The Children's Homer

Written by Padric Colum
Illustrated by Willy Pogany

Grade:

6-8

ISBN-13:

978-1420960846

Publisher:

Digireads.com Publishing (2019)

Padraic Colum’s The Children’s Homer adapts the epic tales of The Iliad and The Odyssey into a captivating narrative that imparts profound virtues to young readers through both exemplary and cautionary moments. Courage is vividly illustrated by Odysseus’s bold confrontations with dangers like the Cyclops and Scylla, showing children the strength required to face fears head-on. Perseverance shines in his relentless decade-long quest to return home, enduring shipwrecks, temptations, and loss, teaching the value of steadfast determination. Humility is subtly woven into the narrative, particularly through Odysseus’s growth; his early hubris, such as taunting Polyphemus, leads to consequences that underscore the need for modesty and respect for divine forces. Conversely, characters like the suitors in Ithaca serve as non-examples, their arrogance and greed highlighting the perils of lacking virtue. Through these lessons, Colum’s retelling not only entertains but also instills a moral framework, encouraging young readers to cultivate courage, perseverance, and humility while warning against pride and selfishness.