Synergy: Exploring Lore

LORE is a collection of knowledge, traditions, beliefs, and stories held by a group of people and passed from through generations. Lore may be related to a specific subject, group, or location.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

LEGENDS OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY: ENTER A WORLD OF GODS, GIANTS, MONSTER AND HEROES written by Tom Birkett and illustrated by Isabella Mazzanti is a highly illustrated anthology of mythological characters and stories from Norse tradition. This fascinating reference includes over thirty profiles of key figures and retellings of their stories.

AN ATLAS OF AFTERLIVES: DISCOVER UNDERWORLDS, OTHERWORLDS AND HEAVENLY REALMS written by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Manasawee Rojanaphan features dozens of myths connected with life after death. Organized by continent, the book includes both well-known and lesser-known places examining both the fact and fiction of each location.

A MISCELLANY OF MISCHIEF AND MAGIC: DISCOVER HISTORY’S BEST HOAXES, HIJINKS, TRICKS, AND ILLUSIONS written by Tom Adams and illustrated by Jasmine Floyd explores the world of deception. From pranksters and magicians to con-artists, this beautifully illustrated picture book features a wide range of fascinating people. Along with learning the secrets of magic and famous hoaxes, readers also explore a wide range of themes such as disguises and conspiracies.

LORE OF THE STARS: FOLKLORE AND WISDOM FROM THE SKIES ABOVE written by Claire Cock-Starkey and illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross examines folklore from around the world. Six chapters explore lore connected with the sky, sun, moon, stars, planets, comets and shooting stars, and cosmos.

ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, Quarto Group.

Synergy: Mythical Places

MYTHICAL PLACES are locations that appear in tall tales, folklore, religious texts, and mythology. Atlantis and Shangri-La are examples.

Read the recently published children’s nonfiction book, then learn more at the websites:

AN ATLAS OF LOST KINGDOMS by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Lauren Mark Baldo explores mythical places across cultures from around the world. Featuring detailed maps, and stunning illustrations, readers are immersed in both the lost worlds along with the stories of adventurers who sought them. ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions from Quarto Group.

Wikipedia’s LIST OF MYTHOLOGICAL PLACES is a fascinating place to begin an exploration of the wide range of mythological places.

To visit the website, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythological_places.

ORIGINS EXPLAINED is a YouTube channel exploring mysterious places. For instance, 10 MYTHICAL PLACES THAT ACTUALLY EXIST is a video that shares mysterious places people can actually visit.

To visit the YouTube channel, go to https://www.youtube.com/c/OriginsExplained. To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/WXakuaCnDXs.

Synergy: Aztec Mythology

 

Aztec mythology is a collection of stories rooted in the Aztec civilization of central Mexico. This Mesoamerican culture flourished from the 14th through the early 16th century. The stories include a creation myth and accounts of numerous Aztec deities.

Read the recently published children’s picture book, then learn more at the website:

FEATHERED SERPENT AND THE FIVE SUNS by Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mesoamerican creation myth featuring Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent. The book concludes with an author’s note exploring the history of the story along with a glossary and bibliography.

MYTHOPEDIA is an authoritative web-based resource exploring myths around the world. The Aztec Mythology section examines the gods and goddesses, creatures and creation myths of the Aztec civilization. Each article explores the history along with providing examples of artwork and modern references.

To visit the website, go to https://mythopedia.com/aztec-mythology/.

ARC courtesy of Abrams.

Book Review: Begone the Raggedy Witches

BEGONE THE RAGGEDY WITCHES by Celine Kiernan is the first book in the Wild Magic fantasy trilogy.

After her father is taken hostage by witches, Mup and her family must avoid the raggedy witches to save him from the queen who also happens to be Mup’s grandmother. Along the way, she meets magical creatures and people in her quest to find her father.

Librarians will find this intermediate grade fantasy popular with children who enjoy folk fantasy, forbidden magic, and Irish mythology. This quick read can be enjoyed as both a standalone and book one of a trilogy.

Published on September 11, 2018 by Candlewick. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Curious Critters Club

CURIOUS CRITTERS CLUB is a set of technology resources focusing on the quest for fictional creatures.

This technology-rich project includes a website, apps, and interactive books. Users participate in a mission to help scientists find new creatures. Participants become members of the Curious Critters Club and explore a world filled with 25 fictional characters. The website is available in both English and French. An app involves users in an augmented reality adventure. Two interactive story apps are also available including CALL OF THE GIANT EAGLE and THE MYSTERY OF THE CADDY.

Librarians will find the website an engaging way to introduce fictional creatures to children. Involve youth in writing about the characters and creating their own. Use the resources to tie storytelling with mythology and cultures from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://curiouscrittersclub.com/en/experience.

Book Review: Momotaro Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

MOMOTARO XANDER AND THE LOST ISLAND OF MONSTERS by Margaret Dilloway is a fantasy about a boy who discovers his legacy and sets off on a journey to find his place in the world.

This first book in a new middle-grade series tells the story of a mixed race eighth-grader with a talent for drawing. Xander’s ordinary life is thrown into chaos when his father disappears. Xander soon finds out that he comes from a long line of Japanese warriors called Momotaro and must discover his talents to save his friends and family.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with middle grade fantasy fans, particularly those who enjoy the works of Rick Riordan. It’s also a good introduction literature focusing on Asian characters and Japanese legends. Choong Yoon’s illustrations will appeal to readers who enjoy manga. Consider a literature circle that also includes the Percy Jackson books and Sea of Troll trilogy.

