Persephone

Summary: On a warm spring day, the beautiful young goddess Persephone is snatched from her home by Hades, god of the Underworld, and taken away to live underground and become his bride. Persephone's mother, Demeter, goddess of Earth, is so brokenhearted that she curses the land so nothing can grow — a permanent winter. How will Persephone and her mother be reunited? Will spring ever come again? This lyrical retelling of the ancient Greek myth by master storyteller Sally Pomme Clayton is brought to life with Virginia Lee's beautiful illustrations. Young readers will be intrigued by the dramatic story as well as by its clever explanation for the changing seasons. Quotes:AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS Parents' Choice Award, Silver winner (2009)International Reading Association-Children's Book Council Joint Committee, Children's Choices (2010)Book Links, Lasting Connections of 2009North Carolina Children's Book Award, Junior Books Nominee (2010–2011)Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award, Nominee (2011-2012) Kirkus Reviews"This pourquoi tale from ancient Greek mythology has everything to recommend it to modern readers. Clayton employs vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and loads of action to convey adventure, grief, love, drama, and the circle of life. Dialogue is crisp and accessible, while retaining just a hint of the formality expected of gods and goddesses. Lee's imaginative illustrations, detailed in glowing earth tones and sweeping across double–page spreads, complement the action. . . A beautiful retelling of an enduring myth." Booklist, Starred Review"Approaching the Greek myth of Persephone with the respect that a good storyteller holds for a great story, Clayton retells the tale with drama and grace. The mixed-media artwork creates a series of scenes defined by sweeping lines, broad views, and restrained use of color. Reflecting the generally somber tone of the narrative, the illustrations are impressive in their stately beauty. Strange and memorable, the many cross-sections showing the earth's surface and the Underworld are particularly impressive. This lovely picture book was first published in England, but its appeal, like that of the myth, is universal."Author Bio: Sally Pomme Clayton is an internationally acclaimed storyteller, children's book author, and award-winning playwright. Her previous books for children include Amazons! Women Warriors of the World and Tales Told in Tents (both Frances Lincoln). Sally livesVirginia Lee worked on Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy creating architectural details for the sets. She has also illustrated the children's book Frog Bride by Antonia Barber (Frances Lincoln). Virginia lives in England.