Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* In this familiar Greek myth, Persephone is abducted by Hades, who takes her into the Underworld and sets her upon a throne as his queen. Above ground, the goddess Demeter searches for her missing daughter and, when she learns of Persephone's fate, takes revenge on the earth itself by making winter last all year. After Zeus intervenes, Hades lets Persephone return home, but not before tempting her with pomegranate seeds. When she eats three, she ensures that every year she must return to him and, during that time, winter returns to Earth. Approaching the Greek myth of Persephone with the respect that a good storyteller holds for a great story, Clayton retells the tale with drama and grace. The mixed-media artwork creates a series of scenes defined by sweeping lines, broad views, and restrained use of color. Reflecting the generally somber tone of the narrative, the illustrations are impressive in their stately beauty. Strange and memorable, the many cross-sections showing the earth's surface and the Underworld are particularly impressive. This lovely picture book was first published in England, but its appeal, like that of the myth, is universal.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2009 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-When Persephone is "plucked" from a flower-filled field by Hades and carried off to the Underworld, a distraught Demeter mourns for her daughter, and the very Earth feels the effects. Imagery and detail in the lyrical language and terracotta-toned paintings eloquently convey this beguiling tale's deep-felt emotion and enduring circle-of-life themes. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The ancient Greek myth of Persephone's kidnapping by Hades, her mother Demeter's grief (and consequent freezing of the seasons), and dramatic rescue by Hermes is accurately, if choppily, retold. Dramatic painterly mixed-media illustrations accompany the story. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