To learn more about the author, go to https://margaretdilloway.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: Reef Defender

REEF DEFENDER is an app from the Department of Land and Natural Resources of Hawaii.

Before jumping into the game, app users are encouraged to explore the Hawaii Sharks website to learn more about sharks, Hawaiian mythology, shark safety, and shark incidents. An shark quiz is also available. Students will also enjoy following sharks with the Tiger Shark tracker.

After learning about the importance of the reefs to sharks, app players use their pet shark to boot bad items that can harm the reef out of the ocean. Bad items include bottles, cans, cigarettes, invasive species, motor oil, herbicides, and fertilizer.

Librarians will find this game to be a nice way to motivate youth to explore the informational website about sharks. Add this app to a learning center that includes books about reefs and reef creatures.

The app is available for both Apple and Android.

To download the Apple app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/reef-defender/id657761952….

To explore the website, go to http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/.

Book Review: A Thousand Nights

A THOUSAND NIGHTS by E.K. Johnston is a fascinating adaptation of the famous Arabian Nights story.

Set in the ancient Middle East, a desert girl is forced to marry a king who has been possessed by a mythic demon. Although the king has killed hundreds of wives before her, he is intrigued by his latest conquest and decides to let her live one day at a time. Slowly, the desert girl is transformed through the power of mind, magic, and a will to survive.

Blending elements of fantasy with traditional storytelling, Johnston skillfully weaves a story of power, belief, and family love. Readers will be captivated by the setting and entranced by the beautifully written prose.

Librarians will find a broad audience for this unusual young adult novel. Those who enjoy both fantasy and historical novels will enjoy the intersection of traditional storytelling, ancient mythology, and fantasy.

To learn more about this award-winning author, go to http://ekjohnston.ca/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on October 6, 2015. ARC from the publisher.

Book Review: Treasury of Norse Mythology

TREASURY OF NORSE MYTHOLOGY by Donna Jo Napoli is that latest book in the Treasury series featuring classic stories of intrigue, trickery, love, and revenge.

Napoli begins the book by discussing the origins of Norse mythology and introducing readers to the Norse gods. She provides resources for those interested in learning more about the Norse names.

Featuring well-known as well as lesser-known stories, each of the 18 stories is displayed in a large, easy-to-read font and illustrated with amazing paintings. Descriptions accompany each of the large illustrations. Of particular note are the intricate borders found on each page. In addition, many pages contain sidebars featuring historical information of interest to readers. Primary source documents are also woven into the text including an image from a 17th century illuminated manuscript.

The book concludes with a map and timeline, cast of characters, bibliography, and index.

While some of the names of gods, people, and places may be difficult for youth to pronounce, the storylines themselves will be easy to follow for middle grade readers.

With the popularity of Norse characters in movies, television shows, and computer games, librarians will find a large audience for this story collection. In addition to this book, librarians will also be interested in the titles focusing on Greek mythology and Egyptian mythology. The short stories are quick reads. Involve youth in reading a story and exploring more about the key characters.

Published by National Geographic on September 22, 2015.

Book Review: Mark of the Thief

MARK OF THE THIEF by Jennifer A. Nielsen is the first book is an exciting new middle-grades fantasy series.

Set near the end of the Roman Empire, a young slave named Nic becomes involved in a dangerous conflict that reaches the highest levels of Roman government. Along the way, Nic acquires a griffin’s powerful mark, Caesar’s bulla, and the ability to perform magic. His journey leads to the heart of Rome where he discovers friends, enemies and family secrets.

This well-written, fast-paced story weaves together a fascinating array of characters that will engage readers from beginning to end.

Youth who enjoy Greek mythology and the Percy Jackson books are sure to enjoy this work of historical fiction fantasy. Librarians and teachers will find this book a great jumping off spot for a discussion of the fact and fiction of the Roman Empire. Both girls and boys are likely to enjoy the characters and plot.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.jennielsen.com/.

Published by Scholastic.

Book Review: Ares: Bringer of War

ARES: BRINGER OF WAR by George O’Connor is the latest addition to the popular OLYMPIANS graphic novel series designed for middle grades and young adults.

Although each of the graphic novels in the OLYMPIANS series stand alone, those new to Greek mythology may want to read them in order because ARES assumes that readers are familiar with the backstory of the gods. Each volume focuses on one of the gods in the Olympic pantheon including Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, and Aphrodite. In addition to the story, each book contains an afterward, family tree, discussion questions, and source notes.

The fast-paced, action-packed stories are drawn from primary documents. The seventh book in the series, Ares: Bringer of War, focuses on the gods’ interference in the Trojan War. This book is a great way to jumpstart an exploration of classics like the Iliad. Although the classic story is filled with violence, O’Connor keeps the gore to a minimum so it’s unlikely to bother readers.

George O’Connor is known for his beautifully illustrated graphic novels with historical themes. In Ares, he does an excellent job helping readers visualize the relationship between the gods and humans through the use of shape and color.

For those students who enjoy the historical aspects of the graphic works, suggest O’Connor’s first graphic novel titled Journey Into Mohawk Country based on to a seventeenth-century historical journal.

Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series will be attracted to this graphic novel series. Use Riordan’s website to explore the Greek Gods and explore mythology. Go tohttp://goo.gl/Gfj82N.

To learn more about the OLYMPIANS series and background information about the Greek Gods, go to http://www.olympiansrule.com/. To extend the Ares reading experience, explore the online activities at http://www.olympiansrule.com/the-books/ares/.

NetGalley ARC used for review