Atalanta's Race : A Greek Myth (Paperback)

~ (Author), Alexander Koshkin (Illustrator) "When the ancient world was young, and the gods kept a close watch on everything and everyone on earth, there lived a Greek king named..." (more)
Key Phrases: King Iasus

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"A stately picture book, well told with classically inspired paintings that amplify the drama and match the author's sensitivity to detail and ambiance," wrote PW. Ages 6-10. (Aug.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7?By starting Atalanta's story with her rejection by her father (who wanted a boy), and carrying it past her race and marriage to her transformation into a lioness (because she failed to honor the gods), Climo hints at the rich psychological interest in her tale. A she-bear suckles Atalanta; a hunter raises her as a boy. Her athletic prowess first wins her notice, then acceptance, from her father; but what he really wants from her is a grandson. Melanion (Hippomenes in other versions) seems, at least, to love her for her own strong self. Atalanta, too, admires Melanion, and perhaps wishes him victory; although, as a true competitor, she tries her best to win. The apparent triumph of love is called into question by Aphrodite's revenge on the couple, both of whom are ungrateful to her for her gift. Koshkin's delicate but vibrant paintings, done in a style evoking the antique, set the raven-haired heroine and blond hero into an archaic Greek world of dress and decor. A slender architrave, pediment, and columns frame each picture. Aphrodite appears with her trademark swan and dolphins, while gorgeous double-spread endpapers depict the whole world of an ancient city-state. There are many retellings of Atalanta's story, but none surpasses this one.?Patricia (Dooley) Lothrop Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (August 21, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618051546
• ISBN-13: 978-0618051540
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,365,509 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)