REALMS OF GOLD

An excellent introduction to mythology, with 14 graceful retellings—pourquoi tales like the opener, a West African legend explaining why the Earth Mother's children are so many different colors; stories of love and tragedy (Persephone, the willow pattern story); legendary heroes and fools (Midas, Finn MacCool, Perseus). The brevity of the selections (even Balder's story, with its complex cast of characters, takes just eight pages), large, open type, and profuse illustrations (pen-and-ink with watercolor, marginal vignettes to full-page) make these versions especially suitable for children in the early grades. Many of the colors and design motifs are adapted from the cultures that originated the tales (Greek vase designs, Chinese brush painting, African textiles, Pacific Island carvings). An attractive volume for pleasure reading as well as classroom use. (Nonfiction. 6-11)