The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tale of Troy

· Sold by Simon and Schuster
2 reviews
Ebook
256
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians! From the Newbery Honor–winning author of The Golden Fleece comes a middle grade volume adapting the classic epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey into more accessible prose, featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout.

When Telemachus was only a boy, King Agamemnon commanded his father, Odysseus, to join the Greeks in their war against Troy. Now, years later, Telemachus is a man, and his father still has not returned. To bring his father home—or at least learn of his fate—Telemachus embarks on a journey of his own.

As he follows in his father’s footsteps, Telemachus undercovers an epic tale of a perilous sea voyage threatened by the man-eating monster Scylla and the raging whirlpool Charybdis, a respite on the island of the beautiful enchantress Circe, and a standoff with the imposing Cyclôpes Polyphemus.

Odysseus wasn’t the only soldier in the Trojan War to tangle with mythological forces. Greek warrior Achilles prayed for and received aide from Zeus and, eventually, wore armor forged by Hephaestus while the Trojan prince Hector drew the attention of Athena and Apollo. Tangled allegiances, otherworldly threats, and ruthless warfare make the story of the war unforgettable.

Using narrative threads from The Iliad and The Odyssey, Padraic Colum weaves a stunning adventure with all the drama and power Homer intended.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians! From the Newbery Honor–winning author of The Golden Fleece comes a middle grade volume adapting the classic epic poems The Iliad and The Odyssey into more accessible prose, featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout. When Telemachus wa...

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Ratings and reviews

2 reviews
Koteswararao Annabattula
July 10, 2026
The Children's Homer by Padraic Colum is a wonderful introduction to the timeless epics The Iliad and The Odyssey. With clear, engaging prose, it brings the adventures of Odysseus, Achilles, Hector, and other legendary heroes to life for younger readers. Filled with mythology, courage, and unforgettable journeys, the book captures the spirit of Homer's masterpieces while remaining accessible and entertaining. A classic retelling for readers of all ages.
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About the author

Padraic Colum (1881–1972) was a poet, a playwright, and a leader of the Irish Renaissance, but he is best known for his works for children, including The Children of Odin and The Golden Fleece (a Newbery Honor Book).

William Andrew (“Willy”) Pogany (1882–1955) was a prolific Hungarian illustrator of children’s and other books.
Padraic Colum (1881–1972) was a poet, a playwright, and a leader of the Irish Renaissance, but he is best known for his works for children, including The Children of Odin and The Golden Fleece (a Newbery Honor Book). William Andrew (“Willy”) Pogany (1882–1955) was a prolific Hungarian illustrato...

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