Author Joan Holub (Goddess Girls, Grimmtastic Girls, and Heroes in Training series) just launched a new board book series titled "Mini Myths" that is a modern twist on Greek Mythology for young children. We got the chance to review the first two books of the series; "Be Patient, Pandora!" and "Play Nice, Hercules!". Both books are beautifully illustrated with simple pictures that bring the story to life and captivate my young reader. A neat addition to the story is an endnote on the last page of the book that explains the original myth in greater detail. I recommend these books for any young reader!
Be Patient, Pandora!
Summary: When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.
Review: This is the first book in the Mini Myths Series by Joan Holub.This is such an adorable board book that I think all children can relate to. It is quite short and has few words so this would be such a great "learning to read" book! My two year old absolutely loves the illustrations. They're so simple yet so bright and really bring the story to life. We read this book almost every night and almost every night it brings about a great conversation between my daughter and I. For example, we talk about the last time she showed a lack of patience, or how sometimes Mommy has to work on her patience as well.
I love at the end of the book after Pandora apologized, she asked her Mom if she still loved her and her mom reassured her that she did love her. I think this is a really big deal for kids as they sometimes associate doing something "bad" as being bad and risking their parents' love. I want my children to know that no matter what they do, I will always love them. After reading the book, my daughter and I talked about that very subject-- even though some of things she does are not good, Mommy and Daddy will always love her.
Title: Be Patient, Pandora! (Mini Myths)
Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Pages: 24
Recommended Ages: 1 to 5
Play Nice, Hercules!
Summary: Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.
Review: My family and I really enjoyed this simple, adorable board book. I love that the book is a modern twist on the Mythology of Hercules and I think its a story that most kids (especially boys) can relate to. Even though this book was meant for and belongs to my two year old, I took the opportunity to read it to my five year old nephew when he was over my house because he tends to be a be a bit on the aggressive side when playing.
In the book, Hercules was told by his father to play nicely but he didn't want to play "nice," he wanted to be strong. My nephew pointed out how he likes to be big and strong too. Then we talked about how he can play strong but still be nice, and how we have to be respectful of other people and what they are doing. It was such a great learning experience for him and I'm so glad we got to share that moment together! I would recommend this for any child 1-5 to help teach them manners and kindness.
Title: Play Nice, Hercules! (Mini Myths)
Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Pages: 24
Recommended Ages: 1 to 5
About the Author: Joan Holub
Joan HolubJoan Holub’s fascination with mythology inspired Mini Myths, a new board book series that translates famous myths into situations familiar to preschoolers. The first two titles, Be Patient, Pandora! and Play Nice, Hercules! debut in September. Joan co-authors two other mythology series for Simon and Schuster, Goddess Girls (ages 8-12) and Heroes in Training (ages 7-10). Her picture book, Mighty Dads, was a New York Times bestseller in 2014.
Basically, so far the Mini Myths Series has been such a great book series for our family and we cant wait to see what other board books Joan Holub writes for this series!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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