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The Hand of Zeus    by Katerina Barclay & Aegea Barclay Amazon.com order for
Hand of Zeus
by Katerina Barclay
Order:  USA  Can
Aegean Design, 2004 (2004)
Hardcover
*   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

This large picture book begins with a question, 'Did you ever wonder why Greece is shaped like a crooked hand?' The question is answered as the story unfolds, accompanied by vivid Grecian paintings.

The authors tell us that Zeus was the most powerful god on Mount Olympos, was respected by mortals, and loved the Greek people. He wanted to give them a gift, but 1400 were greedy and wanted more. They spread falsehoods about Zeus, and plotted against him. So he taught them a lesson. His hand came down all over Greece, scattering the 1400 evildoers into the Aegean, where they became islands, and where Zeus's hand still reaches out to them.

Though it is simplistic, The Hand of Zeus is a pleasant story, richly illustrated, based on a clever premise, and with lessons about greed and respect.

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