My Encyclopedia of Very Important Myths and Legends – A Magical Gateway for Young Storytellers

Introduction: A Treasure Trove of Timeless Tales

From the moment I opened My Encyclopedia of Very Important Myths and Legends by DK, I knew this wasn’t just another children’s book—it was a vibrant, meticulously crafted portal into the world’s most enchanting stories. Designed for little learners who adore fantastic tales, this encyclopedia is a dazzling introduction to myths and legends from across cultures, beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully curated.

As a lifelong lover of folklore, I was thrilled to see how DK managed to distill complex legends into bite-sized, engaging narratives perfect for young readers. Whether your child is obsessed with dragons, gods, or heroic quests, this book is a must-have. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

A Whirlwind Tour of Myth and Magic: Plot Summary

Unlike a traditional novel, My Encyclopedia of Very Important Myths and Legends is structured as a visual encyclopedia, divided into thematic sections that explore different cultures and their legendary tales. The book covers:

  • Greek and Roman Myths (Zeus, Hercules, Medusa)
  • Norse Legends (Thor, Loki, Valkyries)
  • Egyptian Mythology (Ra, Anubis, the Book of the Dead)
  • Celtic and Arthurian Lore (Merlin, the Lady of the Lake)
  • Asian Folktales (The Monkey King, Japanese Yokai)
  • African and Indigenous Stories (Anansi the Spider, Maui)

Each section is packed with colorful illustrations, fun facts, and simplified retellings that make these ancient stories accessible to kids. The book doesn’t just regurgitate well-known myths—it also introduces lesser-known legends, broadening a child’s cultural awareness.

Characters That Leap Off the Page

One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it brings legendary figures to life. Unlike dry textbooks, DK’s approach makes gods, heroes, and monsters feel like characters in an epic adventure.

  • Thor (Norse Mythology) – Depicted as both mighty and humorous, perfect for kids who love action.
  • Anansi (African Folklore) – The clever trickster spider is presented with playful energy.
  • Medusa (Greek Myth) – Her tragic backstory is handled with care, making her more than just a monster.

The book avoids oversimplifying these figures, instead offering just enough depth to spark curiosity. A child might finish a page and ask, “Why did Loki cause so much trouble?” or “Was Medusa always scary?”—opening doors for deeper discussions.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Perfect for Young Minds

DK’s signature style—concise, engaging, and visually rich—shines here. The writing is:

  • Simple but not dumbed-down – Sentences are short but packed with meaning.
  • Interactive – Questions like “Can you spot the hidden treasure?” keep kids engaged.
  • Rhythmic and Fun – The book reads like a storyteller’s performance, with dramatic phrasing where needed.

The layout is also brilliant—each myth gets a double-page spread with bold headings, fact boxes, and whimsical illustrations. This makes it easy for early readers to digest without feeling overwhelmed.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just Stories

While the book is primarily fun, it subtly introduces important themes:

  • Courage & Perseverance (Hercules’ labors, Maui’s daring feats)
  • Wisdom vs. Trickery (Anansi’s cleverness, Loki’s mischief)
  • Good vs. Evil (Thor battling giants, Perseus vs. Medusa)
  • Cultural Diversity – By including myths from every continent, the book fosters global curiosity.

Parents will appreciate how these stories can be springboards for moral discussions. “Was it fair for Zeus to punish Prometheus?” or “Why did Anansi trick others?”—these questions encourage critical thinking.

Personal Reading Experience: Why I Loved It

As someone who grew up on mythology, I was impressed by how well this book balances education and entertainment. My niece (age 6) was instantly drawn to the bright artwork, while my nephew (age 8) loved the “Did You Know?” trivia sections.

The emotional impact? Pure wonder. Watching a child’s eyes widen at the tale of Icarus or giggle at Anansi’s antics is priceless. This isn’t just a book—it’s a spark for imagination.

Comparison to Other Children’s Myth Books

How does it stack up against competitors?

  • Vs. D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths – More comprehensive but less visually engaging. DK’s version wins for younger kids.
  • Vs. National Geographic Kids’ Treasury of Mythology – Similar in scope, but DK’s layout feels more dynamic.
  • Vs. Mythologica (also by DK) – Mythologica is more detailed, but this encyclopedia is better for ages 5-9.

If you want a single, well-rounded introduction to world myths, this is the best choice.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Stunning Visuals – Every page is a feast for the eyes.
✅ Diverse Selection – Covers myths from every corner of the world.
✅ Perfect Length – Short enough for bedtime, deep enough for discussion.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Some Simplifications – A few myths are trimmed for brevity (e.g., Odysseus’ journey is very condensed).
❌ No Pronunciation Guide – Some names (like “Cú Chulainn”) might stump parents.

Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise outstanding book.

Who Is This Book For?

✔ Ages 5-9 – Ideal for early readers and storytime.
✔ Mythology Newbies – A fantastic first encyclopedia.
✔ Visual Learners – Kids who love pictures will adore this.
✔ Teachers & Parents – Great for educational use.

If your child loves Percy Jackson or Frozen (inspired by Norse myths!), this is the perfect primer.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

A few standout lines:

“Thor’s hammer was so powerful, even the giants feared it!”

“Anansi the Spider was small, but his cleverness made him mighty.”

“Medusa wasn’t always a monster—once, she was a beautiful priestess.”

These snippets show how the book balances excitement with emotional depth.

Cultural & Historical Context

Myths shape civilizations, and this book does a fantastic job of showing their origins. The inclusion of African, Asian, and Indigenous stories (often overlooked in Western-centric books) is especially commendable.

Parents can use this to discuss:

  • How different cultures explain natural phenomena (storms, eclipses).
  • The similarities between myths (flood stories, trickster gods).

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Young Myth Lovers

My Encyclopedia of Very Important Myths and Legends is a 5/5 masterpiece—vibrant, educational, and endlessly entertaining. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just a mythology fan, this book belongs on your shelf.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • Which myth surprised you the most?
  • Do you think heroes like Hercules were always good, or did they make mistakes?
  • How would you retell one of these legends in your own way?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear which stories captivated you!

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.