From Publishers Weekly
This superbly illustrated and tersely relayed retelling of the Greek myth from the team behind Hercules emphasizes Pandora's compulsion to know, rather than to disobey. "Pandora's curiosity about the jar did not lessen./ Oh no, not at all!/ Instead, it grew, like a clinging vine,/ Tighter and tighter around her waking thoughts." Col¢n pays homage to classical Greek forms in his serene and powerful artwork; the paintings return to Pandora's statuesque proportions and draped garments as faithfully as her thoughts return to the mysterious contents of the magnificent jar. Verdant laurel trees give shade from a hot Greek sun; fine lines etched onto the borders of the drawings resemble the crackling in the glaze of ancient urns. Even the climactic scenes possess a stop-action quality; the restraint of the compositions offers a tantalizing contrast to the force of Pandora's obsession. Some young readers may be put off by the story's eerie development and the gorgons of evil that stream forth from Pandora's jar, but most will be drawn in, willy-nilly, by the hypnotic text and Col¢n's remarkable work. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-In retelling the myth, Burleigh concentrates on Pandora's obsession with the forbidden jar (rather than box, here). She tries to distract herself with arts and crafts; she considers the story of Prometheus (painted on the jar) as a warning, but temptation is too strong. The author incorporates the story of Pandora's creation, and emphasizes her courage, so that even her transgression seems daring rather than foolish. And finally Pandora clings, triumphantly, to the hope remaining behind. The text, arranged in lines like free verse, is rhythmic and clear, with short, simple sentences. A list of Greek names helps with identification, though not with pronunciation. The romantic watercolor colored-pencil illustrations have narrow borders and textured grounds. Blues and greens dominate the muted palette. Gently glowing gold highlights suffuse the scenes, whether in- or outdoors, contributing to the iconic flatness of the pictures. A certain stiffness in the figures (and awkwardly drawn feet) hardly detracts from the graceful drama that unfolds, signaled by the cover's silent-scream close-up. This Pandora is tempting.
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RICopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
