Mini Myths | Be Patient , Pandora and Play Nice , Hercules

When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her.

Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.

Be Patient, Pandora is the first in a new series by Joan Holub and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli. These mini myths are written with the youngest children in mind. They’ve got minimal text and bright colorful, comedic illustrations that children and grown-ups will love.

This book teaches the lesson of patience in a cute way. Though Pandora doesn’t listen to her mother and bad things happen, her mother still loves her. Just like when Pandora opened the box and evil came out, hope and love still exist. I think children will adore these books!

I love how they have a little summary of the original myth included on the final page. Leslie Patricelli’s illustrations are so colorful and entertaining. Author Joan Holub is a wonderful author. I’ve read stories written by her in the past. She has a strong track record in mythology, and I love that she’s now sharing these myths with the youngest children.

Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself!

Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.

Play Nice, Hercules is part of a brand new board book series called Mini Myths. As soon as I saw these titles, I knew I wanted to read them. I love anything that introduces young children to classic stories. Though toddlers won’t understand the complete story of Hercules, it is introducing the name “Hercules” to them and giving them a lesson on kindness. I love how the blocks Hercules’s little sister was building with each represent one of his Twelve Labors that he must complete. And parents will appreciate the summary of the Twelve Labors at the end of the book.

Author Joan Holub is a wonderful author. I’ve read stories written by her in the past. She has a strong track record in mythology, and I love that she’s now sharing these myths with the youngest children.

Follow Joan on her website