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Dr. Simon Spence studied for his Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham, looking at the myths of Jason, Perseus and Bellerophon. His first book, 'The Image of Jason in Early Greek Myth", is the result of this research and is the most extensive analysis of the myth up to the fifth century B.C.
In 2013, Simon launched the Early Myths series, which brings the oldest myths stories to a new audience. Early Myths is a children's books series with beautiful illustrations inspired by some of the oldest Classical vase-paintings and sculptures. The aim is to bring some of the oldest myth characters to junior readers, to excite and inspire young minds with the oldest Greek tales.
To date, Early Myths have won five book awards:
- "Perseus" won a bronze award at the international Moonbeam Children’s Awards 2014 in the “Children's Picture Book - Enhanced and Apps” category
- "Odysseus' won an honourable mention at the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards 2015. This was in the Picture Book category (6+ age group)
- "Odysseus" was also a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2015
- "Atalanta" won an honourable mention at the Purple Dragonfly Books Awards 2016 in the Picture Book category (6+ age group)
- " Atalanta" was also a finalist in the “Children-Fable” category Readers’ Favorite Awards 2016
Simon lives and works in Dublin, Ireland and has over twenty-five years experience in teaching Classical history, archaeology and myth.
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
Perseus by Simon Spence is a illustrated children's book about the story of Perseus, a Greek myth. Perseus' mother Danae is a princess, but is locked away by her father when a prophecy states that her son will cause great harm to the king. Although she is locked away, the Greek god Zeus helps her to have a baby boy whom she names Perseus. Enraged, the king put his daughter and Perseus in a crate and shipped them out to sea. Perseus and his mother were rescued by fishermen and stayed on the island for many years.
Because the other children teased Perseus for not bring brave, he volunteered to kill the evil creature Medusa and bring back her head. With the help of the Greek goddess Athena, Perseus was able to meet the nymphs and received three special gifts. A sickle sword, a pair of sandals with wings, and a bag to hold the head of Medusa. Medusa was so evil that her head was made of snakes. If she looked at anyone, she could turn them into stone. Perseus approached the sleeping Medusa quietly, and chopped off her head while she slept, making him the bravest man in the land!
I love the idea of a children's book series that teaches young people about the Greek myths. I think other parents will appreciate the educational information in this story and kids will love the adventure of Perseus and his mother.
