Oh my gods! A look-it-up guide to the gods of mythology

While there's no shortage of books covering Greek and Roman mythology for kids, there probably aren't any as cheeky as those in the Mythlopedia series. The tone is set right away with status updates by Zeus and company, and a statue of Apollo, decked out in shades and wondering where the party is, bursting in through the title page. The book is organized around entries on major gods and titans, each with vital stats and a Top 10 Things to Know about Me, followed by a few highlights from their lore and sidebars that delve into their cultural relevance. Illustrations abound, from embellished stock images to original cartoons, and the pastel-heavy color scheme may entice readers otherwise resistant to the grays and ivories that tend to dominate classicism.Yes, all the OMGs and slacker zingers reek of pandering, but there's actually a good amount of information hidden beneath all the distractions. Bonus material includes a rather helpful family tree, a less-useful star chart, and suggestions for further reading.--Chipman, Ian Copyright 2009 Booklist

Gr 5-9-These A-to-Z guides to the denizens of Mount Olympus deftly sum up each figure's origins, career highlights, and associated myths. Humorous monologues, full-color reproductions of artworks (often amusingly decorated with modern-day bling), and cheeky cartoons add to the lighthearted tone. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.