Mini Myths

Aphrodite, Hera, and Athena are competing for Paris's candy apple. When Aphrodite offers Paris a toy horse, she wins the prize! But her bragging results in the hurt feelings of others. When Aphrodite stops boasting, though, and offers to share her snack instead, the three friends happily play together. Leslie Patricelli's illustrations bring a lively visual narrative to Joan Holub's expertly focused text. Includes a summary of the original myth of Aphrodite and the Golden Apple.

Hercules is not as interested in "playing nice" as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister's 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub's expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli's famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules's Twelve Labors myth at the end. Also available in the Mini Myths series: Don't Get Lost, Odysseus and Good Job, Athena!

When Odysseus goes shopping with his mom, she tells him to stay close, and he does-until he is tempted by The Odyssey-inspired play area in the mall and wanders off. He has fun at first, but when he can't find Mom, he gets scared. Not to worry: Mom was always close behind, and, reunited, they make their way home together. Conceived and crafted by Greek-mythology expert Joan Holub and illustrated by the bestselling Leslie Patricelli, this book also includes a summary of the original journey of Odysseus.

After Athena ties Arachne's shoes for her, Arachne takes the credit for Athena's hard work. But when their friends ask Arachne to teach them how to tie their shoes, Arachne must admit the truth. So Athena comes to the rescue and teaches everybody this important skill. All is forgiven, and the girls are friends again. Conceived and crafted by Greek-mythology expert Joan Holub and illustrated by the bestselling Leslie Patricelli, this book also includes a summary of the original Arachne myth.

Midas wants everything to be his favorite color-yellow! He chooses yellow clothes, eats yellow foods, and uses only the yellow paint at his easel. But when he impulsively paints his beloved green Dinoboo, Midas discovers that too much of a good thing is a big mess! Joan Holub's carefully crafted text is brought to life by Leslie Patricelli's famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Midas's Wish myth at the end.

When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli's depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub's carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora's Box myth at the end.

Medusa refuses to care for her hair, her long locks getting knottier and dirtier with each passing page. Her hair rebellion elicits frozen expressions of shock from her family, but nothing will convince Medusa to brush. Only her hairdresser approaches Medusa with bravery and a blade, successfully solving the problem . . . with a short haircut! All are pleased with this drastic yet adorable solution. Leslie Patricelli's depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively visual narrative to Joan Holub's expertly focused text. Includes a summary of the original Medusa's Wild Hair myth at the end. Also available in the Mini Myths series: Don't Get Lost, Odysseus and Good Job, Athena!|Joan Holub is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 130 children's books, including the popular series Goddess Girls. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.; Leslie Patricelli has published more than 25 books for children, including Yummy Yucky and other titles in the bestselling Bald Baby board-book series. She lives in Ketchum, Idaho.