(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Murray Kimber. Twenty-three poems, most from the perspective of Ganymede, a mortal kidnapped by Zeus and given immortality in order to serve the gods, present some of the Greek myths. Although appendixes summarize the characters, a familiarity with the myths and gods is required for understanding the poems, which are illustrated with atmospheric oil-over-acrylic paintings, some with a modern bent.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Blair Drawson. In Hovey's hands, Arachne's weaving contest with Athena isn't simple hubris but a more complex rebellion. Contending that the gods are "parasites" living off human worship, Arachne provokes the wrath of Athena, who yet finds the girl's spirit compelling. The tale's varying rhyme scheme and loose meter evoke the measured phrases of a storyteller. The illustrations elongate the forms of Arachne and Athena to reveal their strength and larger-than-life status.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2001