Mythologica; Stephen P. Kershaw, illustrated by Victoria Topping

Mythologica is simply incredible. It is a fully illustrated guide to the gods, goddesses, mortals and monsters of Greek mythology and is like nothing I have ever seen before. It is a superb introduction to the world of ancient Greece and is a book that will be pored over for many hours. It is as incredible and as wondrous as the gods and goddesses it is written about.

Journey back to ancient Greece to a time when Gods and Goddesses ruled and where monsters were terrifying. Over one-hundred-and-eleven glorious pages readers will learn about how Pandora was both unbelievably pretty and unbelievably dangerous. Will uncover what happened to Icarus when he didn’t follow his father’s advice. Come face to face with the almighty Zeus and stare into the eyes of Aphrodite, the most beautiful woman in the Universe. They will also meet some truly terrifying monsters; including the multiple-headed Hydra; Argos - the hundred-eyed giant; and Typhon - the most deadly creature of all. It’s not all doom and gloom though, the Phoenix and the Pegasus are truly divine creatures. Meet all of these and forty-one other personalities from Greek mythology in Mythologica.

Presented over fifty double page spreads, the book is separated into three sections; Gods, Mortals and Monsters. Each double spread is stunningly presented with out-of-this-world illustrations by the talented Victoria Topping. One page is taken up with a deliciously drawn portrait and the other is adorned with both text and illustrations. The text, written by Steve Kershaw, is easily accessible and is broken down into the name of the god, goddess, monster or mortal with a brief description of their key attributes and/or characteristics and where they lived or could be found. A written overview explains their story and extra snippets of information and facts are dotted around the page. In addition to the fifty double page spreads there are a further four spreads that detail the Twelve Labors of Heracles, The Odyssey, The Trojan War and The Argonauts.

This is an absolute must for any child with an interest in Greek mythology. It is published as a large format coffee-table sized book with thick, shiny pages that will hold up to endless hours of exploration. “Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the epic, heroic and sometimes terrible lives of mortals, monsters and gods.”

Recommended for 8+.