Double Review: Mini Myths Series by Joan Holub!

Title: Brush Your Hair, Medusa!
Series: Mini Myths
Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli
Format: Board Book
Pub. Date: March 31 2015
Source: Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Description:

The Mini Myths board book series puts a modern spin on ancient Greek mythology for preschoolers.
* MEDUSA refuses to care for her hair, her long locks getting knottier and wilder with each passing page. Her hair rebellion elicits frozen expressions of shock from her family, but nothing will convince Medusa to brush. Only her hairdresser approaches Medusa with bravery and a blade, successfully solving the problem . . . with a short haircut! All are pleased with this drastic yet adorable solution.
* Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively visual narrative to Joan Holub’s expertly focused text.
* Includes a short summary of the original Medusa myth at the end.

★★★★★

Review:

I have to be frank, I absolutely love this book. I've gone as Medusa a lot on Halloween because I look just like the adorable little girl Medusa in this book. I have wild, unruly curly blonde hair, and it was always a struggle for me to get my hair brushed too. So this book has a special connection to me, and I love it.

This book narrates a retelling of the Greek myth story of Medusa, the famed Gorgon who could turn men to stone with a glance and had snakes for hair. Holub transforms this story to a relatable, contemporary story of a little girl who just does not want to brush her hair! It's a great spin on a classic story that's well told for a child audience.

The illustrations are what make this book pop. The way that Medusa is drawn is positively adorable. She has a cute mermaid doll, and she is just the cutest little bundle of procrastination ever. I think little girls everywhere will relate to Medusa, but also be enchanted by the little girl on the pages.

What I liked best about this book is the last page. The final page of this board book tale is a simplified, kid-friendly version of the original Medusa myth. I think this is fantastic, because it's an approachable way to introduce kids to Classic literature and myth tradition. I'm a student of the Classic, and this concept warms my heart. I think that this book is a must-have for early elementary education teachers as well as parents who want a fun way to get their kids familiar with mythology.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.


Title: Make a Wish, Midas!
Series: Mini Myths
Author: Joan Holub
Illustrator: Leslie Patricelli
Format: Board Book
Pub. Date: March 24 2015
Source: Mother Daughter Book Reviews

Description:

Midas wants everything to be his favorite color—yellow! He chooses yellow clothes, eats yellow foods, and uses only the yellow paint at his easel. But when he impulsively paints his beloved green Dinoboo, Midas discovers that too much of a good thing is a big mess! Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text is brought to life by Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Midas’s Wish myth at the end.

★★★★★

Review:

I'm a Classic student, so when I came across the Mini Myths series I knew I had to give them a read, and I definitely was not disappointed!

Make a Wish, Midas! is a contemporary and child-friendly retelling of the familiar Greek myth of King Midas, who wished from the gods that everything he touched would turn to gold to make him rich, only with some complicated results. This story features little Midas who LOVES his yellow paint so much he wants to cover everything with it. It's a cute and relatable tale that kids are sure to enjoy.

The illustrations definitely help bring this tale to life. They're simple but charming, and done in such bright colors that it's impossible not to be happy and smile while looking through this board book. It's sure to hold a kid's attention and enamor them to the myth that's being told to them.

What I liked best about this book is the last page. The final page of this board book tale is a simplified, kid-friendly version of the original King Midas myth. I think this is fantastic, because it's an approachable way to introduce kids to Classic literature and myth tradition. I'm a student of the Classic, and this concept warms my heart. I think that this book is a must-have for early elementary education teachers as well as parents who want a fun way to get their kids familiar with mythology. This is a great story to read aloud and share together, and is hopefully one that will stick with a child as they grow!

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.