Myths for children
Myths for children take age-old tales of gods, monsters, and heroes and retell them in ways young readers can enjoy. They open doors to different cultures, slip big themes like courage and justice into exciting plots, and feed imaginations with magical worlds. Along the way, they offer a glimpse of history, hint at how people once explained life’s mysteries, and leave plenty of room for children to decide what they think about right and wrong. This list features books by Michael Morpurgo, Roger Lancelyn Green, John Agard, Joe Todd-Stanton, Chitra Soundar, Liz Kessler, Efua Traoré, Wendy Shearer, Louie Stowell, and Pamela Butchart.
Myths for children – our recommendations
Pattan’s Pumpkin by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Frane Lessac
Pattan’s Pumpkin brings a Southern Indian flood myth to life with warmth and creativity. When floodwaters threaten their land, farmers Pattan and Kanni carve a boat from an enormous pumpkin to save animals, seeds, and food. Chitra Soundar’s storytelling celebrates ingenuity and a deep bond with nature, while Frané Lessac’s vivid illustrations, inspired by traditional Indian art, add a stunning visual layer. It’s a beautiful tale of survival and harmony.
Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd-Stanton
Joe Todd-Stanton opens the Brownstone family archive with the tale of Arthur, a boy from Iceland whose village fire is stolen by the wolf Fenrir. To save his people, he appeals to the Viking gods, and Thor sets him a challenge: collect magical objects to create a golden rope strong enough to bind the beast. Told in a bold graphic-novel style, the book mixes Norse myth with striking artwork.
Kai and the Monkey King by Joe Todd-Stanton
Professor Brownstone tells the tale of Wen and her daughter Kai, whose adventures bring them into the world of legendary creatures. When a village pleads for help against a beast that returns each year, Kai steps away from her mother’s careful studies and seeks guidance from the Monkey King. What follows is a story of courage, myth, and responsibility. The artwork adds depth, drawing on Chinese folklore and tying it into the Joe Todd-Stanton’s Brownstone family archive.
Coyote’s Soundbite by John Agard
John Agard’s poem follows the trickster Coyote as he slips into a meeting of Earth goddesses from around the world. Each goddess voices concerns for the planet, drawing on stories shaped by myth and tradition. Piet Grobler’s illustrations bring global creatures and deities to life. Combining poetry with environmental themes, the book connects folklore, geography and history, providing schools with cross-curricular material while introducing ecological ideas to children aged 6 and over through myth-inspired storytelling.
Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race by Eric Huang, illustrated by Phung Nguyen Quang
Miaow, a reserved temple guardian cat, gets roped into the Jade Emperor’s Great Race and finds himself teaming up with Ming, a lively shapeshifter. Along the way, they face challenges that test their courage, wit, and newfound friendship. Set in a vivid mythological world, this fast-paced adventure weaves camaraderie and self-discovery into its action-packed plot, brought to life by Phung Nguyen Quang’s stunning illustrations. The first in a series, it’s a treat for young fantasy lovers.
Leo & the Gorgons Curse by Joe Todd-Stanton
Joe Todd-Stanton’s fourth Brownstone story travels to Ancient Greece, where Leo, a student in Athens, slips away to join Perseus and face a challenge set by Athena. His path reimagines the myth of Medusa while questioning what makes a hero. Like the earlier books, it blends picture book and graphic novel, shifting between full-page scenes and smaller panels. Part of Professor Brownstone’s family vault, it tells Greek myth through the eyes of a young ancestor on a daring quest.
The Dragon’s Hoard by Lari Don
Lari Don retells eleven Viking sagas for younger readers, drawing on stories first written in Icelandic manuscripts. The collection ranges from battles with gods, monsters, and dragons to clever tales of survival. Together, they reveal glimpses of Viking life, mixing conflict with moments of loyalty and care. Cate James’s illustrations echo northern landscapes and support the storytelling, while background notes offer context. The result is an engaging introduction to Norse mythology and the traditions of early medieval tales.
Icarus Was Ridiculous by Pamela Butchart
Four Ancient Greek myths are retold through the voice of Izzy, a schoolgirl on a lively museum trip. Prompted by her classmates’ mistakes, she reimagines the tales of Icarus, King Midas, Paris and the Trojan Horse in her own humorous style. Ordinary school details blend with mythological figures, turning classic stories into playful cautionary tales. With illustrations by Thomas Flintham and support from the British Museum, this book for 7-9-year-olds makes classical myths fun and accessible.
