Greeking Out: Epic Retellings of Classic Greek Myths
#1 in Greeking Out Series
What’s inside...
From the creators of National Geographic Kids’ wildly successful Greeking Out podcast, this New York Times best-selling tie-in book delivers a clever tongue-in-cheek retelling of 20 classic Greek myths. This kid-friendly collection of tales from Greek mythology showcases familiar favorites from the well-loved Greeking Out podcast as well as brand-new, never-before-aired stories. Join Persephone on her journey through the mystifying depths of the Underworld. Venture onwards with Heracles as he tackles his 12 death-defying labors. And join mythological figures you may not have heard of before, including scheming gods and goddesses, honorable—and not so honorable—heroes, and magnificent monsters. Dynamic, playful illustrations coupled with laugh-out-loud storytelling and real information about ancient Greece—delivered by the all-knowing Oracle of Wi-Fi—make this collection of fabulous fables a fresh addition to any history-lover's library.
Discussion points
Which Greek myth was your favorite in the book and why?
How do you think the characters in the myths felt during their adventures?
If you could have a magical power like one of the Greek gods or goddesses, which power would you choose and what would you do with it?
What lessons can we learn from the mistakes that some characters made in their stories?
How do you think the world of ancient Greece is different from our world today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the setting of ancient Greece and ask them how they would interact with the gods and heroes.
Relate the moral lessons from the myths to everyday situations in your child’s life to help them connect with the stories.
Use expressive voices for different characters when discussing the myths to make the conversation more entertaining and engaging.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss why they made those choices.
After each myth, take a moment to discuss the outcomes of characters’ decisions and actions to enhance critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The Greek myths often depict heroes who face tremendous challenges yet overcome them with bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and persevere through difficult situations in school or in their social lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of wisdom
Explanation: Many stories in the book emphasize the value of intellect and wisdom over brute strength.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the significance of making thoughtful decisions and the benefits of intellectual growth over physical prowess.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: The tales include characters who suffer repercussions as a result of their dishonest actions, demonstrating the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of being truthful and the negative effects lying can have on their relationships and trust with others.
Example Lesson: Resilience and resourcefulness
Explanation: Characters in the myths often use their wits and resilience to navigate tricky scenarios and achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being adaptable and resourceful in problem-solving, whether it's in their academic work or personal life.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The myths explore various viewpoints and moral dilemmas, presenting no absolute right or wrong.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and a deeper understanding of different human behaviors and emotions.