The Kingfisher Book of Mythology

Title: The Kingfisher Book of Mythology: Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes from around the world

Author: Kingfisher

Overall Rating (1-10): 9

Value (1-10): 8

Flexibility (1-10): 10

Ages/Grades: Ages 9 - 12

Review:

If you aren't familiar with the Kingfisher series of books, they are brilliantly illustrated hardcover in-depth views into their subject matter. Their quality can't be beat. They are semi-pricey, in my opinion. But they are such a valuable resource that it is worth the investment to have these books at hand.

Are you looking for a fun and child-friendly way to introduce Mythology into your child's curriculum? Look no further. The Kingfisher Book of Mythology is it!

The inside cover details:

"From the NOrth American plains to the islands of Oceania, people across the world have created a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and beliefs to explain the mysteries of creation, the forces of nature, and death.

The Kingfisher Book of Mythology examines ancient and contemporary cultures, illuminating the unique myths, stories, and legends of those cultures and the universal themes that echo throughout them. Whether it is the pantheon of gods and goddesses, the concept of the afterlife, or the range of creation myths, this volumewill enlighten and enthrall both the casual and the more serious reader."

Obviously, if your belief system is such that these stories and sharings will conflict, this is not the book for you.

The book touches briefly on traits, stories, legends and the "characters" in mythology worldwide. There are references to mythology in:

-Northern Lands -Arctic Lands -North America -The Celts and the Slavs -The Norse -Africa -Mediterranean Lands -The Near East -Egypt -Greece -Rome -Eastern Asia -India -China -Japan -Southeast Asia -Central and South America -Mesoamerica -The Amazon -South America -South Pacific Lands

Because each second is rather brief, this book is best used as an introduction to world mythology rather than an all-inclusive in-depth guide. This book, you will find, will act as a springboard to some or all of the cultures it introduces.

I do wish this book offered a references area in the back for extended research. It is always easier to follow a beloved book's recommendation for further information on intersting areas our family wishes to pursue in more depth.

Tips: Try making a time line or world map as you wander through this book with your family. It will help the children to visualize where and when these myths and stories occured.

Bottom Line: This book is interesting, culturally and historically informative, captivating and serves as a fantastic introduction to world mythology for many ages.

Go To Page: 1 2