Altman, Linda Jacobs  African Mythology Rocks!
Gr. 4–6  112 pp.  Enslow

Bernard, Catherine Celtic Mythology Rocks!
Gr. 4–6  104 pp.  Enslow

Collier, Irene Dea  Chinese Mythology Rocks!
Gr. 4–6  128 pp.  Enslow

Houle, Michelle M.  Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology Rock!
Gr. 4–6  128 pp.  Enslow

Schuman, Michael A.  Maya and Aztec Mythology Rocks!
Gr. 4–6  128 pp.  Enslow

Spies, Karen Bornemann  Heroes in Greek Mythology Rock!
Gr. 4–6  128 pp.  Enslow

Mythology Rocks! series. Each of these volumes (revised and with slightly different titles) begins with a brief introduction to the title culture. Several myths important to that culture follow; a short question-and-answer section, along with "expert commentary," appears after each story. Stippled illustrations break up the dense texts but otherwise don't add much. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Folktales, myths, and legends; Mythology, African; Mythology, Celtic; Mythology, Chinese; Native Americans—North America—Maya; Native Americans—North America—Aztec; Mythology, Native American; Mythology, Greek; Gods and goddesses; Heroes

Lupton, Hugh and Morden, Daniel  The Adventures of Achilles
Gr. 4–6  128 pp.  Barefoot

Illustrated by Carole Hénaff. Two practiced British storytellers focus on the titular warrior for a succinct account of the Trojan War, supplementing Homer's Iliad with other ancient sources (an author's note would have helped). Expertly honed language moves the events along swiftly. Acrylic illustrations, bright with Attic red and Aegean blue, recall ancient Greek art and second the meaning of the text without competing with it.
Subjects: Folktales, myths, and legends; Trojan War; Gods and goddesses; War; Mythology, Greek; Greece, Ancient

McLimans, David  Big Turtle
Gr. K–3  32 pp.  Walker

In this capable retelling of a Native American creation myth, there is only Sky World (where people are) and Water World (where animals are) until Sky Girl falls through a hole in the sky, forcing the water animals to find a way for her to live. Unfussy mixed-media illustrations consisting of flat geometric shapes recall cut-paper collage. Websites. Bib.
Folktales, myths, and legends; Animals—Turtles; Legends—Native American; Creation; Animals—Toads; Subjects: Native Americans—North America—Wyandot

Nardo, Don  The Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology
Middle school  64 pp.  Capstone/Compass Point

Nardo, Don  The Heroes and Mortals of Greek Mythology
Middle school  64 pp.  Capstone/Compass Point

Ancient Greek Mythology series. Each volume provides a broad overview of characters from Greek mythology. Each individual is portrayed in some detail, with excerpts from primary texts, sidebars, and illustrations rounding out the coverage. While the text is informative, the illustrations are a mixed bag. The odd combination of photos, reproductions of paintings, and comic-book-style drawings create a lack of visual consistency. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Folktales, myths, and legends; Mythology, Greek; Gods and goddesses; Heroes

O’Connor, George  Poseidon: Earth Shaker
Gr. 4–6  78 pp.  Roaring Brook/First Second

Olympians series. The Greek god of the sea is the focus of this graphic novel. A variety of stories are presented about Poseidon and his monstrous progeny, such as Cyclops Polyphemus's run-in with Odysseus. Like previous books in the series, the modern, action-packed graphic storytelling lends accessibility to the mythology. The author's notes and character profiles provide additional information. Reading list. Bib.
Subjects: Folktales, myths, and legends; Cartoons and comics; Graphic novels; Mythology, Greek; Gods and goddesses; Greece, Ancient

From the June 2013 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.