Multicultural Folklore: Gods, Goddesses and Monsters: A Book of World Mythology

Book Review:

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Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters: An Encyclopedia of World Mythology
By: Shelia Keenan
Summary:

A complete reference to the interesting stories and people that make up the myths of diverse civilizations throughout the world. The book contains thorough entries on deities, heroes, and legendary animals, providing insight into the myths and legends that have molded human history and culture.

Genre and Illustrations:

This book comes within the mythology and reference genres, providing as both an instructional tool and a fun read for individuals who enjoy folklore and old legends. The information is well-organized, making it simple for readers to locate certain people or tales, and the prose is suitable for a wide variety of readers, from young fans to those looking for a refresher on mythical history. Keenan's extensive study and clear exposition of complicated and interconnected mythological systems benefit the genre greatly. The illustrations in the book help the reader comprehend and enjoy the rich fabric of mythology by visualizing it. Good pictures may give dimension to tales and create a visual link to the text, particularly for younger readers or visual learners. 

Activities:

Fun activities for a classroom could be the readers are encouraged to construct their own legendary figure, complete with a history and powers, and then write a short tale about them. Another activity would be organizing a conversation on the importance of mythology in current culture and how ancient stories have inspired contemporary media.

Comments:

Sheila Keenan's work is an entertaining introduction to the world of mythology. Her simple and informative manner makes complicated subjects approachable, which is a defining feature of her work. Keenan's ability to condense massive quantities of knowledge into manageable portions is admirable, making "Gods, Goddesses, and Monsters" an invaluable resource for anybody interested in the topic. Readers seeking for related works might want to read "Mythology" by Edith Hamilton or "The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell, both of which investigate the meaning and retelling of stories.

References:

Keenan, S. (2003). Gods, goddesses and monsters. Scholastic.

Galda, L., Liang, L. A., & Cullinan, B. E. (2023). Literature and the Child (9th ed.). Cengage Learning US. https://reader2.yuzu.com/books/9798214347752

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