The Iliad and the Odyssey [Paperback]

Marcia Williams (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Homer's epics become tales of adventure and marvel for the youngest readers in these remarkable retellings. Illustrated in Williams' well-loved comic-strip style, thess renditions feature snappy texts and riotously detailed panel artwork that is both faithful to the originals and delightfully modern in humor and appeal.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Using comic-strip format and leavening myth with colloquial humor, Williams "gives Homer's epic chronicles of warring gods, mortals and monsters a rollicking new incarnation," said PW. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5. Williams's version of these two Greek stories continues in the comic-strip format the reteller popularized in King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1996), Greek Myths for Young Children (1992), and Sinbad the Sailor (1994, all Candlewick). In text that runs below each row of cartoons, Williams manages to distill a complex and multilayered saga into a logical sequence of cause and effect. From the discord created by the golden apple, through the Trojan War and the voyages of Odysseus, each major event is succinctly captured on one or two pages and bordered by an intricate frame. While brevity robs the retelling of drama and personality, these elements are provided in excess in the watercolor illustrations of various sizes. A plethora of details can be examined in each cell, which contains dialogue between gods and mortals as well as plenty of action. Noble and ignoble alike are caricatured, blood and gore flow freely, and witty and witless epithets are hurled about. There are lots of bare bottoms and everyone is depicted with peculiarly puckered lips. Although the vocabulary is challenging, the format will appeal to reluctant readers. This slapstick version will add little to library collections on the classics, but will find a ready audience.?Carol Ann Wilson, Westfield Memorial Library, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763606448
• ISBN-13: 978-0763606442
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,473,533 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marcia Williams is famous for her retellings of classic stories. From Shakespeare and Dickens to the Canterbury Tales and Greek Myths, her humorous comic-strip illustration is hugely popular all over the globe. She lives in London.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hi, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Iliad and the Odyssey (Paperback)

I would just like to say to the earlier review this book is not meant to be a school textbook. It is not supposed to be a wonderful introduction to the Iliad and the Odyssey. Marcia Williams books are just for fun, it is just a bonus that you children can get the basic story line of a classic. I would highly recommend any of Marcia Williams books.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marcia Williams is a Genius!, May 12, 2006

By 

Lorel Shea (New England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Iliad (Paperback)

Williams has a gift for making the complex stories of classic authors funny and accessible. My family library contains several of her works. Her wild and whimsical cartoons captivate both old and young. My kids are avid readers, and they are crazy for her books! These are about the only books that both my five year old and my teen want to read. A warning for the sensitive: this book is about the Trojan war, and it does include killing, blood, a creepy illustration of the cyclops eating Odysseus's men, etc. There's no story left if all the scary bits are taken out, so be prepared!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book!, September 21, 2002

By 

Diane D. (Attleboro, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Iliad and the Odyssey (Hardcover)

When we were looking for a good book for a 6-year-old whose name is Agamemnon, to give him some context for his name outside of our family, we found this book at the library. He really enjoyed having us read it to him, then later for him to read himself. A great book!