The Orchard Book of First Greek Myths is a bestselling children's book by Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Jan Lewis. First published in hardback by Orchard Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group in 2003, it has become a favourite with many schools and families exploring ancientGreek myths with children aged five to eight. It has been reprinted twelve times as of 2019 and spawned a series of stand-alone books with simplified text and more pictures. The book is part of a series of highly illustrated anthologies which also includes Geraldine McCaughrean's The Orchard Book of Greek Myths, Michael Morpurgo's Aesop's Fables and the author's own The Orchard Book of Grimm's Fairytales. The stories in both the anthology and the series include:
The book has very successful imprints in Brazil , Italy , Greece and Korea where the books are also available with an audio cd in both Korean and English. In Italy where the book is called Ai Piedi Dell' Olimpo , there have been five different editions, one of which is included in a collection of classics called Lo Scaffale D'Oro and was sold at a special price with the Italian newspaper, Corriere Della Sera. As from September 2015, the books will be available in cross-platform ebook editions.
Critical reception
Critical reception for the book was very positive with the National Literacy Association describing the stories as 'Remarkable retellings of these old stories using vivid, glorious language.'. The Bookseller said the retellings 'will provide a welcome balance to the zanier or Disney-style introductions to the famous myths on offer to young children. Dogobooks, a children's book review website, called the series "a wonderful set of straightforward, friendly and accessible Greek Myth retellings, with clear type and irresistible illustrations. All the favourite stories are here." Karen Wallace, reviewing for The Ultimate Book Guide, enthused "These six retellings of Greek Myths are short and well-balanced and the language is fresh and immediate. The full-colour illustrations throughout the book are dramatic and engaging."
Co-editions
The book is published by Einaudi Ragazzi in Italy as Ai Piedi Dell' Olimpo. There have been four editions to date, in both hardback and paperback. The book has also had Greek and Korean editions. The series is published by Patakis Press in Greece where it has had several editions and Scipione in Brazil.
