The Bronze Cauldron Myths and Legends of the World: Myths and Legends of the World

"Three paces from the door, three paces from the window, three paces from where Boy Gwion slept stood the witch's bronze cauldron on three bronze legs." This is the first line of the Welsh legend "The Bronze Cauldron" about a boy who accidentally acquires magical powers and is killed for getting them. This is an example of the kind of writing you see in this book, the kind of writing that makes you want to read more. This is a great collection of twenty-seven myths about gods, heroes, tricksters, magical animals, and foolish humans from as far as Asia Minor, Papua New Guinea, Maya, Gabon, and Scandinavia. Some stories are old and some are not that old at all. In fact, one story is as recent as the 1800's! I am a mythology fan so this book was perfect for me. The myths pull you in all the way and do not let go. The diversity of the myths and the countries they come from make you want to keep on reading. I particularly liked the myth "Bobbi Bobbi!" set in Australia, which tells the story of the boomerang. McCaughrean shows her true knowledge of myths in this book.If you are a mythology fan, this is the right book for you. There is a story for everyone. You can travel all over the world with this book.

The art of storytelling is alive and well within these pages. I bought the book to read aloud to my 4 and 7 year old children, but ended up reading stories to myself after tucking them in for the night. I just couldn't put the book down! My only criticism is the lack of pronunciation help in the book. There is neither a glossary or on-the-spot help for those of us unfamiliar with Persian, Indian, Chinese and other languages that can leave tired parents tongue-tied and uncertain.

This highly enjoyable and lushly illustrated anthology is a treat. Sacred stories, porquoi tales, legends and traditional myths are served richly from the bronze cauldron. Old favorites such as Cupid and Psyche, Doctor Faust, Young Buddha and The Golem are made vibrant and accessible. New treasures include "Armchair Traveller," a sly tale from India, "Bobbi Bobbi!" an Aboriginal trickster tale from Australia, and "The Gingerbread Baby," a Palestinian myth that shatters expectations. End notes admit that the authour took great liberties with the retellings and are stingy with sources, but that is an academic quibble that takes away nothing from the enjoyment potential of this fine collection. Useful for multicultural assignments and read-aloud.--S. Thorup