Persephone
What’s inside...
On a warm spring day, the beautiful young goddess Persephone is snatched from her home by Hades, god of the Underworld, and taken away to live underground and become his bride. Persephone's mother, Demeter, goddess of Earth, is so brokenhearted that she curses the land so nothing can grow - a permanent winter. How will Persephone and her mother be reunited? Will spring ever come again? This lyrical retelling of the ancient Greek myth by master storyteller Sally Pomme Clayton is brought to life with Virginia Lee's beautiful illustrations. Young readers will be intrigued by the dramatic story as well as by its clever explanation for the changing seasons.
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Persephone felt when she was in the Underworld? Can you relate to her feelings?
Why is the relationship between Persephone and her mother, Demeter, important in the story?
How do the changing seasons reflect Persephone's emotions and actions?
What lessons can we learn about love and sacrifice from Persephone’s journey?
If you could ask Persephone one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at key moments in the story to allow your child to absorb and visualize the events.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of different characters, enhancing the story's impact.
Encourage your child to express how they would feel in Persephone’s situation to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Relate the mythological themes to real-life situations, like seasonal changes, to make the story relevant and comprehensible.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book, engage them in sharing why they chose that particular scene.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: Persephone demonstrates courage as she navigates her way through the challenges of being in an unknown world, showcasing resilience in adapting to her new circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face unfamiliar situations and difficulties with bravery, understanding that they can overcome challenges by adapting and being resilient.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Persephone's curiosity about the world around her leads her to explore and learn, despite the risks involved.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive and eager learners in their everyday lives, exploring new topics and ideas fearlessly.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story highlights that every action has consequences, as shown when Persephone's choices lead her to become the Queen of the Underworld.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to think about the outcomes of their actions and to make decisions more thoughtfully.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Persephone learns to understand and empathize with the beings in the Underworld, who are different from her.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be empathetic towards others who may have different life experiences and viewpoints.