Reviews of two books in the Mini Myths Series: Be Patient, PANDORA! and Play Nice, HERCULES!
Written by Joan Holub
Illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Be Patient, PANDORA!
At first glance, you might say how could a toddler possibly understand the connections between Greek mythology and a toddler’s learning curve, but you are mistaken. Holub has deftly taken the story of Pandora’s box and woven it into a wonderful twenty-four page toddler board book. Each page contains a picture, one word or one sentence to portray a tot named Pandora, who simply cannot contain her curiosity when her mother tells her not to open the box. She cannot resist and then fears rejection and loss of her mother’s love when her curiosity gets the best of her. Patricelli knows exactly how to convey the story in pictures that are so simple yet expressive with the generalization needed for young children to understand the plot.
Play Nice, HERCULES!
This book has more text than the first, but does not go beyond one sentence on a page. Hercules is a toddler who has a habit of getting into mischief. Patricelli says it all in the wonderful facial expressions in her character. Dad warns him to play nice with his little sister who is sitting on the floor with her blocks. You can guess what happens when Hercules decides to display his strength. I especially enjoyed the way Holub used sound words like whomp-stomp and ka-boom to combine pictures and actions of the story. Mighty Hercules will have to learn how to contain his powers, and the siblings will learn a valuable lesson in the process.
Both sturdy board books contain summaries of the Greek myths upon which they are based on the back cover of the book. This is particularly useful for adult readers who may have forgotten the story and also allows the young child to “grow into” an interest for classical Greek literature at a later point in time. Parents and teachers may use the series as an early introduction to fine literature as well as a way to teach the skills and values that toddlers are beginning to develop. If you enjoyed reading these reviews, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the orange RSS Feed number in the upper right hand corner of this page.
7 responses to “BOOK BLAST – MYTHS FOR TOTS”
Traci Matt
October 23rd, 2014 at 14:36
Love this idea! What a great way to teach literary and cultural literacy from the ground up!
bamauthor
October 23rd, 2014 at 15:52
Agreed! Tots need more than ABC books.
Renee @ Mother Daughter Book Reviews
October 23rd, 2014 at 21:37
So glad that you enjoyed the books Barbara – they are pretty sweet! Thanks for joining us in the blitz for the books. 🙂
rosemondcates
October 26th, 2014 at 16:02
I just read both of these and they are adorable!! Loved your response to them!
Rosemond
http://www.bighairandbooks.blogspot.com
bamauthor
October 26th, 2014 at 19:22
Thanks, Rosemond. I hope you will continue to follow my reviews!
mommynificent
October 30th, 2014 at 08:30
I love so many of Holub’s books! Thanks for sharing these books. I always appreciate your contributions to Booknificent Thursday at Mommynificent.com!
Tina
bamauthor
October 30th, 2014 at 13:10
Agreed, I am going to check up on those I missed.
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Book Review Blitz Wrap-Up: Mini Myths Board Books by Joan Holub | Mother Daughter Book Reviews November 4th, 2014 at 04:46
[…] Barbara Ann Mojica: “Patricelli knows exactly how to convey the story in pictures that are so simple yet expressive with the generalization needed for young children to understand the plot.” […]