Dante N. Ferno Is Not a Loser by Brian Gordon
In Dante N. Ferno Is Not a Loser, Brian Gordon throws Dante into a fresh start at a new school, where he’s determined to ditch his embarrassing past and finally be cool. The problem? Purg School isn’t exactly normal. It’s packed with mythical creatures, bizarre rules, and bullies who are literally monsters. As his big plans unravel, Dante has to rethink what it really means to fit in. It’s a fast-paced, funny adventure perfect for readers 7 and up. Highly recommended.
Myths, Mummies and Magic in Ancient Egypt by Stephen Davies and Núria Tamarit
Ancient Egypt is brought to life with six engaging myths told in comic strip form. From creation stories to gods and even Cleopatra, the tales are vibrantly illustrated in orange and blue. There’s also a dive into Egyptian mythology, hieroglyphs, and mummification for curious 7+ year olds. Based on real historical sources, like the Sehel Island carvings and Tebtunis papyri, this collection is perfect for KS2 classes.
Mythical Tales by Laura Sampson, illustrated by Lilla Bölecz
Laura Sampson brings together 18 traditional tales from around the world, retelling stories from places like Polynesia, Japan, Scotland, and India. Tricksters, gods, and creators all make an appearance in this rich mix of global folklore and Lilla Bölecz’s intricate illustrations add immersive depth to each tale. Perfect as a gift book, shelf-stopping library book or independent reading book, it’s a beautifully curated introduction to the storytelling styles and traditions of different cultures. An outstanding book, Mythical Tales is ideal for reading to classes in Years 3 & 4. Highly recommended.
Indian Children’s Favourite Stories by Rosemarie Somaiah
This vibrant collection for 5+ year olds brings together tales of Rama, Krishna, Tenali Raman and folk figures such as Sukhu and Dukhu. Stories of wisdom, justice and courage run throughout, from Rani’s lesson with a single grain of rice to Krishna’s escape from Kamsa. With illustrations on every page, the book offers children an accessible way into Indian mythology and folklore, supported by a glossary of cultural terms. It is a resource that works equally well for reading at home or in the classroom.
Michael Morpurgo’s Myths and Legends by Michael Morpurgo
This collection gathers traditional stories of gods, heroes and mythical beings. It features highly illustrated retellings of Icarus, Hercules and Mulan, along with Michael Morpurgo’s version of Gawain and the Green Knight. Presented in full colour, the book offers a mix of short and longer tales, making it suitable for 8+ year old independent reading or for sharing aloud. Part of a wider anthology series, it introduces children to classic stories from many cultures and traditions. Highly recommended.
The Tale of Troy by Roger Lancelyn Green
The book retells the Trojan War, beginning with the judgment of Paris and Helen’s departure and ending with Troy’s fall and Odysseus’s return. Key figures such as Achilles, Agamemnon and Hector are introduced, along with the famous tale of the wooden horse that ended the conflict. This new edition includes an introduction by Michelle Paver, a glossary, activities and character notes, offering 9+ year olds an accessible way into Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Ideal for KS2 libraries.
Goddesses and Heroines by Xanthe Gresham-Knight
This collection for 8-12 year olds brings together thirteen stories of legendary women from around the world, featuring figures such as Aphrodite, Mulan, Baba Yaga, Isis, Oshun and Mayahuel. Each tale explores their power, choices and influence, while showing how myths cross cultures. A symbol guide helps readers identify each goddess, and a world map traces their origins. Endnotes explain how myths shift over time, while bold illustrations blend traditional and modern styles to present both well-known and overlooked heroines.
Myth Atlas by Thiago De Moraes
This large-format hardback explores twelve mythological traditions through stories, maps and cultural details. It reveals how different civilisations pictured the world, from giant trees to cosmic turtles, while introducing their gods, heroes and monsters. Featured cultures include Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Hindu, Japanese, Aztec, Polynesian, Yoruba, Slavic and Native American. Alongside retellings of myths, readers will find illustrated maps, pronunciation guides and historical notes. Highly recommended for 7-10 year olds.
Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler
Liz Kessler’s Valley of the Vikings throws Emily Windsnap into her biggest adventure yet – tracking down a lost Viking longship and a mysterious blue crystal. But when an ancient feud between Neptune and Thor threatens to upend everything, it’s up to Emily to convince two stubborn gods to set things right. Packed with mythology, magic, and high-stakes adventure, this story dives into themes of power, friendship, and the courage to make a difference. Highly recommended for KS2 readers and teachers looking for an exciting Viking-themed story. Read our full review.
The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Gray
Greek myth-loving Phoebe is thrown into an adventure after she accidentally damages a mysterious painting tied to her grandmother. Along the way, she crosses paths with a boy whose father once built ships for Odysseus. Family, memory, and loss thread through the tale, which mixes fantasy with classical twists and looks at how illness shapes the people we care about. Thoughtful, but never heavy-handed, if you’re teaching the Ancient Greeks this term in KS2, this is an ideal class reader. Highly recommended for 9+ year olds.
African and Caribbean Folktales, Myths and Legends by Wendy Shearer
This illustrated collection brings together traditional tales from Africa and the Caribbean, retold for 7+ year olds. Stories include Anansi the spider, the origin of the leopard’s spots, a king who dreams of touching the moon and Aunt Misery with her magical starfruit tree. Organised by themes such as trickster tales and magical adventures, the book presents a wide range of voices and characters, offering an engaging introduction to folklore and mythology.
Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends by Claire Fayers
Claire Fayers retells 18 traditional Welsh stories, drawing on sources such as the Mabinogion. The collection features the red dragon from the national flag, the faithful hound Gelert, the origins of the Devil’s Bridge and the tale of a boy destined to become a bard. Pronunciation guides help readers with Welsh names and places. Blending folklore, history and landscape, the book offers 8-12-year-olds a compelling introduction to Wales’s rich storytelling tradition.
Vivi Conway and the Lost Hero by Lizzie Huxley-Jones
In this exciting finale to the Welsh myth-inspired magical adventure series for 9+ year olds, Dsara and friends set out to rescue Vivi Conway, who has vanished and been forgotten by everyone except them. Their search takes them beyond the Unlands, where they must prepare to confront the ancient threat of Arawn. With new allies and their combined powers, the group aims to find Vivi and save their world. The story continues the themes of friendship, bravery, and teamwork introduced in the earlier books.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the Blame by Louie Stowell
Loki’s diary adventures continue with the trickster still stuck on Earth in the body of a schoolboy. To win his way back to Asgard, he needs virtue points, school attendance and a record of good deeds. Trouble begins when Thor’s hammer goes missing and all eyes turn to him. To clear his name, Loki must track it down. Mixing Norse myth with school chaos, doodle-style diary entries and plenty of humour, this book for 9-11 year olds brings ancient tales zipping into modern life.
The Scream of the Whistle by Emily Randall-Jones
Ruby’s had enough of her strange new village – so she follows an old railway line, desperate to get back to her old life. But when a ghostly steam train roars out of the dark, she’s swept into a chilling ride through time. Packed with eerie myths, haunted places and plenty of suspense, this spooky middle-grade tale explores how we face change, fear and the past when it won’t stay buried. It’s atmospheric and gripping, and perfect to send chills down 9+ year olds’ spines.
Where the Dead Live Hardcover by Sam Fern, illustrated by Rômolo D’Hipólito
This illustrated nonfiction guide invites 9-11-year-olds to explore how different cultures view the afterlife. From Hades to sunken cemeteries and Mexico’s Day of the Dead, it uncovers burial sites, myths, and rituals from around the world. With vibrant and immersive illustrations by Rômolo D’Hipólito, each chapter introduces a new region or tradition, blending folklore, architecture, and ceremony to show how humans have remembered the dead across time and place. It’s a compelling, upbeat and uplifting blend of fact and folklore. Highly recommended.
Storyland by Amy Jeffs
Amy Jeffs retells Britain’s myths in a collection where giants stride the land, dragons lie hidden beneath hills, and kings speak with ghosts. 9-12 year olds will encounter Merlin building Stonehenge, follow hounds across Welsh mountains and sail with Trojan adventurers along British rivers. Spanning Orkney to Cornwall, the tales transform real landscapes into places of magic and peril. Adapted from her bestselling adult title, this edition combines striking illustrations with myths that introduce a new generation to Britain’s past. Highly recommended.
