Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare classic that actually deserves its classic status. The D'Aulaires took Greek mythology—which is inherently messy, violent, and morally complex—and made it accessible to kids without dumbing it down. The result has been inspiring young readers for over 50 years.

The illustrations are gorgeous and distinctive. The stories are engaging and matter-of-fact. And crucially, this book respects kids enough to present mythology as it is: gods who are powerful but flawed, heroes who face real consequences, and a worldview that's fascinatingly different from our own.

Yes, Greek myths contain violence, jealousy, and dysfunction. That's not a bug, it's a feature. These stories have endured for millennia because they grapple with real human emotions and questions. The D'Aulaires version is age-appropriate while staying true to the source material.

This is the book that launches Percy Jackson obsessions, makes kids actually excited about reading The Odyssey in high school, and builds the cultural literacy that helps everything else make sense. If your kid is ready for chapter books and has any interest in fantasy, adventure, or mythology, this belongs on your shelf.

Age Fit

Best for ages 7-14, with the sweet spot around 8-12. Younger kids (6-7) can handle it as a read-aloud if parents preview and skip/soften a few stories. By middle school, kids are ready for the full complexity. Adults who love mythology will appreciate it too, but it's definitely written for children.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

The D'Aulaires adapted Greek myths for children by softening the most brutal elements while preserving the essential stories. The tone is matter-of-fact rather than sensationalized, and the illustrations are charming without being graphic. However, Greek mythology inherently includes jealousy, revenge, transformation as punishment, and family dysfunction among the gods—these themes are present but handled age-appropriately. The book doesn't model modern values of cooperation or kindness (the gods are petty and vengeful), but it presents these stories as mythology rather than behavioral models.

Imaginative

88

This is a gateway drug to mythology, fantasy, and storytelling. The D'Aulaires' distinctive lithograph illustrations are detailed, whimsical, and bring ancient Greece to vivid life. The book introduces kids to archetypes, hero's journeys, and fantastical creatures that have inspired countless modern stories (Percy Jackson, Wonder Woman, Hercules). It sparks curiosity about ancient civilizations and invites kids to imagine worlds where gods walk among mortals. The stories are foundational to Western literature and art, making this genuinely enriching for creative development.

Safe

75

Greek mythology contains violence, transformation punishments, jealousy, and dysfunctional family dynamics, but the D'Aulaires version is specifically adapted for children. Common Sense Media notes 'some' violence, and reviews confirm the stories are 'dialed back a bit for bitlets.' There's no graphic gore or sexual content, but kids will encounter stories of people being turned into spiders, heroes killing monsters, and gods behaving badly. These aren't surprise elements—parents choosing a book of Greek myths know what they're getting. The content is appropriate for the genre and target age, but it's not Goodnight Moon.

Enriching

90

This book has been a foundational text for over 50 years, introducing generations to classical mythology and Western literary tradition. R.J. Palacio (author of Wonder) credits it with shaping her as a writer and artist. It builds cultural literacy, vocabulary, and understanding of references that permeate literature, art, and modern media. The stories explore themes of hubris, fate, heroism, and consequence. It's on NPR's 100 Must-Reads for Kids 9-14 and NYPL's 100 Great Children's Books. The 4.8 Amazon rating and enduring popularity confirm its lasting value.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

This is THE book that makes kids fall in love with mythology—R.J. Palacio (Wonder author) credits it with shaping her entire career
The D'Aulaires' lithograph illustrations are distinctive, detailed, and genuinely beautiful—they hold up decades later
Builds cultural literacy for references that show up everywhere from Percy Jackson to Wonder Woman to high school English class
Stories are adapted for kids but don't talk down—the myths feel epic and consequential, not sanitized into boring
NPR's 100 Must-Reads for Kids 9-14 and NYPL's 100 Great Children's Books—this has staying power for good reason

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What to Watch For

Greek gods are petty, jealous, and vengeful—they turn people into spiders, punish mortals for hubris, and generally behave badly (that's kind of the point)
Violence is present but age-appropriate: heroes slay monsters, wars happen, transformations are used as punishment—it's mythology, not a bloodbath
Family dynamics among the gods are... complicated (Zeus is not winning father of the year, Hera is perpetually angry, siblings fight constantly)
Some stories involve abduction or forced marriage—these are ancient myths reflecting ancient values, worth discussing with older kids

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the ancient Greeks told these stories? What were they trying to explain about the world?"
"If you could have one power from any of the gods, which would you pick and why?"
"The gods are super powerful but also make a lot of mistakes and bad choices. What does that tell us about the people who created these stories?"
"Which hero's quest sounds the most difficult? Would you want to be a hero in ancient Greece?"
"How are these old myths similar to superhero stories we have today?"

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D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths