Two Tales of Twins from Ancient Greece and Rome, retold by Ursula Dubosarsky ill David Allen

Artemis and Apollo: Twins of the Moon and the Sun

Once there was a pair of astonishing twins – girl named Artemis and a boy named Apollo.

Artemis and Apollo were born on the island of Delos. This was no ordinary island. It floated around the sea, never keeping still. But it was the perfect for the twins to be born, because their mother, Leto, had been told she was not allowed to give birth on solid land. Artemis was born first. She was such a clever baby that as soon as she was born, she immediately helped Leto give birth to the second twin, a baby boy, Apollo.

Artemis and Apollo: Twins of the Moon and the Sun

Once there was a pair of astonishing twins – girl named Artemis and a boy named Apollo.

Artemis and Apollo were born on the island of Delos. This was no ordinary island. It floated around the sea, never keeping still. But it was the perfect for the twins to be born, because their mother, Leto, had been told she was not allowed to give birth on solid land. Artemis was born first. She was such a clever baby that as soon as she was born, she immediately helped Leto give birth to the second twin, a baby boy, Apollo.

Artemis and Apollo are the twin children of Leto and the god Zeus. They are amazing children born into an amazing family. Their lives are full of adventure, danger and wonder. This retelling focuses on their birth and childhood while briefly mentioning their future roles as Moon and Sun gods.

Romulus and Remus are twin boys born in dangerous times in Ancient Rome. Although dearly loved, they are set afloat in the Tiber River to keep them safe from their warring uncle. Their uncle has stolen their father’s crown. They are guided by the river god and set upon the bank where a mother wolf nurtures them. Some time later they are found by a shepherd and his wife and raised as their own. As they grow, they become restless and fix upon a plan to leave their home and begin a kingdom of their own.

Illustrations are black outline and mostly pastel coloured, reminiscent of hand coloured lino prints.

‘Two Tales of Twins’ offers a pair of stories from ancient mythologies, written for a young audience, but rich with detail and drama. They provide an introduction to these complex and often contradictory tales through the stories that young readers can relate to – where the main characters are children. They stand alone as complete stories, but for interested readers they offer many opportunities to seek out more of the stories, more of the mythology. Recommended for primary-aged children.

Two Tales of Twins from Ancient Greece and Rome, retold Ursula Dubosarsky ill David Allen
Christmas Press 2014 ISBN: 9780992283834

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s author and bookseller

www.clairesaxby.com