How Did Zeus Become God of Gods?

Young Zeus

Author and Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

Publishing Company: Scholastic Press

Copyright Date: 2010

52 pages

Picture Book

                I chose this book just solely based on the topic. While I never learned much about mythology in school, it has always interested me. With that said, I was not quite sure what this book would hold. As I started reading Kara’s story I was pleasantly surprised as this book takes you on the fictional tale of Zeus’s childhood and how he became god of the gods. Zeus grew up alone because his mother Rhea gave him to Amaltheia, the enchanted she-goat when he was just a baby to keep him safe from his father Cronus. As Zeus grew older, he began to wonder why he did not have any other gods to play with. Amaltheia told him the story of his father, his five brother and sisters, his mother, and his uncles. When Zeus learns that Cronus swallowed his brothers and sisters in fear of being overthrown, he and his mother come up with a plan to free his brothers and sisters.

                The illustrations in this book, in my opinion, are what make the book.  The actual content of the story is great, but the illustrations were easily my favorite part. With that being said, they are not like most illustrations in children’s books. Karas uses a combination of gouache and pencil on paper to create the story of young Zeus. These illustrations are muted in color. Most of the text in this book is placed on the top and the bottom of the page.

            This would be a great book to use in the classroom. I feel that this book could be used in grades 2-4. I personally would use this book when discussing genres. This would be a great example of mythology. This book could also be used when teaching mythology, as an introduction to Zeus. This story is a great way to gain another perspective on this mythological god, as it is not often portrayed in this manner. As an extension of this book, I would have my students research another mythological god. Ideally these would then be presented to the class so each student could discuss what they learned about their mythological character.