The Odyssey (Oxford Illustrated Classics Series) [Paperback]

Geraldine McCaughrean (Adapter), Homer (Author), Victor G. Ambrus (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 6, 1999 | Age Level: 8 and up | Series: Oxford Illustrated Classics Series

This is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey for children, starting from the destruction of Troy and recounting the many dangers that Odysseus faced on his long journey home to Ithaca. Geraldine McCaughrean's lively and original style is complemented by Victor Ambrus's brilliant recreations of the ancient word and its monsters and gods. The paperback edition is now reissued with a new cover.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A lively, brief retelling with colorful, action-filled pictures."--Los Angeles Times Book Review

"This serious retelling of the Odyssey, illustrated with lush watercolors and line drawings, is a modern prose version of Homer's epic tale about Odysseus's return from Troy. A good introduction to Homer and an exciting story."--Reviews from Parent Council

"A real winner."--Children's Bookwatch

"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the It captures all the drama and bloodcurdling action of the original work while making the story accessible to young people in language that is still vigorous and expressive.... Illustrations by Victor Ambrus complement McCaughrean's style perfectly, their bold colors and lively portrayals displaying all the energy of the text."--Booklist

About the Author

Geraldine McCaughrean has also adapted One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, Canterbury Tales, El Cid, and Moby Dick for children.
Victor G. Ambrus has illustrated over 200 books. He has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and lives in the UK.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 6, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192741837
• ISBN-13: 978-0192741837
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,023,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Homer restored to his rightful place as serious competition, January 15, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Odyssey (Oxford Illustrated Classics Series) (Paperback)

...for Pokemon, dinosaurs, ghost stories, Robin Hood, and piratical history! I am no classical scholar, as is obvious from that last sentence, but I am a mom who reads alot to her children and I've a working understanding of Homer's poetic tale, The Odyssey. Ms. McCaughrean's version was gripping! We had a very hard time putting it down the first time, and on our second read through we just kept going until the end! This book enthralled a 7 and a 4, while remaining as true to the text as I've seen yet in a children's version (slight editing may be required for the very squeamish or quite young.) My children acted the tale out on their own when we were through and held impromptu literary discussions for days afterwards. Like Bible stories, Greek myths have been done a thousand times over for children. Before you set off to wade through to find the diamonds, take my word for it that this is definitely one of them. Also, her collection of classic mythical stories is recommended although, dare I say it, this is even better than that.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars All the Hits, December 2, 2004

By 

Michael S. Mahoney "Gruffybear" (Goshen, Kentucky, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Odyssey (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

For young readers not yet ready to tackle Homer in translation this prose version is a superb introduction to the epic's most stirring episodes. McCaughrean writes in an alliterative prose which honors the poetry of the original. She pumps new life into the tangle with the Cyclops, the lure of the Sirens, and the final smackdown on Ithaca when a weathered Odysseus teaches the loutish suitors a thing or two. Seventh graders here have really warmed to this commendable retelling. Our ancient history curriuculum has certainly benefitted from its inclusion.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Imagery, Simile, Metaphor, Hyperbole Galore, February 21, 2010

By 

R. Hart "swedehart" (nowhere) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Odyssey (Puffin Classics) (Paperback)

The disclosure of the publisher "Puffin" rightly gives the fact that this is a child's version away. Yet, the prose of this text is not condescending. I love the use of imagery, similes, metaphor and hyperbole; this read is a treat for all ages, as it inspires the imagination in ways the original text may not for lack of so much detail. I enjoy reading the different versions of they Odyssey- analyzing the differences and appreciating the variety of interpretations is an exercise in and of itself.