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Giants

by John Malam
32p. 978-1-59566-980-3.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4-7 These intriguing books are packed with an expansive diversity of mythological creatures that ranges from Icelandic giants to Chinese dragons. Folktales and myths familiar to many readers, such as those of Paul Bunyan and Polyphemus, the Greek Cyclops of Homeric fame, are placed within an international context with legends ranging from the Eastern European flesh eating hag with fangs, Baba Yaga, to the trolls of Norway's Hedal Woods ("Giants"). A wealth of sidebars and captions on hippogriffs, great horned serpents, and Irish fairies adds depth to the compelling narratives. Supported by vibrant color illustrations, these fascinating and well-written tales will integrate well with social-science curriculums. Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
Drawing on multicultural myths, legends, and tales, Malam describes creatures that have captured human imagination. Dramatic illustrations provide continuity across the series, which alternates stories with general descriptions. Occasional redundancies, factual inaccuracies, and conflation of fantasy and reality ("There have been many races of giants, and most of them lived when the world was very young") are distracting. Glos., ind. Review covers these Mythologies titles: Dragons, Fairies, Giants, and Monsters.

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