Argos: The Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog

This book is such a perfect way to introduce kids to the story of Odysseus! I read it with my 8- and 10-year-olds, and they were hooked right away. They could follow the story easily—and even read parts on their own with just a little help. The best part? The tale is told through the eyes of a loyal, lovable pet, which made it extra fun and kept them completely engaged. We all loved it!

I greatly enjoyed reading Argos. We can't change the original story, meaning The Odyssey literally meandered all over the place but that was the entertainment of the day. I had to put the book down often but that has nothing to do with the creativity of the author. It's just that the original tale itself was tedious and I always wanted it to get moving instead of stopping at every island that Fate blew the hero and his friends onto for 20 years. (Had I been Penelope, I would have found a way to poison all the suitors years before, custom notwithstanding.) The book is not for young readers unless they're advanced. I would estimate Junior High into Young Adult, simply because of the comprehension needed and the short attention span of the young. The communication patterns of the crow, raven, gulls, etc. was a bit irritating but easy enough to skip over. I really liked Argos, his interpretation of what was happening, and his emotional highs and lows. And please don't tell me that animals don't have feelings! Only the most unobservant think that way. An enjoyable read.

For years I've been reading to my young children very accessible and age appropriate versions of Illiad & Odyssey. They already know the stories, as we had read them more than once. They also know about Argos from the original (you see him at the end of Odyssey at a very emotional moment). So we were really, really excited to read this version of the Odyssey from Argos' point of view. And, it was awesome. The story and tone feel very true to the original, and the added stories to make transition and narration smooth. Overall we absolutely loved it from start to finish. Because the narration is from the dog, the magical world of ancient greek myth comes alive in an accessible way to the kids. And, kids love animals... just, great.

This is a very enjoyable way to get kids ( of any age) familiar with one of the greatest tales ever told. I hope it inspires young readers to learn more about Odysseus and the inspiration for many of today's stories.

Great book. Highly recommend.

It does well into Greek mythology. It is probably the best book I ever read. Praise to the author for writing it.

My 12 year old nephew ate this up. He's gotten really into Greek mythology and already read the odyssey. This was the perfect gift for him, especially because he's also really close with his dog. He'd stay up at night because he wanted to keep on reading 💟

Here is a journey we all most likely feel we are currently on...it is one we all know, and yet a brilliant writer such as this author compels us to read it again. The true mark of a worthy author in my opinion is one that tells a human journey through the eyes and heart of an animal's perspective (as Richard Adams did in "Traveler") and we know how this story ends. It is Greek, and they are known for their poignant tragedy. On we go through it with this ancient once again though and happily! Why? because dogs always help us to understand our own lives. And maybe, just maybe the hope to understand theirs. A definite benefit to reading lists!

Very well written, a nice little book.

I'm loving this. Did buy it for my 9 year old daughter who is working on ancient Greek projects at school. She wanted the Adventures of Odysseus, so not into this version yet, but I'll convert her. It's really educating me without me having to read the entire original!