Wednesday, October 29, 2014

From My Bookshelf to Yours: Mini Myths by Joan Holub

Play Nice, Hercules

 
"Play Nice, Hercules" is an adorable board book in the Mini Myths series that introduces Greek Mythology to little ones. The book is short and simple. The story line is clear enough for my 1 year old to understand. Hercules is strong and rough but he destroys things and hurts his sisters feelings. He learns how to play "nice" and be kind.

My 1 year old really enjoys this book. He is all boy. He stomps around the house making monster noises and destroying everything in his path. We started calling him Hercules when he was about 8 months. We are always telling him to be gentle and use gentle hands. He loves the adorable illustrations. They make him giggle and empathize. When Hercules' sister is crying he says "awww" and pats her face. What a clever little book to help little ones discover life skills.
 
I love that it is a sturdy board book because he carries it around and "reads" it while drinking and snacking. The only problem is when he is smacking us in the face with it because he wants us to read it to him. This book is his favorite so far in his book collection. Luckily his 7 year old sister gets a kick out of it too and will read it over and over with him. I even caught her reading it alone. Shhh!!!



 Be Patient, Pandora

"Be Patient, Pandora is another adorable board book in the Mini Myth series that introduces little one to Greek Mythology. The story is easy for little ones to follow. Pandora is told not to touch the box. Pandora keeps testing limits until she accidently "opens" the box. It is a cute way to teach little ones patience. Although the book is written for younger children the  pictures made my 7 and 12 year old giggle because the pictures reminded them of how their little one year old brother pushes limits.
 
I would have liked the ending to be a little more developed. Pandora disobeys but never receives any consequences. As a parent and a therapist I feel the need to explain to my children and clients that it is not always that easy to walk away after not following directions. Pandora was very lucky that what was in the box wasn't dangerous.
 
My 7 year old said, "I love these books. They aren't too long or too short. I'll read them a million times to Baby David." I can't think of a better endorsement!
 
Want to check out the Mini Myths Series? Visit Amazon