Children will respond well to the personal approach of this book, which gives it a good structure and purpose. Alicea has to give a speech at school, and decides to use Aunt Helena's wonderful adventures as its basis. STarting in Ancient Greece and moving on to emcompass the whole world, Aunt Helena's adventures are full of interest. In this atlas, superbly illustrated by Stuart Hill, children will explore many of the great figures of mythology and their incredible exploits. From Heracles of Greece, to Maui of the Pacific, to the Empress Jingu of Japan, this lovely book is full of fascinating stories of bravery and cunning. The presentation and writing style is excellent and will really engage children's attention; the range of heroes (including heroines, of course) is fabulous. Good to see an index included so children can revisit favourites. * Parents in Touch * Put on your pith helmet and get your compass ready as we join a young girl preparing to follow in the footstep of her long-lost great aunt who set out to discover the legendary heroes and heroines of world mythology. London author and journalist Sandra Lawrence and illustrator and designer Stuart Hill - creators of the wonderful Atlas of Monsters - have once again combined their talents on this fascinating, giant-sized atlas which explores cultures from all over the world in the form of an exciting adventure story. Alicea has unearthed papers revealing the daring exploits of her Great Great Aunt Helena, an explorer who packed sheepskin vest, flying helmet and goggles, and set out on an epic journey to track down famous heroes. Using maps, fascinating facts and notes from Helena's journal, we travel with Alicea from Greece, the Middle East and Africa to other amazing destinations like China, Japan, the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America, and then back to Britain and Europe. Along the way we meet some of these countries' mythological legends and learn all about their incredible exploits. From Heracles of Greece and Maui of the Pacific, to the Empress Jingu of Japan and our own famous sorcerer Merlin, Alicea discovers fantastical stories of bravery, magic and cunning while cracking codes and ciphers. Beautifully designed and illustrated, this globe-trotting, fact-finding extravaganza is entertaining, accessible and perfectly formed for curious, adventure-loving children and adults. * Lancashire Evening Post *