thrilling images and digestible text provide the perfect introduction to the lively world of Greek mythology. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the epic, heroic, and sometimes terrible lives of mortals, monsters, and gods.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Who is your favorite character from Greek mythology and why?
What lessons can we learn from the stories of gods, monsters, and mortals?
How do the choices made by characters in these myths impact their outcomes?
If you could have a conversation with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think the world of ancient Greece is different from our world today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters and scenes to life, enhancing the mythical nature of the stories.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe how they would depict various characters and scenes artistically.
Link discussions to values and decisions, asking your child how they might handle similar situations the characters face.
Explore the historical context of ancient Greece to deepen understanding and appreciation of the myths.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of bravery and courage.
Explanation: Through tales of heroes like Hercules and Achilles, children see examples of courage in overcoming great challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their personal fears and challenges, whether at school or in social settings, with bravery.
Example Lesson: The value of wisdom and intelligence.
Explanation: Stories about deities like Athena showcase the benefits of using intelligence and wisdom to solve problems, rather than brute force.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think critically and solve problems thoughtfully in their daily interactions and schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit and manipulation.
Explanation: Mythological tales involving deceptive characters like Loki illustrate the negative outcomes of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The strength of teamwork and collaboration.
Explanation: Many myths, such as those involving the Argonauts, highlight how working together can achieve goals that seem impossible for individuals.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of cooperation in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity and different viewpoints.
Explanation: Greek mythology is full of varied characters, each with unique perspectives and traits, promoting an understanding of diverse viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect differences in opinions and backgrounds among their peers.