Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks and the Gods
This book is an absolute stunner! Told through the eyes of Spartan princess, Gorgo, it is an epic re-telling of the Persian Wars and I loved it so much I almost don’t know where to start.
The writing is completely compelling, offering a rich blend of mythology, history and narrative. Gorgo, one of the few female figures named by the historian, Herodotus, was a real Spartan princess and makes a spirited, engaging guide through the events. The telling is well paced, with each of the two parts-A Spartan Childhood and The Great War, broken into achievable chapters. It is an intense story, full of the blood of battles and the dark deeds of gods and mortals- unputdownable (is that a word?!) and absorbing.
And then there is the artwork! From the ships on the endpapers, white against a blood red background, to the gallery of gods, Greeks and Persians, from the maps to the double page spreads, the story is vividly brought to life by the wealth of fabulous illustrations. The artwork is as magical and evocative as the tale it illuminates.
This is a bit on the pricey side yet for the right reader, it’s worth every penny. I loved it!
The Wolf-Girl, the Greeks and the Gods: a tale of the Persian Wars
Tom Holland, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406394740