Visit to Leigh Stationers Primary Academy

 

I was recently cloathed in the Livery of the Stationers and Newspaper Makers, and one of my first actions as a liveryman was to visit Leigh Stationers Primary Academy, to talk about books and Greek myths. It was a lovely visit, and the children wrote some excellent pieces in response to Perseus and Medusa, and also made their own quests.

Greek Myth in Children's Books: Part 3 of 10

About 9 years ago a book came onto my desk which stood out for its wit and original take on Greek mythology: Snakehead by Ann Halam. It now appears to be out of print, sadly. It is brilliantly fresh  - the mythic landscape hums with gods; yet gap year kids haunt the tavernas. Mystical and full of humour, it deserved more attention than it got. When Perseus eventually sees Medusa, he thinks:

‘Oh Great All, it was Athini herself – It was Athini herself, looking out from inside of me – I was Athini. I was the monster. I had to kill the monster, so I could be Athini.’