A review by angiew23
TheGolden Age: Ovid's Metamorphoses by Alexander Pope, Ovid, John Dryden

2.0

This book is a retelling of Ovid's classic work by Heinz Janisch. It is categorized as children's fiction but I would not agree with that. I have to admit I was a bit concerned when I looked a bit closer at the cover and noticed that the woman was naked. I teach grade 3 and even though she is covered, I would never hear the end of this from my students if they saw this book in our classroom library. That wasn't the only semi-naked photo, nipples are prominent throughout the story, with one as early as page 11. But maybe you're thinking, well that's fine we can get past nipples. Maybe your little friends are not as immature as mine. I still would not classify this book as children's fiction. The text is in a relatively small font and the words are quite challenging. Giving an example from one page words include: infatuated, concern, approach, exhausted, despair, pursuer, transform, laurel, nymph, kneeling, honor, noble, deeds, glory, tremble, approval. These words would be challenging for most students in my class. If I had to give this an age rating (artistic nudity aside) I would probably say grade 6+. The images do not do enough to support struggling or younger readers and while some of the stories may be familiar to the reader, for example, Midas's touch, they are unlikely to come into this book with the prerequisite knowledge needed to comprehend this book. I admire the author for his interest in bringing these classic stories to children, but I do not think this book accomplished that goal, unfortunately. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.