The Grimmelings by Rachael King
12-year-old Ella’s innocent wish and curse unleash a vengeful kelpie. With her family embroiled in danger and disappearance, Ella must confront ancient folklore to save her loved ones. Vivid storytelling merges Scottish and Māori mythology in this captivating middle-grade fantasy. Read our full review.
Mythologica by Stephen P. Kershaw
Stephen P. Kershaw and Victoria Topping bring Greek mythology to life. Fifty gods, mortals and monsters appear in bold full-page portraits, each marked with powers, symbols and stories. Zeus, Athena, Medusa and Achilles sit alongside the sweep of the Odyssey and the Trojan War. Topping’s collage artwork crackles with energy, while Kershaw’s text is direct and clear. The result is as much an art book as it is a mythological guide. An outstanding book for KS2 and KS3 libraries.
Children of the Quicksands by Efua Traoré
Efua Traoré sets her well-paced novel in a Nigerian village, where 13-year-old Simi is sent from bustling Lagos to live with her grandmother, a revered healer. Told to stay away from a forbidden lake, she cannot resist, and what she finds pulls her into a world of quicksand, spirits, and dark forces. As children vanish, Simi must dig into family secrets and Yoruba myth to uncover the truth. It’s a compelling tale of folklore and family reading with classes in UKS2.
Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe
Evie’s world is turned upside down when dark spirits invade the island of Xaymaca. Armed with a mysterious gemstone left by her parents, she joins forces with Arthur, stuck in a cat’s body, and Cai, a trainee shaman, to stop the scary Blackheart Man from tearing the veil between the living and the dead. Rooted in Caribbean folklore, this fast-paced fantasy adventure blends spirit magic, cultural traditions, and high-stakes action in a race to protect both worlds. Highly recommended for UKS2.
Sword of the Sun by Sinead O’Hart
Ben’s move from Dublin to his mother’s remote childhood home leads him into a world of Irish mythology and mystery. As he explores local legends and encounters strange occurrences, he begins to uncover the truth behind ancient tales. Aimed at children aged 9–13, this engrossing and atmospheric adventure will appeal to KS2 and KS3 readers who enjoy being whisked away into their imaginations. Highly recommended.
The Book of Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures by Stephen Krensky
Organised by theme, 8+ year olds will encounter enchanting beasts from tricksters and shape-shifters to sea monsters and winged creatures. Each is given a spectacular double page with an illustration, origin story and a map showing where the legend began. Unicorns, mermaids and dragons appear alongside figures such as the Wendigo, Taniwha and Dirawong. With a glossary, index and A–Z guide, this outstanding book is ideal for KS2 children to dip into.
Faedom by Agnes Monod-Gayraud and Lorna White
Faedom immerses readers in a richly illustrated exploration of fairy mythology, drawing from global myths and folklore to present a detailed account of these magical beings. This spectacularly detailed guide includes stories, poems, and factual insights into fairy origins, powers, and cultural significance. Through captivating visuals by Nadzeya Makeyeva, Faedom is a stunning large-format hardback that brings to life the world of fairies. It’s an ideal gift book for imaginative 9+ year olds.
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Mythology resources for teachers
- BBC Teach offers a range of free audio Ancient Greek myths, ranging from King Midas to Perseus and Hades.
- The Literacy Shed’s Myths and Legends Shed includes a number of free-to-view videos and downloadable material, such as The Alchemist’s Letter and The Girl and the Fox.
- BBC Bitesize has created a KS2 unit where pupils can analyse myths and write their own myths. This resource includes animated videos, writing prompts and teaching ideas.
- Oak Academy has a series of drama lesson plans and resources to support teaching Beowulf in Year 6. Videos and slides are included.
- The Kennedy Center has published a fascinating series of art-infused lessons and activities to encourage children to think about the relationship between science and nature, exploring how myths can help to explain things that are unknown or difficult to comprehend. Ideal for more able students in Years 7-8.
BISAC JUV012040, JNF049000 – Juvenile Myths | Thema YFJH, YNNA
