Editorial Review
Go Greek! - Children's Literature

This well-illustrated picture book mixes a few facts about ancient Greece with related crafts and activities. The author introduces a few related vocabulary terms, including “battering ram”, “frieze” and “Medusa”; however, I would not recommend this as a reference tool for most readers. The facts and explanations of ancient Greek life are limited to broad generalizations. The author notes, for example, that “The ancient Greeks built many outdoor theaters. They went to the theater to see plays, music, and dancing.” Instead, readers are more likely to develop some appreciation for the culture and life style of ancient Greece. This slim volume covers a wide range of topics from home life including food and clothing to commerce and the legal system. Each topic includes instructions for a craft such as making Greek pots from papier-mache, cooking pasteli, sewing a tunic, and creating a knucklebones game. Most topics include an activity such as writing the Greek alphabet or watching You Tube videos. Most of the activities require Internet access. About a third of the craft instructions warn that some adult supervision is needed; however, all but the oldest target group will require some adult assistance with most of the crafts— both to obtain and to use the materials. Many of the crafts involve painting, sewing, and cooking. The text includes a glossary and index as well as a short list of additional references which includes books and web sites. Reviewer: Leigh Geiger, Ph.D