Beast Keeper

Starred review from October 27, 2014
Eleven-year-old Demon has his work cut out for him when his father, the god Pan (who he has just met for the first time), steals him away from his human mother and assigns him to look after the Stables of the Gods. In this rippingly funny first book in the Beasts of Olympus series, readers get an alternate perspective on classic Greek myths as Demon tends to the Cretan Bull, Hydra, and other creatures that have suffered at the hands of gods and heroes—especially Heracles (“Nice people did NOT go around pulling skins off poor innocent lions”). Bean’s dynamic cartoons amp up the comedy and drama, while a glossary and pronunciation guide round out a story that, underneath its fun, offers food for thought on everything from absentee parenting to the mistreatment of animals (even immortal ones). Simultaneously available: Hound of Hades. Ages 7–9. Author’s agent: Sophie Hicks, Sophie Hicks Agency.

January 1, 2015

Gr 3-6-Pandemonius, also known as Demon, the 11-year-old son of the Greek god Pan, is unwillingly roped into a messy job as a stable boy caring for the mythical beasts of Olympus. While the story remains mostly true to the original mythology, plenty of humor and some modern slang are inserted, such as when the hapless hero debates how to address his father, "Your Godness? Your Holiness? Your Dadness?" Scatalogical humor abounds as Demon copes with mountains of beast poo and flatulent Cattle of the Sun. Purposeful anachronisms such as robots and a computerlike machine made by Hephaestus, god of the forge, are presented as evidence of the Greek gods' omniscient powers. Hercules is the villain in this tale as Demon works on doctoring up poor animals injured during his Twelve Labors. Demon's ability to speak with animals comes in handy as he soothes cranky creatures, such as a bald Nemean lion, Stymphalian birds in need of new feathers, and a Cretan bull that has lost its fire. His biggest challenge is curing Hera's beheaded pet Hydra. Energetic cartoon illustrations enhance the fast-paced excitement. A glossary and pronunciation guide featuring all the major players in the Greek pantheon are included.-Madigan McGillicuddy, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Atlanta, GA

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