Customer Reviews

Pegasus

5 star:		(8)
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3 star:		(1)
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I am happy with this purchase. The story is well-written with Craft's beautiful artwork. The story is about a king's son, Bellerophon, who was set up by a jealous foe to be killed. But the kindy king Bellerophon was sent to could not kill a good man by his own hand, so the kindly king sent Bellerophon on a challenge to kill the bloodthirsy Chimera monster... to certain death. But Bellerophon sought help from a wise man who told him to find Pegasus, that attacking Chimera from the air would put him at an advantage over other men that died trying. But Pegasus is hard to find and also wild. This is the story of how Bellerophon found Pegasus, how they became 'brothers in trust', and how together they were able to finally destroy Chimera. But will the kindly king that was told to kill Bellerophon be able to follow through once Bellerophon proves himself such a hero on top of being the good-hearted man that impressed him? And what about the kindly king's daughter who Bellerophon quickly fell in love with?

This picture book fits nicely into a collection of other story books of this genre, such as Beauty and the Beast and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, both written by Mayer (Beauty was illustrated by another great artist named Mercer Mayer, Craft illustrated Pegasus and 12 Dancing Princesses). The nice thing about this book is that the focus is not on romance, so it is quite a different story and one that my son may get more into when older (although I myself have a weakness towards the romances!). There is the slaying of Chimera, so it is more violent than the above mentioned fairy tales, but as I said, the 'dragon slaying' quality may appeal to boys.

Stories like this and most books in this genre don't spell out every action or emotion, but that's the nature of fairy tales. I think it's nice to use our imaginations to fill in the gaps and details; these stories are thought provoking.

My only complaint about Craft's artwork is that the characters in her various books look so similar. For example, the princess in Pegasus looks just like the main princess in 12 Dancing Princesses. And with her Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty books, I can't tell a difference between the two different woman. A lot of the princes look the same, and, in my opinion, they all have the face and headsize of a ten year old boy painted atop a man's body. Her artwork is beautiful, and I know that's the style, but it does kind of disappoint me, along with how the people look alike from story to story. But nonetheless, the art is great and beautifully detailed, and the stories are classic.

Children have always and will always be intrigued by fairy tales (and mythology), so that's what makes these beautiful books so great to own. They will be read and reread, with the artwork studied. My daughter is only 3 1/2 and already adores anything fairytale she is allowed to see: books, begs to watch my Faerie Tale Theatre collection (great shows from the 80s!), the Barbie fairytale stuff, you name it. That's why I consider books like these a good investment, and with care, they can be passed down.

It was in reading this version of the "Pegasus" myth that I realised something that had never occurred to me before: K. Y. Craft's exquisite books aren't really for children. They are definitely targeted toward a children's reading-market, and some children would certainly enjoy reading them, but ultimately I believe that Craft's books are designed for an adult audience: they are so beautiful, so detailed, and written with such dense and sophisticated language (either by Marianne Mayer, as in this case, or by her other frequent collaborator Charlotte Craft), that most adults will find themselves placing her books on their own bookshelves rather than their children's.

"Pegasus" is one such example; melding Craft's extraordinary illustrations with a retelling of the myth in all its heroic glory. The handsome youth Bellerophon is charged with the task of destroying the three-headed Chimera, and to aid him in his quest he seeks out the winged horse Pegasus to act as his steed in defeating the monster. It's a simple enough story, and so Mayer adds further detail: Bellerophon's prolonged search for Pegasus, his love for the Princess Philonoe, his discovery of Pegasus at the fountain of Pirene (a mother who wept so long for her son that she eventually turned to stone), and the epic battle that rages between the two heroes and the monster.

Mayer does stop short of relating Bellerophon's ultimate fate: of being flung from Pegasus's back to his death after he attempts to fly to the gods' home; instead choosing to give the young hero a happy ending with his young wife...I suppose some liberties are taken for a young audience!

To match such an epic story are illustrations that seem to burst from the page. The Chimera tearing through the countryside, Pegasus appearing in the Eden-like garden, the fierce battle over the ocean, and the splendour of the winged Pegasus - K. Y. Craft's paintings are utterly glorious, and really have to be seen to be believed. Some are even given the space to fill two-page spreads, demanding that the reader simply stop and *look*.

Perhaps I should have said that Craft's books are able to be as enjoyed as much by adults as they are by children; for it is a very foolish adult that no longer believes they need to read legends and fairytales. All of Craft's books are a delight to the eyes, and (to date) she has illustrated two other Greek myths that also come highly recommended: "King Midas and the Golden Touch" and "Cupid and Psyche".

