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Argos : the story of Odysseus as told by his loyal dog / Ralph Hardy.

By: Material type: TextTextPublisher: New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2016]Copyright date: ©2016Edition: First editionDescription: 382 pages ; 22 cmContent type:
  • text
Media type:
  • unmediated
Carrier type:
  • volume
Audience:
  • Children
ISBN:
  • 0062396781
  • 9780062396785
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • [Fic] 23
Summary: Retells the epic tale of Odysseus, the ancient Greek hero who encounters witches and other obstacles on his journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, told from the point of view of the steadfast companion who never gives up hope of his master's safe return.
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Holdings
Item type Current library Collection Call number Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Book Book Bedford Public Library Tween Fiction Fiction J HAR Available 32500002090968
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

From a compelling new voice in middle grade literature comes a reimagination of The Odyssey told from the point of view of Odysseus's loyal dog. Argos is a thrilling tale of loyalty, determination, and adventure.

For twenty years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He does whatever it takes to reunite with his family.

And what of that family--his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those twenty years, they wait, unsure whether they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus's voyage--and what a voyage it is!

These tales bring hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos watches over his master's family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king. This rousing story of devotion and determination is an original take on one of the most beloved myths of all time.

Based on: Odyssey.

Retells the epic tale of Odysseus, the ancient Greek hero who encounters witches and other obstacles on his journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, told from the point of view of the steadfast companion who never gives up hope of his master's safe return.

930L Lexile

Accelerated Reader AR MG 6 13 183300.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-7-In this retelling of the ancient tale, the narrator is Argos, Odysseus's dog, left behind on Ithaka. The only way Argos can learn of his master's travels is to "talk" to the birds and other animals that have left the island. Argos speaks to gulls, owls, ravens, plovers, and others to find out the fate of Odysseus. The story follows the classic tale and uses the Greek names for characters and places. Readers learn of Odysseus's visits to Circe and his interactions with the Cyclops and the Sirens, as well as the suitors who hound Penelope, Odysseus's wife. Readers hear, too, of how Argos finds a mate and how his legacy is carried forth by one of his progeny. The prose is written in a style that reflects the ancient Greek origins of the story rather than contemporary speech patterns. Unfortunately, there is no glossary or pronunciation guide, which would be a big help to the target audience. VERDICT Hand this one to die-hard readers of the "Percy Jackson" series who are looking for a more traditional rendition of the Greek tales.-Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Avondale, LA © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

I am Argos, the Boar Slayer, . . . loyal hound to brave Odysseus. And thus, in first person, Argos tells the story of Odysseus' 10-year struggle to return to Ithaca and his beloved wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachos. Just a young dog when Odysseus left to fight the Trojans, Argos fondly remembers his master and longingly awaits his return. In his uncanny way, he communicates with other animals and many birds to hear of the progress (or lack, thereof) of Odysseus' travels. Always remaining hopeful, Argos faithfully maintains his duties of herding the sheep and protecting Penelope and Telemachos. Toward his life's end, faithful Argos witnesses his master's return. This inventive retelling of Homer's Odyssey is divided into three books, with the third book being told by Argos' son, Leander. Once readers accept the talking animals, they will find that the story faithfully follows Odysseus' troubled travels back to Ithaca. This may well be a way to get middle-grade readers to engage with the ancient tale.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2016 Booklist

Horn Book Review

This retelling of The Odyssey is primarily narrated by Odysseus's dog, Argos. The focus switches between Argos's experiences at home on Ithaka and what Odysseus is experiencing on his journey as relayed by the various animals who witness it. That the manner of retelling reflects the behavioral traits of the creatures in question adds a unique and enjoyable twist. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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