Donna Jo Napoli

American author Donna Jo Napoli and British illustrator Christina Balit join forces in this marvelous collection of ancient Egyptian myths published by National Geographic. Beginning (appropriately enough) with creation, Napoli discusses the complex and interrelated pantheon of Egyptian gods and goddesses, from the sun god and creator Ra, to Ra's children Shu (god of wind) and Tefnut (goddess of moisture), and Shu and Tefnut's children, Geb (god of the earth) and Nut (goddess of the sky). show more From this third generation came the most famous gods and goddesses, Set (Seth), Aset (Isis), Usir (Osirus), Nebet Hut (Nepthys) and Heru Wer (Horus the Elder). The story of Set's betrayal of Usir, and of Aset's grief and her search for her brother-husband, is laid out, as is the birth and coming of age of Heru Sa Aset (Horus the Younger). Other deities discussed include Inpu (Anubis), Tehuti (Thoth), Hut Heru (Hathor), Sekhmet (Sachmis), Nit (Neith), Khnum (Chnoumis), Sobek (Souchos), and Bastet (Bast). The book concludes with a discussion of ancient funerary practices, and how the beliefs concerning death and rebirth involved many of the deities. A list of deities, timeline, afterword, and list of sources are all included at the rear, in the extensive back matter...

One of five such mythological collaborations between Napoli and Balit - other titles include: Treasury of Greek Mythology, Treasure of Norse Mythology, Tales from the Arabian Nights and Treasury of Bible Stories - Treasury of Egyptian Mythology is an immensely informative and engaging work, providing a wonderful introduction to a subject about which I, despite my interest in folklore and mythology, know fairly little. Although familiar with some (although by no means all) of the figures here, the only story I already knew was the one involving Set, Usir and Aset. It's interesting to note that Napoli uses the original Egyptian names for these figures, rather than the Greek ones - Usir rather than Osirus, for instance. Except for Ra and Bastet, which are the same (or practically the same) in both languages, I was more familiar with the Greek names (Anubis, Isis, etc), and was not even aware before picking up Napoli's book, that these were not the original names, but ancient Greek approximations. The stories themselves are fascinating, beautiful, and often mystifying. As Napoli notes in her afterword, many of these deities overlap, in terms of their areas of power and influence, so it is much more difficult to name an Egyptian god or goddess as the definitive sun god, or sky god/goddess, or goddess of childbirth, in the way one might do in other belief systems. I appreciated the discussion in the author's note about sources used - both Egyptian and Greek - and the difficulties involved in sorting out a belief system with scores of overlapping deities, and stories retold in diverse ways across various regions of Egypt, and over the course of millennia.

Although a great lover of folklore and mythology, I initially sought this collection out because I am a great admirer of the artwork of Christina Balit, whose illustrations here do not disappoint, in their beauty and enchantment. I understand that a number of other reviewers have criticized Balit for making her figures too light-skinned, and while I do not subscribe to the Afrocentrist fallacy regarding ancient Egypt - namely, that it was a sub-Saharan black civilization - I do agree that the figures could have been darker - more of the light reddish-brown one sees in so much artwork from this civilization. Leaving that one issue aside, I absolutely loved the visuals here - the vibrant colors, the stylized compositions, the use of golden accents - and was satisfied on an aesthetic level. Although published for children, this is certainly too complex of a book for the very young, so I would recommend it to middle-grade readers and above, who loves mythology, or have an interest in ancient Egypt. show less

The Magic Circle is a retelling of Hansel and Gretel, from the witch’s point of view. Donna Jo Napoli is a talented writer, and the witch’s sympathetic, tortured first person POV is excellent throughout. However, this is genuinely the darkest, most disturbing fairy tale retelling I’ve ever read, and I can’t say I personally enjoyed my time reading this. I loved reading Grimms’ Fairy Tales growing up, but this particular book would’ve given me terrifying nightmares as a kid. I show more think The Magic Circle would appeal most to readers who like their fairy tales VERY dark and disturbing (and heavy on the demons and psychological agony). show less

As a kid I LOVED this book, as an adult it's good, but not nearly as amazing as I remember. It's a bit on the depressing side and could honestly, pass for an adult book rather than a teen one. Sirena tells the story of a mermaid who falls in love with a man, sleeps with him, becomes immortal, and then must face a decision on whether or not to let him leave their private island. The part I liked most about it was all the Greek gods and legends tied in with it. Odysseus even makes an show more appearance. Also, as far as mermaid books goes, this one still holds up the best. It's written brilliantly, but it is on the short side. I wanted to go to their private island and hang out with Sirena and her mortal lover. They sounded pretty chill. Still solid and now I want to read more by Donna Jo Napoli, I love her fairy tale retellings! show less

Napoli adopts a folkloric narrative technique to showcase the life work of Wangari Maathai, whose seminal role in Kenya’s reforestation earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. When, one after the other, women journey to Maathai to seek counsel about scarce food, disappearing firewood and ailing animals, she tells them, “Plant a tree….Thayu nyumba—peace, my people.” Specific tree species and their utility are mentioned in the text and reiterated in a glossary. Nelson’s pictures, show more a jaw-dropping union of African textiles collaged with oil paintings, brilliantly capture the villagers’ clothing and the greening landscape. The richly modulated oils portray the dignified, intent gazes of Maathai and other Kenyans, and the illustrator’s signature use of perspective suggests the everyday heroism of his subjects. In addition to incorporating the fabric collages (and some whimsy in his animal depictions), the artist newly focuses on landscape, with many double-page spreads depicting undulating fields, distant mountains and a white-hot sky. Deserving of a special place with Claire Nivola’s Planting the Trees of Kenya (2008), this is, in a word, stunning. (Picture book. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review show less