The One-Eyed Giant [Hardcover]

Anne Rockwell (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

In fresh retellings and witty, glowing illustrations, Anne Rockwell presents ten famous monsters from Greek mythology, including Polyphemus, the one-eyed Cyclops; the Gorgon Medusa; and the half-bull, half-human Minotaur. Scaly, fanged, horned, or many-headed, the creatures in this collection will delight young and old. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3?With descriptive yet concise language, each one- or two-page retelling of the 10 myths in this collection captures the spirit of the tale. The author's respect for children and affection for her topic is apparent from carefully crafted text. On Typhon: "He could imitate the sound of any beast. The spread of his wings darkened the earth...He was married to the terrible snake-woman, Echidna, who ate men raw. The two of them were the proud parents of a hundred terrible monsters." The full-color illustrations, line drawings silk screened in gold ink and hand-colored with watercolors, reflect classical inspiration, but are vivid and pronounced in childlike, nearly cartoon simplicity. Text pages are set off with attractive Greek-scrolled borders. This book complements Rockwell's Robber Baby (Greenwillow, 1994) with the addition of some of the less familiar characters, including the Hydra, the Cyclopes, the Graiae, Medusa, and the Minotaur. It will be a satisfying read-aloud for families as well as a welcome classroom addition.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 6^-9. As in her popular collection The Robber Baby (1994), Rockwell retells and illustrates Greek myths for young listeners. The old monster stories are as contemporary as today's nightmares. With a simple text and dramatic, full-page watercolor paintings, she brings young listeners scary fun without being too gruesome. Kids will recognize the ghostly Empusae "spooks" that moan and wail to frighten nighttime travelers. The full-page picture of the Medusa makes the monster as much clown as ogre, with her tongue stuck out and her teeth like tusks. The sleeping Minotaur is easy prey for brave young Theseus. More frightening are the three Graiae sisters who always stay together because they have only one eye and one tooth to share among the three of them. Some of the pictures and stories are confusing with too much crowded in, but the best of them are weird and fearful, great for sharing and reading aloud. The Medusa story ends with words that leave you shivering: "And no one ever went to that desert again. No one." Hazel Rochman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (April 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688138098
• ISBN-13: 978-0688138097
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,897,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.