Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls from the Greek Myths
Usborne Illustrated Story Collections Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Tales of Brave and Brilliant Girls from the Greek Myths celebrates heroines from Circe to Psyche, from Athena to Artemis, re-telling their stories to inspire and empower a new generation of readers. Watch as Penelope cunningly outwits her suitors and discover how Artemis defeats two giants. See Circe perform powerful magic and follow Demeter on her brave search for her missing daughter. Beautifully illustrated with lively retellings which bring these much-loved myths to life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do the heroines in these myths have that you admire?
How did the actions of the characters in the story make you feel?
If you were in the same situation as one of these heroines, what would you have done differently?
Which story was your favorite, and why?
What have you learned about Greek mythology from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on a story from the book to make your child feel more comfortable expressing their opinions. Encourage them to think about the challenges the characters faced and how they overcame them. Use the discussion to draw parallels between the bravery and intelligence of the characters and situations in your child’s own life. Ask them to consider what they might have done in the characters' shoes, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Through characters like Atalanta and Medusa, children see examples of bravery and resilience when facing great challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own personal challenges with bravery, whether it's standing up to a bully or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Importance of Wisdom and Strategy
Explanation: Athena's tales emphasize the power of intelligence and strategy over brute strength.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully, using their minds to find creative solutions and make wise decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Stories such as those of Persephone show the value of understanding and empathizing with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the emotions and viewpoints of others, helping them build better relationships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Mythological narratives often explore the repercussions of characters' decisions, good or bad.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider the potential outcomes of their actions and to be responsible for their choices.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Many myths, such as those involving the Argonauts, highlight the successes achieved through teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of working together and how collaboration can achieve goals that may be impossible individually.