Description:
Grade 7-10-These well-organized presentations begin with a general introduction to the genre and the geographic areas, then focus on the mythology in the respective cultures. A map with highlighted areas sets the scene. Full-color photographs and reproductions appear in both volumes. Whereas Russia includes many paintings that relate to and enhance the text, the many current photos of the animal life and people of West Africa are more decorative. Well-chosen myths are followed by pertinent background information about the cultures; these explanations will expand readers' understanding and will provide the context in which the individual stories were created. The books are worthy for these mind-expanding sections alone, but the retellings themselves, which were written to be informative rather than entertaining, lack creative pizzazz. These volumes may prove useful for reports, but those interested in the tales would do better to find other versions rather than these textbook-like summarizations.
Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA.
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