Epically good Greek myths by R.A. Spratt

R. A. Spratt is epically famous amongst young readers for her Friday Barnes stories and the Nanny Piggins tales (as well as other delightful books that you should be sure to read. I have read more than one of her books.) In this spectacular book she allows the infamous Nanny Piggins to regale her charges (and us as readers) with chapter by chapter retelling of Greek mythology. She never does anything without cake (and side serves of quirky humour), so this book is full of sweet delight AND the awfulness of the Greek Gods from ancient mythology. Pedants will find her Piggins-inspired storytelling to be full of twisted truths (things that should never get in the way of a good story, apparently). But those of us who love a liberal serving of irony, eccentricity and cake will enjoy her mythologies. (And children will love her distaste for school, formal instruction and homework!)

This is a book that introduces mythology but could never be considered a ‘reference book’! But children aged 9+ will find it appealing. Because Ancient Greek mythology is a rarely taught topic in schools, most children will come with little or no background knowledge of Zeus, Apollo, Achilles and other ‘famous’ mythological Greeks, but perhaps Nanny Piggins can pique their interest. Nanny Piggins readers will immediately recognise her bizarre character traits, but even if she is an ‘unknown’ it won’t take long to recognise her eccentric approach to all things. I can see this book flying off the shelf (with the assistance of a nymph or two) and creating a mirth-filled escape for young Primary-aged readers.

Themes: Greek mythology, Humour.

Carolyn Hull