Please Share, Aphrodite! (Mini Myths)

January 1, 2016
This entry in the Mini Myths series is meant to encourage sharing through the Greek myth of Aphrodite. A rosy-cheeked boy wearing a superhero cape holds up an apple "Who wants to trade for my apple?" he asks. "Me!" "I will!" and "I do!" three eager little girls respond. One offers to trade her crown, another her puzzle, and the last one her toy. As the toy is accepted in trade for the apple, the winner gleefully exclaims, "I won! I won! I won!" Maybe. The girls left out of the swap proceed to play, excluding the winner, until she offers to share her apple. Now everyone is happy. Where to start with the problems with this book? Perhaps with the mismatch between content and format. This is a board book, and therefore one intended for an audience roughly 6 months to 2 years old. It is hard to imagine these words coming out of the mouths of kids in this age group, never mind understanding concepts such as trading, competing, and shaming. If it is intended for an older audience, say 3- to 5-year-olds, why the board-book format? While this older group would quite easily relate to the story and its message, the gossamer-thin connection to the Greek myth is a stretch. Companion title Be Careful, Icarus! shares the same problems. A gimmicky use of the Greek myths that falls flat. (Board book. 3-5)

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