Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary [Hardcover]

Lynn Curlee (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Tales about proud gods and goddesses, fabulous creatures, ferocious beasts, and brave heroes from the world of Greek mythology have captured the imaginations of readers, young and old, for centuries. Now see them brought to life like never before, as acclaimed author and artist Lynn Curlee turns his brush to a subject that is unlike any other to create a work of boundless creativity and beauty.

From the fierce Chimera, who is part lion, goat, and serpent; to the magnificent Phoenix that rises from its own ashes; to the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece; to the legend of Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa; to the noble winged horse, Pegasus; to Cerberus, the three-headed watchdog of Hades, Mr. Curlee explores the characters of the myths and legends that have been told and retold for thousands of years. <

i> brings to life a world where lowly mortals can either be favored or destroyed by powerful gods and goddesse and where kings and queens must bow down before Zeus and his brethren. It is a place where nymphs and centaurs roam to the music of Pan's flute and the hungry Cyclops and Minotaur lurk in the shadows -- a magical place of love, danger, and imagination.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—Centaurs, Gryphons, and Harpies share the pages of this who's who of ancient Greek figures like Argus, the watchman with 100 eyes; the three-headed dog Cerberus; and Polyphemus, the Cyclops of Homer's Odyssey. Snippets of stories about Jason and Medea, Theseus and Ariadne, and other well-known characters will give readers tantalizing glimpses of the more intricate tales that await them. Although the title makes it clear that the book is about creatures of mythology, the section on Gryphons is slightly confusing in the way that it implies these half-lion, half-eagle beings did indeed exist in the natural world. Curlee's language is descriptive and lyrical. Combining formal, stylized images with touches of realism, the full-color acrylic paintings depict these characters with dramatic flair. Details mentioned in the text are often incorporated into the artwork, further enhancing the book's impact. This bestiary would be a good companion to Kate McMullan's "Myth-O-Mania" series, could pave the way for Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" books (both Hyperion), and whet appetites for further explorations of Greek mythology.—Farida S. Dowler, Mercer Island Library, WA
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From Booklist

Curlee, author-illustrator of Brooklyn Bridge (2001) and other books about natural and technological marvels, here compiles a bestiary featuring fearsome and wondrous beings from Greek mythology—among them, Pegasus, gryphons, and harpies, as well as half-human–half-animal creatures, such as Pan and the Minotaur. Each creature receives a full-page of text opposite and a bordered, full-page acrylic painting. Curlee’s illustrations have a sculptural, almost monumental feel, with his subjects appearing solid, even weighty. The palette is rich but subtle, with deep purples, golds, rusts, and greens. The information is minimal, and although the preface and epilogue provide some cultural context for the tales, several stories, including Orpheus and Euridyce and the Golden Fleece, are sharply abbreviated. The writing is marred by the occasional awkward phrase, but this handsome book will still serve a wide audience, which will be attracted by both the subject and the design. Grades 4-8. --Janice Del Negro

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (March 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416914536
• ISBN-13: 978-1416914532
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 11.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #678,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was expecting, July 24, 2011

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JD Flowerdale "flowerdalejewel" (Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary (Hardcover)

Disappointed with the illustrations and general look of the book. I can't complain about the price but the content was lacking in my opinion.