New Percy Jackson fan seeking Greek myths book recommendations

[standingonlego]

DS is currently devouring the first Percy Jackson book. My Greek myths are a bit rusty (keep mixing up with the roman lot!) and I need a crash course.

Can you wise folk recommend a good book for him and/or me with the main stories in?

Rick Riordan has done a couple, presumably for that very reason - try Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods, which has a rundown on the basics (big PJ fans here!).

There's probably an Usborne one - they're usually pretty good.

I found a lovely DK hardback in TK Maxx, by Philip Wilkinson and it's called Myths & Legends. It includes European myths as well as ones from around the world. It isn't a children's book but it's full of great pictures. My Ds age 7 loves it. Before I bought this I was eyeing up a Greek Myths for children, by orchard and I think Usborne have one too.

My DS got into Greek mythology through watching the original Clash of the Titans. Looks like I need to introduce him to Percy Jackson!

Geraldine McCaughrean's Greek Myths is my favourite for DC/ quick crash course for adults. Beautifully written, and covers all the important ones.

If you even half remember the Roman deities then it's easy to pick up the Greek ones, tbh. The Romans based theirs on the Greeks, so the character traits are similar. comparison chart

If DS wants more Greek mythology after PJ then I'd recommend the Pegasus series by Kate O'Hearn. Which might then lead him on to her Valkyrie series and the fascinating realm of Norse mythology in which case you'll want to buy Kevin Crossley-Holland's brilliant adaptation of the Norse Myths. Or something else DS might like are the Roman Mysteries by Caroline Lawrence, which are set in Ancient Rome.

Thank you all, off to amazon I go :)

That comparison chart has really helped too...it is all coming back to me now!

The Usborne one is fab, I have given it as several birthday presents.

standingonlego HTH. I'll take any chance to turn a child into a future classicist

EElisavetaOfBelsornia - It took me a few seconds, but then I placed your name Love the Chalet girls.

Is Percy Jackson suitable for a seven year old?

Not really, Leonardo
It's marketed for 9-12. Similar reading/interest level as first three Harry Potter books.

My DS started reading the first one just as he turned 7 and has now read everything by Rick riordan! There's plenty to keep your DS going if he gets into them!

I cut my teeth on Robert Graves at 12, but I was an advanced reader precocious brat

My DS is 7 and has been enjoying,...we have not done Harry potter yet. I bought the book for his big brother (9) but he read it instead [comfused]

Of course it's fine if a child who is younger than the recommended age enjoys something, Lego. But answering that question, I always keep an average 7 year old and the recommended age in mind.
I suggest the reasons they're marketed at 9-12 is that PJ is 12 at the start of the story. There is quite a lot of violence, though mostly cartoonish as between mythical beings, I suppose. But at the end of the first book PJ discovers that his mum is being beaten up my his stepfather. And there's also a burgeoning romance... I haven't read the later ones in the series but DD1 said he and Annabeth get together properly and are kissing and dating (they're 16 at this stage) by the last book in the series. Some of that is potentially upsetting or bemusing to some 7 year olds; depends on the child.

That is useful info somerville.

I read PJ1 to the end yesterday (DS about 2/3rd now) and the DV was mentioned which did surprise, and prompted me to wonder where story was going to go as it was a bit darker than I expected. I had just ordered the rest of the set to read ahead with "suitability" in mind so you have saved me some time, thank you !

I had also ordered the Osborne myths book (will hopefully be here by the weekend) so will divert him to that for now and save the other Percy'S for later.

Maybe I will point him to Harry Potter now :)

There are some fab Greek beasts & heroes books by Lucy Coats that might be more age appropriate.