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emdoux's review
Read: Kuan Yin, the Compassionate; Durga, the Warrior Goddess; Isis, Mistress of Life and Death
eirenophile's review
4.0
This is an illustrated collection of stories about goddesses aimed at kids.
I have to admit that I prefer [a:Trina Schart Hyman|5325|Carol Ryrie Brink|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1283884711p2/5325.jpg]'s paintings to these collage mixes, and I think I've read better tellings of almost all the stories in here, so it can't get five stars. But while I might prefer other retellings of these stories and other illustrations, there is no other book that puts these all together. This is the divine companion to [b:The Serpent Slayer|375980|The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women|Katrin Tchana|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174276421s/375980.jpg|365837], which I liked for similar reasons.
Now that I've complained, I have to admit that I approve of Hyman's reasons for collage. Apart from wanting to expand her artistic horizons, she felt like creating art of these goddesses was a spiritual task and required guidance and permission. I think - even though I don't find the images as appealing - that the artist's connection to the divine does come through. So that's a plus.
And, now that I've told you that I like other retellings better, part of the reason is that this is (as I mentioned) aimed at telling to kids. Myths are often dark and heavy things with elements that earlier times would not have flinched from telling children, but we live in a different world. I suspect some of what I noticed came from a degree of censorship (both by the author and by others), based on a note in the back that talked about how the art was censored. So take that as you will.
I have to admit that I prefer [a:Trina Schart Hyman|5325|Carol Ryrie Brink|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1283884711p2/5325.jpg]'s paintings to these collage mixes, and I think I've read better tellings of almost all the stories in here, so it can't get five stars. But while I might prefer other retellings of these stories and other illustrations, there is no other book that puts these all together. This is the divine companion to [b:The Serpent Slayer|375980|The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women|Katrin Tchana|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174276421s/375980.jpg|365837], which I liked for similar reasons.
Now that I've complained, I have to admit that I approve of Hyman's reasons for collage. Apart from wanting to expand her artistic horizons, she felt like creating art of these goddesses was a spiritual task and required guidance and permission. I think - even though I don't find the images as appealing - that the artist's connection to the divine does come through. So that's a plus.
And, now that I've told you that I like other retellings better, part of the reason is that this is (as I mentioned) aimed at telling to kids. Myths are often dark and heavy things with elements that earlier times would not have flinched from telling children, but we live in a different world. I suspect some of what I noticed came from a degree of censorship (both by the author and by others), based on a note in the back that talked about how the art was censored. So take that as you will.
doriastories's review
4.0
A beautiful collection of goddess myths, drawn from around the world, with each story accompanied by one of Trina Schart Hyman’s gorgeous illustrations.
emvsmith's review
3.0
Summary (CIP): An illustrated collection of traditional tales which features goddesses from different cultres, including Nafajo, Mayan, and Fon. Notes explian each dogges's place in her cultrue, the reason for the book and how the illustrations were developed.
Review: A well organized and clearly presented collection of goddess stories. One illustration is provided for each goddess and they are fantastic. The stories are told clearly with appropraite degree of detail, and also age appropriate (upper elementary). The author and illustrator both provide lengthy notes in the back for each story in which they describe their personal connection and ideas about the goddesses. I was surprised that these note are mentioned in every review and even the summary.
Mostly positive review from SLJ,"Empowered women are the focus of this collection and empowering young women is seemingly its intention."
Postive Horn Book,"the astonishing abilities and acts of the goddesses determine the atmosphere, inviting readers to notice the imagery and symbolism associated with female deities."
Starred reveiw from Booklist,"Tchana offers a lengthy afterword celebrating the wisdom of the goddesses, forgotten by Earth's peoples but now ready for rediscovery"
All reviews comment on the "Artist's Note".
Review: A well organized and clearly presented collection of goddess stories. One illustration is provided for each goddess and they are fantastic. The stories are told clearly with appropraite degree of detail, and also age appropriate (upper elementary). The author and illustrator both provide lengthy notes in the back for each story in which they describe their personal connection and ideas about the goddesses. I was surprised that these note are mentioned in every review and even the summary.
Mostly positive review from SLJ,"Empowered women are the focus of this collection and empowering young women is seemingly its intention."
Postive Horn Book,"the astonishing abilities and acts of the goddesses determine the atmosphere, inviting readers to notice the imagery and symbolism associated with female deities."
Starred reveiw from Booklist,"Tchana offers a lengthy afterword celebrating the wisdom of the goddesses, forgotten by Earth's peoples but now ready for rediscovery"
All reviews comment on the "Artist's Note".
teawolf's review
4.0
This book is obviously written for younger kids, but I still enjoyed it. Simple writing style aside, the ten legends of goddesses from all around the world were well-portrayed. My favorite feature of this book was the art. Five stars for the illustrations, beautiful collages of photos, paper, cloth, and paint. The artist also did a good job of capturing and adapting the art styles of the various cultures.
You can see some of the images here. (Scroll down a bit. They're on sale as prints.)
http://www.childatheartartgallery.com/products.asp?categoryid=86
You can see some of the images here. (Scroll down a bit. They're on sale as prints.)
http://www.childatheartartgallery.com/products.asp?categoryid=86
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