Books about myths and legends

Six Earth Goddesses call a meeting to discuss what is to be done about humans inflicting catastrophic environmental damage to the planet. Coyote, disguised as his wife, joins the meeting – and feels compelled to speak out.

Professor Brownston recounts the story of two ancestors, whose quest to observe and document mythical phenomena leads them across ancient China. A compelling picture book, sure to captivate young readers who enjoy fantasy adventure tales.

The mythological worlds of 12 cultures from Ireland to Japan, Polynesia to the mythos of the Hindu world are explored here in a beautiful collection, which helps children to celebrate and respect the wonderful differences in the way people see the world.

The Atlas of Monsters takes the interesting angle of looking at each continent from the point of view of its traditional mythology, and also introduces the book itself as a mysterious source object to be investigated inside a story of strange discovery.

In the wintery Himalayas, Anya and Mahi are swept away by the goddess Ganga on a journey to reconnect with their spirit animals and to spread a song of natural healing across the world. 

Brimming with information about Ancient Egypt with lovely interactive features

A glorious mix of Yoruba myths and legends infused with the joy, adventure, culture and exuberance of Nigeria all wrapped up in a tense, magical thriller.

In this gorgeous book featuring the stories of thirteen goddesses from different cultures – Sumeria (now Iraq), China, Mexico, Japan, Nigeria, Greece, Ireland and many more – Xanthe Gresham-Knight reminds us of the powerful women of myth and legend who have always had our backs. 

Sun Wukong, legendary monkey king and warrior, faces an ancient evil which threatens the world. Join him on a wild and comical adventure as he battles the monsters of ancient Greece. 

A wealth of Greek myths and legends are told engagingly and simply in this gorgeously illustrated hardback, filled with colourful, graphic illustration by Katie Ponder. 

Whether your preference is for magic, absurdity, horror, romance, history or spirituality, there will be plenty to enjoy in this retelling of ancient tales that have their origin in a tradition of centuries-old oral storytelling. 

In this collection you will find creation myths, trickster tales, stories about shapeshifters and gods, and many more – some funny, some thrilling. An excellent introduction to African and Caribbean folklore.

Anyone looking to escape into a world of battling princesses, scary ogres, heroic warriors, wily animals, and even ordinary people doing extraordinary things, should take a look inside this beautiful compilation of traditional tales from across South Asia.

A quirky fantasy adventure in which a human boy and a Greek goddess accidentally release an immortal supervillain who is determined to take over the world – and maybe even the universe.

Can Trixie dos Santos trick five all-powerful gods into helping her save the world? Packed with characters from myths and legends from across the world, this is an action-packed, magical adventure. 

Can Loki – god of mischief and prankster schoolboy – convince everyone that he didn’t steal Thor’s hammer? Bursting with illustrations, doodles and comic strips, this is an equally funny sequel to the hilarious Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good.

Apprentice mapmaker, 12-year-old Sai, joins an expedition to sail the southern seas and chart new lands, but how much is she willing to risk in order to make her fortune? This Thai-inspired fantasy adventure is a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

A thrilling fantasy adventure exploring the rich mythology of Japan and the intense feelings of a lonely girl.

Super-sporty Vesper and super-bright Aster are cousins and now reluctant partners in stopping Kizin, the Maya god of death, from killing everyone in the world. A brilliant adventure full of action and humour… and chocolate!

Vivi must use her newfound powers to stop a ruthless tyrant from destroying the human world. This enthralling magical adventure seamlessly blends ancient Welsh mythology with a diverse cast of characters in a contemporary setting.

A story of death, magic and the afterlife told by Marinka, who is desperate not to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and wants to find her own destiny. Loosely based on the Slavic myth of Baba Yaga, this story is delightfully macabre and utterly engrossing.

A gory re-telling of Ireland’s traditional battle epic, with many gruesome details of the violence that the warrior Cúchulainn inflicts on his enemies. Suitable for older children, this is a prose version of the myth that explores courage, jealousy and the futility of violence.