Greek Stories (Tales from Around the World)

Gr 5-8-Hull retells Odysseus's encounter with Circe (and related bits from the Odyssey), two stories about Midas, and the tales of Arachne and Orpheus. The writing is lively and vernacular, only occasionally bogged down by the temptation to pack in a few precis of other myths. However, the organizing principle of the collection is not clear. The theme of hubris marks the stories of Midas and Arachne; Circe and Orpheus are romantic adventures with different outcomes; Midas's vote for Pan over Apollo is rather an anomaly. Stower's full-color illustrations are marred by some awkward and unattractive figures, and his complete unfamiliarity with looms is a handicap in the story of Arachne. Robinson's pen-and-ink drawings, in a vaguely Greek vase-decoration style, are more successful. While this volume does not rival its many competitors in scope, depth, or illustrations, it may serve as an unintimidating introduction to the myths for reluctant readers (once they get past the proper Greek names in the opening paragraph).-Patricia Dooley, formerly at University of Washington, Seattle

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