The Heroes (or Greek Fairy Tales for My Children) Paperback – November 5, 2008

I am reading this with my 9 year old daughter for home school and I must admit it is a challenge for her, mainly because of the pronunciation of the heroes, gods, & goddesses. Seriously, I have to sound out probably 50% of them, so I would just warn parents that this is probably not an independent reader for your 3rd or 4th grader. Personally it is not my favorite, but Greek fairy tales have never held my interest. If it is a part of your curriculum requirement you might want to glance over it first to see if it is something your child can read independently, or if they need some help.

I have read through the introduction and the first few chapters of this book, and am very pleased with how entertaining, yet challenging it is. I am going to read through Heroes with my second grader this year. My only complaint would be the size of the type. It is very small print, and the lines are very close together. It would be difficult for a young reader to read on his own. But that's ok, because I want in on these stories too!

Actor Robin Field reads mythological tales from the classic book by 'Charles Kingsley (1819-1875), subtitled Greek Fairy Tales for My 'Children, published in 1856. Three heroes of Greek mythology -- 'Perseus, Jason and Theseus -- perform impossible feats in these 'stories. According to Edric Vredenburg in an introduction to the book: ' "What with the number of his poems and novels, his historical and 'scientific works and his children's tales, it is indeed remarkable that 'this versatile and energetic man had time for anything else. 'Nevertheless these writings were but a part of a life devoted to his 'fellow creatures. He was a curate in 1842, and 1873 found him a Canon 'of Westminster and Chaplain to Queen Victoria." Among his 28 volumes 'is the children's classic Water Babies, published in 1863. NOTE: Due 'to the advanced vocabulary and dramatic content of these stories, they 'are not recommended for the very young. The reading is over five hours 'long on five Audio CDs. Very handsome, sturdy packaging.