The Hero and the Minotaur [Hardcover]

Robert Byrd (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Lavishly illustrated and impeccably researched, this is a dynamic retelling of one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. Join Theseus as he solves the mystery of his birth, vanquishes a colorful cast of robbers, and volunteers to slay the frightful half-bull, half-man devouring the children of Athens. In a captivating tale for readers of all ages, destinies tragic and glorious splendidly unfold.This is a sure bet for fans of mythology and a wonderful introduction for readers who have not yet discovered the fascinating world of the ancient Greeks.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 3-6–From the birth of Greece, wrought by Poseidon's shaking his trident, to Theseus's rule over the mountainous land of the Ancients, this retelling of the hero's mythical adventures is a joy to read. Byrd masterfully interweaves the legends of Aegeus, Heracles, the Minotaur, Ariadne, and Icarus with the story of Theseus. Myths that are normally quite complicated become easy to decipher in this outstanding version, for Byrd tells the tales simply and clearly, including important details and tying up all loose ends so that everything blends together seamlessly. The pen-and-watercolor illustrations are painstakingly drawn and include numerous small period details that heighten the sense of history. The paintings abound in rich Mediterranean colors, and there is a sense of movement on every page. While the heads and feet of the characters may seem disproportionately large, it seems a simple but suitable way to suggest that these characters are larger than life. The influences of ancient Greek art are everywhere, from the key designs on the title page to the carved prow of Theseus's ship; in fact, many of the designs were copied from actual ancient artifacts. The endpaper maps trace the hero's route from Athens to Crete and back and provide a quick visual retelling of the story, using miniature versions of the characters featured in the regular illustrations. Keeping with the tradition of D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths (Random, 1992), Byrd's book is sure to take its rightful place among classic retellings of timeless tales.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
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From Booklist

Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Exciting illustrations, patterned with designs drawn from ancient pottery, bring to life this retelling of two Greek myths. Byrd begins with the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, and then smoothly transitions into Icarus' doomed flight. The blend of myths makes for a narrative that may be too long for reading aloud, beginning to end, to a restless crowd. Still, Byrd ably compresses essential plot elements into an abbreviated yet thorough text, and his beautiful ink-and-watercolor artwork will easily draw children into the action. In intricate, delicately colored full-page spreads, Byrd creates monsters and villains that are at once deliciously odious and whimsical. Meticulously detailed period costumes and palaces round out thrilling scenes that show mythology's fantastic blurring of worlds, in which gods' faces swirl amid sea creatures, celestial bodies, and the solid, earthly world of humans. There are no notes to support the story, but this is still an excellent choice to inspire interest in ancient mythology; it will partner nicely with Robert Burleigh's picture-book retellings of myths, Hercules (1999) and Pandora (2002). Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books; 1st edition (July 21, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525473912
• ISBN-13: 978-0525473916
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #913,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasy. Young to middle elementary., January 13, 2008

By 

Dr. Joan E. Aitken "author of Interpersonal C... (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hero and the Minotaur (Hardcover)

This story of Greek mythology is about Aethra's son Theseus. He was brave. One day he moved a boulder and found golden sandals and a sword, which were left by his father, King Aegeus, which meant it was time for him to go to his father in Athens. Thesus met with many foes and monsters on his journey. In nearby Crete, King Minos kept a terrible minotaur, who wanted 14 young people from Athens to be sacrificed. Theseus volunteer to go, and when he arrived bravely in Crete, King Minos' daughter was impressed and sought help for him. He killed the minotaur during the night, then escaped with everyone including the King's daughter. Poseidon came to their aid in the escape.

Beautiful, detailed, colorful drawings.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Well Done!, October 17, 2009

By 

LME "The Discerning Viewer" (Central CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hero and the Minotaur (Hardcover)

A tasteful adaptation and blending of two myths. Read it aloud to K-2 and let it be an idependent read for grades 2-5. The interesting and imaginative illustrations highlight authentic archaelogical finds and themes. The story-telling flows nicely. Excellent job!
A good companion for grades 2-5 is Giovanni Caselli's "In Search of Knossos".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT from start to finish!, November 12, 2008

By 

Theodore A. Viva (Bangor, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hero and the Minotaur (Hardcover)

Mr. Byrd has created a masterful retelling of one of the greatest myths. This book has been a favorite of my now 7 and 5 year olds for 2 years! They love it, it has taught them new words, and given them an appreciation for the classical side of learning. Mr. Byrd is a wonderful man as well. We met him at a book signing in NJ and he treated my boys with respect and they really appreciated it. They still talk about the time they met Mr. Byrd. BUY THIS BOOK!