If Disney's version of "Hercules" made you groan with its complete rehash of Greek legend, then K. Y. Craft's version of "Pegasus" will set you (and your kids) straight again.

My 12 year old daughter discovered this book in the library and thought she was in heaven. We had no idea that books like this even existed. Not many parents in our area are even aware of them and they are not often signed out of the library. I feel so appreciative that there is a writer like Marianna Mayer and an illustrator the caliber of Kinuko Craft out out there creating such beautiful "works of art" for children. Pegasus can be appreciated by older children (and adults) because the language is elegant and sophisticated. The sumptuous illustrations are beneficial to children who are visual learners. Amazon is offering this book, with dust jacket, at an amazingly low price. Although Mayer/Craft are at the top of her list, she has also discovered other illustrators such as Ruth Sanderson and Gennady Spirin who Amazon brought to her attention after we ordered books by Mayer/Craft.

Kinuko Y. Craft's stunning illustrations bring to life this classic story of the mythical horse Pegasus. No children's book collection should be without this beautifully designed effort.

I saw this book in the library and figured it would be good as my little girl is in love with Pegasus.

I should have read it first because it's the fable of Bellerophon (which I had forgotten) and the Chimera. The fighting and talk of killing did take her (and me) by surprise.

A couple quick simple explanations seemed to make things better but I must point out that she did not want it read again. I am sure she will like these when she is older but it was my mistake for not reading it first.

The artwork is fabulous. Even though the story bothered her; she still had to look at the pictures and she was intrigued rather then scared of the Chimera.

A good book that is meant for older children.....

Because of the visual beauty of this series I was expecting a higher quality of illustrations. The story is well told of the boy who is given an impossible challenge like Hercules and the 12 tasks, overcomes because of some help by various magical people, and of course wins the princess. However the illustrations though well done lack life: they look like copies of old prints without the infusion of an original personal touch. The font used for the story would be better if it was sharp and clear thus easier to read. Still it is well told and could be used in a classroom to tell the ancient Greek story successfully.

Some of these pages are so beautiful, they make us gasp. The story is just the right length for reading out loud, and the illustrations are unforgettable.

You get one really good look at the chimera - and that one look is pretty frightening. Even big kids, the ones who are "too big" for picture books, will sit in rapt amazement for this story.

The ancient Greeks had many great heroes. There are countless books on the exploits of Atalanta, Jason, Hercules, Perseus, Theseus, Achilles and Odysseus. But what about Bellerophon, the hero who killed the dreaded Chimera? His rightful place in the pantheon of ancient Greek heroes is supplanted by his mount, Pegasus. There is something about a winged horse that is more compelling than the story of the hero who rode him.

Mariana Mayer's "Pegasus" is a retelling of the Bellerophon myth. It is a simplified version of the original tale that was first laid out in the Iliad. Mayer does an excellent job of crafting this story for young children. But what really makes this book special are Kinuko Craft's illustrations. Her illustrations remind me of the works of the great Nineteenth Century Romantic painters. This is a beautiful book that will give both parents and children a great deal of pleasure. Recommended.

I am very pleased to have this be my first introduction to the story of Pegasus and Bellerophon. I have no idea how accurate this retelling is, but I completely enjoyed it!

It was quite refreshing to finally meet a hero that I could stand behind pretty much 100%! Bellerophon is brave, fair, handsome, and learns the importance of trust. What's more, he befriends Pegasus! (what could be better!?)

This said, not all the characters are as "perfect" as Bellerophon, but I'm not sure they were supposed to be. And while certain aspects of the story weren't especially involved or detailed, the focus of the story definitely was (that being the stories of Bellerophon and Pegasus).

I loved how Pegasus was described, and that even though he was "wild" he obviously had a good heart and a kind nature.

I was impressed by Mayer's choice of words and details. The book felt like a very smooth and solid read, like a miniature novel. I didn't feel the story was too sparse, but rather that Mayer chose the most important places to provide detail (and beautiful words), and kept the rest to a minimum (quite clever, I think!).

Add to this Craft's incredible illustrations, and you have a fantastic, impressive, and touching story. I'm always amazed at Craft's detail, and use of light, as well as her amazing ability to create fairy worlds and gods that are only semi-transparent. This book contains beautiful two-page spreads that left me wanting to examine every inch of paper.

A very sweet story, and a wonderful way to experience it! Highly, highly recommended!!