ODYSSEUS AND THE CYCLOPS

In this excellent retelling, the encounter between Odysseus and the one-eyed Polyphemus maintains its timeless appeal. Few can resist the tale of the terrifying giant who eats human flesh, tricked out of many future meals by the man he calls ``Nobody.'' Hutton (Persephone, 1994, etc.) retains touches of antiquity while keeping the writing accessible; the star, as always, is the art. His watercolors effectively capture the light of the eastern Mediterranean; a mix of perspectives enhances the narrative. As an introduction to Greek myth, the book works at both the elementary and high school level, and is an ideal read-aloud for almost any audience. (Picture book/folklore. 7+)