Theseus and the Minotaur

The tragic story of the young hero Theseushis meeting with his father, King Aegeus; his battle with the Minotaur; his doomed love for Ariadne (because Dionysus claims her); and the death of Aegeusis well-suited to Fisher's striking illustrations. The idea that great victory can be followed by tragedy is accentuated by the artist's color choices: even bright colors in the spectrum have been darkened appropriately. One particularly effective picture shows a fearful Theseus between oversized skeletons and the grotesque and foreboding shadow of the Minotaur. In addition to the sturdy retelling, Fisher includes a bibliography and a detailed map of Theseus's journey; both of these round out the volume and may prove helpful to readers interested in pursuing further aspects of this tale. Ages 6-8. (Oct.)