Persephone

This book was beautifully illustrated. The story was adapted perfectly for a young audience.

The original purpose of the Persephone story was to explain in a mythological context the continous cycle of birth, death and rebirth. This explanation may have worked well in a pre-modern agrarian society but today even my six year old daughter has a basic scientific understanding of the seasons and the role they play in agriculture. So why should we bother to read this story today? First, the story of Persephone gives us a glimpse back into time. We see how the ancients understood and explained natural phenomona. More importantly, it is important to give young children the opportunity to see the world through a mythological perspective. Yes, we live in a physical world that can be explained scientifically. Nevertheless, we also live in a world that can be understood in a philosophical and spiritual way. Sally Pomme Clayton's "Persephone" does a great job of retelling this ancient story and her wonderful illustrations add an additional level of enjoyment to the book. Highly recommended.

Beautifully written and illustrated version. Simply told and engaging for elementary age readers (4th gr. +) as a read aloud. The classic illustrations are just lovely and are not too dark as some other reviewers have mentioned. This story depicts the Underworld and a long winter so of course there are some dark tones, but the book is very beautifully done and very enjoyable.

I'm really happy with this book. The illustrations are wonderful. The story is very well told. A perfect introduction for children. I like the way Hades comes across. Not horribly evil or dark. My 6 year old really loved the book and my 11 year old sat and listened as well. His favorite part was when Persephone gets tricked into staying in the Underworld.

My daughter really enjoys this book. We used it to go along with my eight-year-old son’s study of the D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths, but my five-year-old daughter was the one who really enjoyed it the most and she has me read it to her often. I can see why. Persephone seems like a princess and I think that my little girl likes the mother/daughter element of the story. I enjoy the illustrations in this one. They have a little bit of that Greek flavor but are somewhat unique in their style. I particularly enjoy the depictions of the underworld with its gems and cave features. The kids did pick up on the fact though, that the story described Hades’ chariot as being golden while it was painted black in the picture. All in all though, I think it’s a pleasant telling of the myth with appealing illustrations.

The pictures are artful and the story is great.

I love this ancient myth. The language and beautiful, imaginative illustrations are superb. I recommend this picture book to children and adults.

Bought for my granddaughter. Had to read it first. Loved the story. The illustrations are excellent.

Amo questo libro, lo volevo da molto per via delle illustrazioni e della storia di Persefone e Ade. Sono contenta che era tornato disponibile.

Great