Greeking Out Heroes and Olympians

by Kenny Curtis, Jillian Hughes

Overview

""Behold 20 ... hilarious adaptations of classic tales from Greek mythology, written by the dynamic duo behind the ... podcast Greeking Out"--Back cover.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426376276
Publisher:	Disney - RHCB
Publication date:	09/17/2024
Series:	Greeking Out
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	7.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

KENNY CURTIS has more than 30 years in children’s programming as a performer, writer, and producer. He is one of the creators of National Geographic Kids’ Greeking Out podcast series, which he hosts and cowrites alongside his daughter, Jillian Hughes. Together, Kenny and Jillian have helped develop a number of well-known kids’ content offerings for partners and platforms like Pinna, Tinkercast, Kidz Bop, and 8 Pound Gorilla Records. But Kenny may be best known as the human behind the long-running radio program The Animal Farm on SiriusXM’s original family music channel, Kids Place Live.

JILLIAN HUGHES is a professional writer with her heart in the kids and family industry. She’s a writer for National Geographic Kids’ Greeking Out podcast series and has contributed to other platforms including Pinna, Tinkercast, and iHeart. She also works as a copywriter, crafting marketing collateral for numerous industries. While she enjoys working with all her clients, she is especially partial to collaborating with Kenny—who just happens to be her dad.

JAVIER ESPILA is a Spanish illustrator who has been devouring cartoons ever since he was old enough to sit upright in front of the TV. This had the unfortunate consequence of causing serious inflammation of the brain, rendering him unsuitable for any job that required him to lift anything heavier than a pencil. In recent years, his condition has deteriorated, and he is now forced to write absurd and fantastic stories to alleviate the constant pressure on his skull. He lives with his wife and two daughters, who help him by alternating cartoons with video games.

Editorial Reviews

08/30/2024

Gr 6–9—A vibrant retelling of Greek myths, blending well-known tales about Jason and the Argonauts and Hercules with lesser-known stories, such as Poseidon's quest for Demeter and the tragic tale of Tantalus. This collection breathes new life into ancient myths, making them accessible and engaging for a modern audience. One of the book's standout features is its use of infographics. These visual aids not only highlight key aspects of ancient Greek society, such as animals and architecture, but also provide a refreshing break between the myths, allowing readers to absorb cultural context in a visually appealing way. The narrative style is another strength. By employing a third-person narrator, the author allows readers to observe the characters and events from a distance, providing a broader perspective on the myths. The tone is lighthearted, with humor and puns sprinkled throughout, making the stories enjoyable and entertaining while maintaining their mythological essence. However, readers should note that the humor often comes at the expense of the characters, which may not appeal to everyone. VERDICT This is a delightful mix of education and entertainment, perfect for newcomers to Greek mythology and seasoned enthusiasts looking for a fresh take.—Jessica Calaway

School Library Journal