Goddesses and Heroines Book Review

Goddesses and Heroines: Women of Myth and Legend 
Written by Xanthe Gresham-Knight
Illustrated by Alice Patullo
Expected publication: June 9, 2020

Mom's Review
Goddesses and Heroines was not exactly what I was expecting. With a kiddo (and a self) who's interested in mythology, it's been on my radar for a few months now, so I was excited when it arrived for us to review.  I had anticipated origin stories similar to D'Aulaires' or maybe more of an encyclopedic collection.  Instead, we read 13 short literary stories featuring vibrant characters and complete plots. For us, some were familiar, like Isis and Baba Yaga, but others were unknown, like Mayahuel and Nangsa. Back matter includes an explanation of symbols associated with each goddess.

Goddesses and Heroines is a collection of vignettes, not a mere introduction of 13 figures. Illustrations combine traditional and modern elements, inspiring reflection about the timelessness of these legendary women.

Son's Review
(Age: 5)
T loves paging through Goddesses and Heroines, even to the point where he permitted his dad and me a long nap on Mother's Day. I've asked him at several points what he enjoys the most, and "the pictures" is his answer every time. He has also told me that when I read, he does need the pictures to help him understand the story; he doesn't understand some of the content. (This book is better suited to middle grade through middle school readers than to 5 year-olds.) T did not have a particular favorite, but he was relieved to know more about Baba Yaga, a character who has scared him in the past.

Note: A review copy was provided by Thames and Hudson in exchange for an honest review.