Myths and Legends: The Heroes, Gods and Monsters Who Shaped Our History

Genre

Myths & Legends

Age range(s)

Publisher

b small

ISBN

9781035012572

Format

Hardcover

Expected

03-09-2026

Synopsis

Bring history to life through creative, science activities!

Flashes of lightning, blood-sucking creatures, mind-blowing tricks and tales of epic adventures . . . myths and legends have always fascinated people. Here are 20 incredible stories that tell us about creating countries, controlling the weather and even stealing children From Ancient Egypt and Greece to Dracula and Bigfoot - there's something for everyone.

Creative activities and science experiments bring their stories to life. The author is a passionate historian who knows how to inspire young learners. Read the history then try the step-by-step activities.

Spread from Myths and Legends: The Heroes, Gods and Monsters Who Shaped Our History

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Reviews

Sue

Combining a wealth of information with a range of fun activities, Myths and Legends: The Heroes, Gods and Monsters who Shaped our History is perfectly pitched for myth-curious minds of all ages!

The contents page is presented as a timeline, showing the range of 'Heroes, Gods and Monsters' from across the world whose stories are included. A separate inset outlines the activities included which form the last pages of the book. Each spread is colourful and attractive, full of illustration with the text being presented in short, accessible chunks. Key vocabulary is highlighted and presented in the glossary at the end of the book, which offers very clear explanations. A final page offers some 'useful things to know when learning about the past' which is very helpful.

Some of the stories included here are those which will be known to many readers, perhaps from their learning at school - Anubis, Zeus, Demeter, Maui, Hua Mulan, for example - whilst others might be less familiar. Each story is succinctly told with additional information which varies from tale to tale. For La Llorona, the origins of the story are explored whilst for Loki, other tricksters are introduced.

There is plenty here to spark curiosity and inspire further investigation. I recently visited Kronborg Castle and saw the statue of Holger Danske in the damp tunnels beneath - the information here would be perfect for anyone planning to visit!

A really thoughtful range of activities has been selected to accompany the stories, making sure that there is something to appeal to everyone from mummifying an orange to making a miniature rock garden. Excellent for engaging children during the summer holidays, there are things here which children can do independently, following the clear, step-by-step instructions and those which might benefit from the support of someone older, leading to family fun!

The book also makes an excellent resource for teachers, with plenty to enrich the curriculum and encourage children to explore a wide range of myths, legends and traditional tales from around the world.

72 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher