Orchard Book of Greek Gods and Goddesses
Orchard Myths, Greek Myths Series
What’s inside...
This book is a follow-up to the highly acclaimed and hugely successful Orchard Book of Greek Myths. It features all the famous Greek gods and goddesses in legendary stories, including Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Paris, and Aphrodite. The book recounts tales such as how Paris judged the fairest goddess, how Athens was named, and how dolphins were created. Geraldine McCaughrean's retellings are complemented by Emma Chichester Clark's illustrations, inspired by Greek art and culture.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which Greek god or goddess did you find most interesting and why?
How do the stories of these gods and goddesses help us understand ancient Greek culture?
If you had the powers of one of the gods or goddesses, what would you do with them?
What lessons can we learn from the triumphs and mistakes of these mythical characters?
How do the relationships between the gods and goddesses reflect human relationships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, give your child a brief overview of Greek mythology to set the context.
Encourage them to imagine and describe what life might have been like in ancient Greece.
While discussing the book, connect the stories to modern-day scenarios to make it relatable.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Finish your reading sessions by predicting what might happen next in the tales, fostering anticipation and excitement for future readings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The tales of Greek heroes and heroines in the book demonstrate courage in facing challenges, such as Hercules facing his labors.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace challenges in their own lives, stepping out of their comfort zones to try new activities or stand up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The stories illustrate the outcomes that follow certain decisions made by gods and mortals alike, such as the repercussions faced by Prometheus after giving fire to humanity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think about the potential outcomes before making decisions and to understand that their choices have impacts.
Example Lesson: Importance of Wisdom
Explanation: Athena, the goddess of wisdom, often plays a crucial role in stories, providing insights and guidance. She represents the value of wisdom over brute strength.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value intelligence and seek knowledge, understanding that wisdom can provide solutions to problems and lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Many characters, including mortals, face immense trials but persevere, such as Odysseus on his journey home.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of resilience, encouraging children to persist and maintain a positive attitude, even when facing difficulties.
Example Lesson: Justice and Fairness
Explanation: The theme of justice is evident as many stories involve the gods delivering justice for wrongdoings.
Real-World Application: It instills a sense of fairness in children, prompting them to be just in their actions and to stand up for what is fair in their interactions with others.