For as long as Perseus can remember, an evil king has been desperate to marry Perseus’ mother. Perseus has finally gotten the king to promise to leave her alone if Perseus brings back the head of the monster Medusa. Perseus will do anything to protect his mother, but will the king keep his word? 

Saviour Pirotta gives readers a rousing adventure, but his version of this myth is also about keeping promises and being careful what you wish for. His Perseus is a good son who listens to his elders respectfully. Medusa is a pretty standard scary monster, but Jan Lewis’s clever touch to make her tongue into a snake will make her a fan favorite despite her limited face time. The art is really clever overall. I especially like how faces are reflected in the mirror shield during the climactic fight scene. 

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