The Odyssey

Gr 5 Up—Ita combines graphic-novel-style storytelling with dazzling pop-up effects to create a gripping and accessible version of this classic tale. From the Trojan Horse to Odysseus's victorious homecoming, well-known moments of this arduous journey are presented on dynamic spreads that often fold out (or down) to reveal additional pages equally jam-packed with action and vivid images. The adventures are succinctly conveyed through comic-book panels punctuated by paper-engineering wonders that propel the plot forward while providing visual pizzazz. For example, readers unveil the workings of Odysseus's plan to escape from Polyphemus by pulling a tab (and watching a sharpened log poke the Cyclops in the eye—"Ouch" is right) and deploying a pop-up sheep (the hero is concealed beneath). Another cleverly designed pull tab transforms a man into a pig at Circe's command. A dramatic foldout spread depicts Odysseus's ship at sea (the three-dimensional vessel has movable oars) besieged by frightening feathered Sirens on one side and a wrathful serpent-headed Scylla on the other. Though the action is fittingly epic and unfolds with much gore and glory, Ita updates the tale with informal, often humorous dialogue and well-timed comic moments (asked where he's been for the last 20 years, the hero tells Penelope, "Well, sweetheart, it's an awfully long story"). All in all, a well-executed and audience-grabbing rendition.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal