Book Recommendation

Eons ago when I was in third grade, I stumbled across a book in the school library called D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths. I think I was the only child who checked the book out for the next two years - mainly because no one else had the opportunity to. From September to June, it was mine. If I could've checked it out over the summer, I would have - trust me.

Years passed and I had nearly forgotten about the book until I was shopping for homeschool materials for my own child. When I saw this book, I knew I had to buy a copy so my daughter could share in all the wonders I experienced at her age. I wasn't wrong. She was as hooked as I was.

In it's pages are the most well known of the greek myths, told in language easy enough for a child to understand, and yet not dumbed down to a typical storybook format. Obviously some of the names if the gods will be difficult for most 8 year olds to pronounce on their own, but that is part of the fun. Hephaestus {huh-fes'-tuhs}* and Aphrodite {af-roh-dy'-tee}* wouldn't be half as mysterious if their names were Bob and Jane.

One wonderful thing about learning the greek myths, though, is the heroic aspect of the ancient Greek religions. Perseus slays the Gorgon; Theseus defeats the minotaur. Good guys win, and bad guys find justice.

Of course, not every bit of the greek mythos is wonderful, but studying the myths provides an excellent opportunity for discussion - no matter what the moral of the story may be.

And if nothing else, the book will provide a wonderful window into a classic part of literature.

Enjoy!

(*http://www.pantheon.org/miscellaneous/pronunciations.html)