The Golden Hoard: Myths and Legends of the World (Hardcover)

~ Geraldine McCaughrean (Author), Bee Willey (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

McCaughrean (Greek Myths) could probably weave a mesmerizing tale from the copy on the back of a cereal box. Here, harvesting 22 tales from lands as diverse as Ethiopia, Estonia, and Ceylon, she has far more promising material to work with; even so, the strength of this collection emanates from her storytelling more than from the often exotic contents. Witness her deceptively casual beginning to the all-too-familiar story of King Midas: "There was once a fool. Of course there have been far more fools than one, and fools more often than once. But this particular fool was a king, so his foolishness mattered." First-time illustrator Willey's compelling illustrations are a superb fit, too. With their vivid, dreamlike use of color, they-like the stories-quicken the reader's own imaginings. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7-McCaughrean, known for her collections of Greek myths and Shakespearean tales, adds this multicultural anthology to her list. With adaptations that range from the tender and heroic "Death of El Cid" from Spain to the humorous "How Men and Women Finally Agreed" from Kenya, she presents wonderful stories from around the world. She includes many well-known characters such as King Midas, Thor, Robin Hood, the Lorelei, and Coyote the Trickster, as well as the less familiar Adapa of Mesopotamia, Estonia's flying lake, and Australia's Rainbow Snake. She retells tales of creation, romance, wit, and adventure with evocative language, and sometimes addresses readers directly as an oral storyteller would. The mixed-media illustrations are rendered in a folksy, childlike style and include cultural motifs from each legend. As with many collections, the pictures seem decorative rather than integral to the enjoyment of the stories. Quite a few anthologies of world myths and legends exist, but this one makes a place for itself because of its breadth and accessibility.?Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689807414
• ISBN-13: 978-0689807411
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,129,673 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exellent sorce of myths and ledgends from all over., November 4, 1999

By A Customer

The Golden Hoard is an exellent book. It features myths, ledgends, and folktales from many different cultures and ethniciteis. The tales are presented with beautifully done illustrations, and in a way that all ages can appreciate. Children as young as four, and as old as 14 will enjoy recieving this for their bookcases.