Atalanta's Race: A Greek Myth

Climo and Koshkin, previously paired for Stolen Thunder: A Norse Myth reconfirm their compatibility with this stately picture book. Delving beyond the surface of the Greek myth of the fleet-footed princess, Climo's well-told tale raises issues of female worth and inclusion in male-dominated activities. She tempers the harshness of the ending (in which Atalanta and her true love are punished for failing to acknowledge divine help) in a thoughtful author's note that links the heroine to the modern Olympics, open to women athletes since 1900. Koshkin's striking, deep-toned, classically inspired paintings amplify the drama; framing each painting with architectural motifs, he matches Climo in her sensitivity to detail and ambience. Ages 6-10. (Apr.)