Thursday, August 7, 2014

Mini Myths: Play Nice Hercules / Be Patient, Pandora by Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli, Book Reviews





By: Joan Holub
Illustrated by: Leslie Patricelli
Published by: Abrams 
To Be Released on: 9/16/14
Series: Mini Myths
Ages: 2+
Source: book from author to review
Add it to Goodreads

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.

If you're a fan of the Greek Mythology, you will love this new series from Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli, Mini Myths. Perfect for little hands, these sturdy board books are a great way introduce toddlers to some mythology favorites like Hercules & Pandora, while reading them a story they can easily identify with. The easy, plain text makes it great for short attention spans, and the simplistic pictures with their bright primary colors will engage toddlers. At the end of each book, Holub paraphrases the mythology behind each character for children to understand. 

In, Be Patient Pandora, Pandora receives a beautifully wrapped present, and told not to open it. Being Pandora, she finds ways to inspect the box without actually opening it. That is until she accidentally does something that opens the box. In, Play Nice Hercules, Hercules learns the importance of playing nice with his little sister. Which is hard when all he wants to do is knocking over the tower of blocks. 

While both books feature toddler sized versions of two popular Greek Gods, these stories are more about manners and learning lessons in patience and playing nice. Something toddlers and young children will easily identify with. 

4 Stars!

Praise for Mini-Myths: Be Patient, Pandora! 


"These adorable volumes feature the title characters learning important life lessons with slight allusions to their Greek mythology counterparts."

--School Library Journal



By: Joan Holub
Illustrated by: Leslie Patricelli
Published by: Abrams 
To Be Released on: 9/16/14
Series: Mini Myths
Ages: 2+
Source: book from author to review
Add it to Goodreads

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.

If you're a fan of the Greek Mythology, you will love this new series from Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli, Mini Myths. Perfect for little hands, these sturdy board books are a great way introduce toddlers to some mythology favorites like Hercules & Pandora, while reading them a story they can easily identify with. The easy, plain text makes it great for short attention spans, and the simplistic pictures with their bright primary colors will engage toddlers. At the end of each book, Holub paraphrases the mythology behind each character for children to understand. 

In, Play Nice Hercules, Hercules learns the importance of playing nice with his little sister. Which is hard when all he wants to do is knocking over the tower of blocks. In, Be Patient Pandora, Pandora receives a beautifully wrapped present, and told not to open it. Being Pandora, she finds ways to inspect the box without actually opening it. That is until she accidentally does something that opens the box.

While both books feature toddler sized versions of two popular Greek Gods, these stories are more about manners and learning lessons in patience and playing nice. Something toddlers and young children will easily identify with. 

4 stars!

Praise for Mini-Myths: Play Nice, Hercules! 
"These adorable volumes feature the title characters learning important life lessons with slight allusions to their Greek mythology counterparts."
--School Library Journal

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~