The Odyssey
by David Walser, illustrated by Jan Pieńkowski
Interest age: 6 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Puffin, 2019
About this book
Homer’s classic Greek tale, The Odyssey, is retold for a contemporary audience in this thrilling picture book for older readers.
King Odysseus is enjoying a contented life on Ithaca with his wife and baby son, when he receives a plea for help from King Menelaus, whose wife Helen has been kidnapped by Trojan prince, Paris. Odysseus gathers together a dozen boats and crew and sets off to attack Troy and rescue Helen.
The war rages on for ten long years, until Odysseus devises a cunning plan to defeat the Trojans. However, he is boastful over his victory, which angers Zeus, king of the Gods. Deciding to teach Odysseus a lesson, Zeus ensures his journey home is a long and treacherous one.
During the next ten years, Odysseus encounters many monstrous creatures, including a fierce one-eyed Cyclops and the beautiful Sirens, who lure sailors to their deaths with their enchanting song.
Not for the faint-hearted, this is an epic tale of gods and goddesses, violent battles and fearsome monsters. Combining cunning, bravery, treachery, love and revenge, it is a great introduction to Greek mythology for a young people, with bold collage illustrations that bring the grisly stories to life.
About the illustrator
More books like this
-
The Accidental Vikings
by Karen McCombie, illustrated by Anneli Bray
7 to 11 years
-
The Butterfly House
by author-illustrator Harry Woodgate
4 to 7 years
-
The Mole and the Mound (and the House Underground)
by Will Hamilton-Davies, illustrated by Kasia Fryza
4 to 7 years
-
Whack a Moley
by Bethan Clarke, illustrated by Anders Frang
4 to 7 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Books about the Ancient Greeks
The Greeks are fascinating, with their gods, their Games and their myths. This selection of brilliant books is a mix of fiction and non-fiction, aimed at primary-aged children.