High Five to the Hero

What if heroes weren't always the strong and silent type? If you've been looking for books that cast diverse boy characters in a wealth of non-traditional and modern, aspirational roles, this is the book for you!

By rewriting classic fairy tales such as The Pied Piper, Jack and the Beanstalk, Pinocchio and the legend of King Arthur as well as cultural stories like the African Anansi tales, the tale of Hercules from Greek myths and the story of Sinbad, Vita Murrow brings them into the modern day and presents stories for an audience which recognises that boys can be more than fighters, kings and monsters.

In Murrow's retold King Arthur legend, Art is a boy who realises that his power lies in mediating disputes. In the legend of Hercules, the hero of the tale realises that while his mother Hera is a fearsome warrior, his skills are best used healing people in hospital. In The Elves and the Shoemaker, Otzi and Lyman realise that their true calling is in providing the needy in their community with clothes and shoes.

This is an extremely well-produced book and has plenty of food for thought in the stories within. Perfect for bedtime and storytime alike.