Review by Booklist Review
Lunge-Larsen introduces readers to 17 words and phrases whose origins can be traced to classical mythology. Using appropriate character names (depending on the Greek or Latin origins of words), she provides definitions, short excerpts from a children's text that includes the term, longer retellings of the relevant myths, and follow-up discussions that incorporate related expressions. A few terms (Achilles' heel, Pandora's box) have clear connections to mythology, but most (echo, fate, fortune, janitor, panic, tantalize) are less obvious. Hinds' computer-enhanced pencil-and-watercolor illustrations appear on every page, depicting key moments from the tales and adding subtle details to the text: Leonardo da Vinci is shown painting the Mona Lisa in the section Genius, while Homer recites the opening lines from the Odyssey in Muse. Appended with author and illustrator notes, a bibliography, and a chart of the immortals (including Greek and Roman names and spheres of influence), this makes a good resource for mythology units, history classes, or English or Latin teachers hoping to perk up vocabulary lessons.--Weisman, Kay Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Lunge-Larsen and Hinds explain what words like echo, grace, hypnotize, and janitor have in common, tracing the origins of common words and expressions to Greek and Roman myths. Readers may know that "arachnid" derives from the story of Arachne and that modern-day "sirens" have mythical antecedents, but this collection has plenty of surprises, too, such as the roots of "nemesis" (the goddess of justice) or "tantalize," after doomed Tantalus. Lunge-Larsen provides additional context, including dictionary definitions, and quotes from children's literature. Hinds incorporates graphic novel-style elements into his dynamic illustrations, including dialogue balloons and filmic perspectives. A treat for myth lovers and language lovers alike, this smart and well-executed compilation should provide readers with a deeper understanding of the ways in which language evolves and of the surprising symbolism behind certain words. Ages 9-12. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-Mixing mythology and etymology, Lunge-Larsen introduces 17 "ancient words" derived from classical characters. From "Achilles' Heel" to "Victory," the terms and their tales are presented in vividly written, handsomely illustrated entries. Ideal for classroom sharing, this unique offering can launch discussion about the power of story and its influence on modern-day language. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
From Achilles' heel to victory, Lunge-Larsen explores how words have been derived from myths. Each several-page, alphabetically ordered entry begins with a definition of a modern English word plus a quote that incorporates it, from R. L. Stevenson and H. C. Andersen to James Marshall, Beverly Cleary, and Lemony Snicket ("The children were alone with their nemesis, a word which here means, The worst enemy you could imagine'"). Next comes the relevant myth, along with graphic novel-style art, its pencil and watercolor renditions enlivening the straightforward text with eloquent gestures and expressions. Each section includes comments on related words (e.g., from the Graces -- gratia in Latin -- come gracious and grateful, while the names of the Fates have generated such diverse descendants as stamina and mortal). The classic tales and lively art make an effective lure to etymology's more dramatic possibilities; how it all works is made clearer in an author's note followed up with a chart of "correspondences" (Greek and Latin names plus their definitions) and an index to all the names and words (well over one hundred) that are referenced. A lengthy bibliography interfiles standard works for adults (Bulfinch) and young people (D'Aulaires). joanna rudge long From HORN BOOK, Copyright The Horn Book, used with permission.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
River Boy, by Tim Bowler) or above the natural audience for this text (The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney). A quick skim of the subject--readable, but unsystematic and not well served by either the art or the dusty closing bibliography. (Nonfiction. 10-12)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
