Ancient Voices

Led by Ganymede, cupbearer to the gods, the inhabitants of Mount Olympus have their poetic say in this unusual collection of verses by author Kate Hovey (Arachne Speaks). After telling his own poignant story of being kidnapped by Zeus (in the form of an eagle) to serve the immortals, Ganymede speaks in several other poems throughout the book, interspersed with verse stories narrated by other figures in Greek and Roman mythology. Ancient Voices is divided into four sections: Mount Olympus, The Sea, The Underworld, and The Forest. Each "ancient voice" is accompanied by compelling, sometimes weird, and often humorous illustrations by Murray Kimber. Ares, nasty god of war, is portrayed on a flame-and smoke-spewing motorcycle, while, in one of Hovey's wittiest poems, "Aphrodite Talks About the Venus de Milo Behind Her Back," a haughty and busty Aphrodite in a hot pink sundress checks out the "marble girl" supposed to represent her.

This compilation, with its clever and unique perspectives, will be especially enjoyable to those already familiar with ancient mythology. However, the appendices describing each character in more prosaic--though brief--detail will fill in the blanks for less informed readers. (Ages 10 and older) --Emilie Coulter