Pandora is practically perfect in every way, but she just can’t resist the call of a certain locked chest in the cellar of her new home. This story is difficult to adapt without making Pandora seem terrible, especially if the author is trying to stick close to the ancient version. Saviour Pirotta manages it by giving Pandora plenty of reasons to open that box of hers. From the beginning, her curiosity is framed as a positive trait that drives her to be organized and responsible. Her practical response to owning a box that no one is allowed to open is so reasonable that it makes her seem intelligent rather than impulsive. In the end, Pirotta gives her the blame for opening the chest, but also gives her the credit for bringing hope into the world. When Pandora deliberately releases Hope at the end of the story, Pirotta shows that we can’t undo our bad choices, but we can do our best to minimize the harm that comes from them. 

Saviour Pirotta and Jan Lewis’ First Greek Myths series provide adaptations of myths perfectly suited for newly independent readers. The text is kid-friendly, and the cartoonish images are colorful and exciting. Affordable copies are readily available on most used book websites. – Krishni Burns