To continue our monthly series of book lists for youth, the Washington Talking Book & Braille library would like to recommend the following books.
February, 2009 – Mythology and Fables
The Trojan Horse retold by Warwick Hutton. After a very long war, the Greeks appear to withdraw from their siege of the city of Troy, leaving only an enormous wooden horse at the gate. Grades 2-4. Cassette book RC 38259.
Aesop's Fables retold and illustrated by Fulvio Testa. Centuries ago, Greek slave and storyteller, Aesop, created animal tales to teach human morals. This oversize book with black and white illustrations contains twenty of them. Grades 3 and up or read-aloud. Large Print book LP 14201.
Fables From Aesop retold by Tom Lynch. Translated into modern English, these 13 brief tales are among the many originally told by Greek slave and storyteller, Aesop. Each ends with a stated moral. Grades 3 and up or read-aloud. Print/Braille book BR 13077.
Favorite Greek Myths retold by Mary Pope Osborne. Twelve tales from Greek mythology including the stories of the Golden Apples, of King Midas, of Echo and Narcissus, and of Cupid and Psyche. Grades 3 and up. Braille book BR 8791. Cassette book RC 34402.
The Macmillan Book of Greek Gods and Heroes retold by Alice Low. Simplified retellings of some of the stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes from Greek mythology. Grades 3 and up. Cassette book RC 25811.
Pegasus retold by Marianna Mayer. When Bellerophon is sent on a mission to kill the monster Chimera, a wise man advises him to seek help from the magical winged horse, Pegasus. Grades 3 and up or read-aloud. Print/Braille book BR 12024.
When the Hippo was Hairy and other Tales From Africa retold by Nick Greaves. Thirty-six animal stories from African mythology. Brief factual information about the African animals in the stories is also included. Grades 3 and up or read-aloud. Braille book BRW 486.
Book of Greek Myths retold by Ingri D'Aulaire. The adventures of the Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes, retold with a sense of humor. Grades 4 and up. Braille book BR 14795. Cassette book RC 10718.
D'Aulaire's Book of Norse Myths by Ingri D'Aulaire. Introduces the Norse stories of gods, goddesses, tricksters, and heroes that are also populated with elves, gnomes, weird monsters, and grim giants. Grades 4 and up. Braille book BR 16449. Cassette book RC 61851.
The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient China by Leonard Everett Fisher. Describes the most prominent figures of Chinese mythology including the Jade Emperor, the God of Fire, the God of Mischief, and the Goddess of Love, among others. Grades 4 and up. Cassette book RC 58517.
The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt by Leonard Everett Fisher. Introduces thirteen major Egyptian deities, beginning with the sun god, Ra. Describes the role of each in ancient mythology, and how each was depicted artistically. Grades 4 and up. Braille book BR 11622.
The Gods and Goddess of the Ancient Maya by Leonard Everett Fisher. Introduces the twelve principal dieties of the ancient Mayan civilization including Chac, the god of rain, Yum Kaax, the god of corn, and Ah Puch, the god of death. Grades 4 and up. Cassette bookRC 51626.
Hercules retold by Robert Burleigh. Tells the story of the last labor of Hercules. To finally win his freedom, Hercules must bring back Cerberus, the monstrous three-headed dog that guards the underworld. Grades 4-7 or read-aloud. Print/Braille book BR 12049.
The Magic and the Sword: The Greek Myths Retold by Miriam Cox. A large number of Greek Myths, each briefly retold, collected in two oversize volumes. Grades 4 and up or read-aloud. Large Print book LP 15264.
The Aeneid for Boys and Girls retold by Alfred John Church. Relates the fall of Troy and the wanderings of King Aeneas before he establishes a new kingdom in Italy. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 785.
The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles retold by Padraic Colum. The adventures of Jason and his brave Argonauts as they sought the famous golden fleece. The mythical tales of Orpheus, Atlanta, Theseus, and Pandora also find their way into this tale. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 14881.
Greek Myths retold by Olivia Coolidge. A collection of stories of interactions of the gods and man that the Greeks devised to explain the workings of the universe. Grades 5 and up. Braille book BR 6841. Cassette book RC 25460.
Greeks Bearing Gifts: The Epics of Achilles and Ulysses retold by Bernard Evslin. Retellings of the tale of Archilles and the TrojanWar, and that of Ulysses's ten-year odyssey back to Ithaca at war's end. Grades 5 and up. Cassette book RC 13383.
In the Beginning: Creation Stories From Around the World retold by Virginia Hamilton. Twenty-five versions of how the Earth began from the Middle East, China, Africa, and other locations around the world. Grades 6 and up. Braille book BR 7829. Cassette book RC 57870.
Mythology edited by Edith Hamilton. Greek, Roman, and Norse myths presented in the words of the poet or poets who told each story best. Grades 6 and up. Braille book BR 5581. Cassette book RC 20026. Large Print book LP 843.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.