<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Not appropriate for the little ones
Review: I have read three All Aboard Reading books dealing with classical mythology illustrated by the cut paper artwork of Susan Swan, and from an artistic standpoint this is clearly the best of the bunch. Some of Swan's three-dimensional efforts are simply outstanding. "The Flying Horse: The Story of Pegasus" is told by Jane B. Mason, who adapts this myth from Hesiod, does neglect to provide the names of the hero (Bellerophon) and the monster (Chimaera). However, this is a Level 1 (Preschool-Grade 1) book and there are students who are much older who are not going to be able to get their tongues around those ancient names, so these omissions are perfectly understandable. Young students will read all about a wonderful flying horse that helped a hero slay a horrible monster, which is seen in Swan's most beautiful illustration in the book.Similarly, Mason ends the story of Pegasus on a happy note, explaining how the flying horse is a part of the stars in the night sky. Besides, it is in Homer's "Iliad" and not in Hesiod that we hear the sad story of how Bellerophon tried to ride Pegasus up to Olympus to take his place with the immortal gods. Pegasus threw his rider who died miserably, while Pegasus had the important task of bring Zeus his thunderbolts when needed. But before young readers learn the grim details of the hero and his valiant flying steed pictured in this book, they can look forward to several Level 2 books dealing with myths illustrated by Swan dealing with Medusa and the Minotaur.
Rating: 
Summary: Susan Swan's cut paper artwork tells the story of Pegasus
Review: I have read three All Aboard Reading books dealing with classical mythology illustrated by the cut paper artwork of Susan Swan, and from an artistic standpoint this is clearly the best of the bunch. Some of Swan's three-dimensional efforts are simply outstanding. "The Flying Horse: The Story of Pegasus" is told by Jane B. Mason, who adapts this myth from Hesiod, does neglect to provide the names of the hero (Bellerophon) and the monster (Chimaera). However, this is a Level 1 (Preschool-Grade 1) book and there are students who are much older who are not going to be able to get their tongues around those ancient names, so these omissions are perfectly understandable. Young students will read all about a wonderful flying horse that helped a hero slay a horrible monster, which is seen in Swan's most beautiful illustration in the book. Similarly, Mason ends the story of Pegasus on a happy note, explaining how the flying horse is a part of the stars in the night sky. Besides, it is in Homer's "Iliad" and not in Hesiod that we hear the sad story of how Bellerophon tried to ride Pegasus up to Olympus to take his place with the immortal gods. Pegasus threw his rider who died miserably, while Pegasus had the important task of bring Zeus his thunderbolts when needed. But before young readers learn the grim details of the hero and his valiant flying steed pictured in this book, they can look forward to several Level 2 books dealing with myths illustrated by Swan dealing with Medusa and the Minotaur.
Rating:
Summary: A superbly illustrated version of the story of Pegasus
Review: In "The Flying Horse: The Story of Pegasus," Jane B. Mason retells a classic story from Greek mythology to beginning readers. Her simple prose is accompanied by Susan Swan's spectacular illustrations. The story focuses on Pegasus, the legendary winged horse. The goddess Athena guides Pegasus to join forces with a young prince in order to defeat a monster that has been terrifying the land. Mason thoughtfully provides pronunciation helps for the mythological names. Swan's illustrations really make this book special. Her artwork appears to consist of cut paper collages. These collages are rich in color, texture, and detail. Elegant Greek temple columns, the feathers of Pegasus' wings, the shaggy many of the monster, the rough gray stones around the monster's cave--all these details are rendered with spectacular skill by Swan. My only complaint about the book is the fact that both prince and monster go unnamed (for the record, the prince is Bellerophon, and the monster is the Chimera--I looked the names up to double-check them). But that's a minor complaint. The beauty and excitement of this book make "The Flying Horse" a worthy addition to the classroom or family library.
Rating:
Summary: A superbly illustrated version of the story of Pegasus
Review: In "The Flying Horse: The Story of Pegasus," Jane B. Mason retells a classic story from Greek mythology to beginning readers. Her simple prose is accompanied by Susan Swan's spectacular illustrations. The story focuses on Pegasus, the legendary winged horse. The goddess Athena guides Pegasus to join forces with a young prince in order to defeat a monster that has been terrifying the land. Mason thoughtfully provides pronunciation helps for the mythological names. Swan's illustrations really make this book special. Her artwork appears to consist of cut paper collages. These collages are rich in color, texture, and detail. Elegant Greek temple columns, the feathers of Pegasus' wings, the shaggy many of the monster, the rough gray stones around the monster's cave--all these details are rendered with spectacular skill by Swan. My only complaint about the book is the fact that both prince and monster go unnamed (for the record, the prince is Bellerophon, and the monster is the Chimera--I looked the names up to double-check them). But that's a minor complaint. The beauty and excitement of this book make "The Flying Horse" a worthy addition to the classroom or family library.
Rating:
Summary: Not appropriate for the little ones
Review: The violent themes in this book are a bit rough for the 3-4 year olds. When looking for early readers, I would try to make it age appropriate and not trying to keep true to the greek mythology.
<< 1 >>
| 
