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Brownstone's Mythical Collection #4
Leo and the Gorgon's Curse
Buried amongst the treasures in Professor Brownstone's vaults, lie a humble collection of books. Filled with legendary stories from his ancestors, they tell of fearless fighters and unlikely heroes.
The 4th entry in the Brownstone's Mythical Collection series follows Leo Brownstone, who's been tasked with hunting a terrifying gorgon. But is the gorgon the menace everyone thinks it is?
The 4th entry in the Brownstone's Mythical Collection series follows Leo Brownstone, who's been tasked with hunting a terrifying gorgon. But is the gorgon the menace everyone thinks it is?
56 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, I was surprised by how much I did. I loved the detailed illustrations and the journey Leo goes on is really powerful. It teaches children that violence isn’t necessarily the answer and possibly being kind to others can have much more rewarding consequences than being unkind.
June 19, 2022
Stunning artwork and a heart-warming story.
Great for Greek Mythology fans - or for anyone looking into getting their little ones into the Greek Myths.
Also recommend to anyone looking for a good time looking at stunning illustrations, with gorgeous hues.
Great for Greek Mythology fans - or for anyone looking into getting their little ones into the Greek Myths.
Also recommend to anyone looking for a good time looking at stunning illustrations, with gorgeous hues.
June 7, 2023
Décidément un coup de coeur pour cette série. Ce tome prend cette fois place dans la mythologie grecque. La morale est mignonne, les illustrations sont toujours aussi magnifiques et l'histoire et vraiment bien écrite.
January 16, 2022
Joe Todd-Stanton!s Brownstone’s Mythical Collection provide an accessible way to introduce young people to the work ancient myths and legends. With messages about what makes a true hero, and with the illustrations telling as much of the story as the text, these books are a delight for children and adults alike.
October 27, 2022
This was my favourite Brownstone yet!
January 6, 2023
I didn't like this one quite as much as the rest but I liked the gorgon twist! Fun way to make the Greek myths less violent.
September 6, 2024
Dibuix molt bonic. Interessant referència a la mitologia. Molt adequat (penso) per fans de Hilda
October 7, 2020
The fourth graphic novel in the Brownstone Mythical Collection, Leo and the Gorgons presents a delightful, ecocritical twist on the Perseus and Medusa story. After being introduced to our hero by our ever-present narrator, Professor Brownstone, we join Leo on his quest to become someone and something slightly different to what his parents and his teachings originally had planned for him.
As a student of mythology in Ancient Greece, Leo finds himself inspired by the ‘bravery, strength and skill’ of those very real heroes and around him. But his parents encourage and educate him upon a different path; one that discourages beast slaying and instead focuses upon understanding, protecting and empathising with these exotic creatures.
So it is the Fates themselves that summon Leo from his study room one dawn-morning and entice him into following Perseus himself on a quest to slay a beast. Inspired by his hero, Leo seeks to follow in his footsteps but discovers, through good fortune, that the route his parents had chosen to guide him down might be far more influential than he had first thought.
What I enjoy so much about Todd-Stanton’s reworkings of these ancient stories is the choices his heroes make. With all these retellings, he questions and flips some of the entrenched tropes that have long been their foundations. In Leo, our hero discovers that it is not physical strength and prowess that wins the day but empathy, nurture, knowledge and creativity: the very qualities that he learned from his family and not from those in power.
As always, Todd-Stanton’s illustrations and big panels are a delight; wonderful greens, blues and yellows, colour a richly imagined world (all children are going to adore his bestiary). In addition, his narrative continues to get sharper and more succinct with pace and tone balanced so well. This is a story with a message for our times with regards to compassion, love and care and its graphic-novel/picturebook format will be welcomed in the hands of any reader.
As a student of mythology in Ancient Greece, Leo finds himself inspired by the ‘bravery, strength and skill’ of those very real heroes and around him. But his parents encourage and educate him upon a different path; one that discourages beast slaying and instead focuses upon understanding, protecting and empathising with these exotic creatures.
So it is the Fates themselves that summon Leo from his study room one dawn-morning and entice him into following Perseus himself on a quest to slay a beast. Inspired by his hero, Leo seeks to follow in his footsteps but discovers, through good fortune, that the route his parents had chosen to guide him down might be far more influential than he had first thought.
What I enjoy so much about Todd-Stanton’s reworkings of these ancient stories is the choices his heroes make. With all these retellings, he questions and flips some of the entrenched tropes that have long been their foundations. In Leo, our hero discovers that it is not physical strength and prowess that wins the day but empathy, nurture, knowledge and creativity: the very qualities that he learned from his family and not from those in power.
As always, Todd-Stanton’s illustrations and big panels are a delight; wonderful greens, blues and yellows, colour a richly imagined world (all children are going to adore his bestiary). In addition, his narrative continues to get sharper and more succinct with pace and tone balanced so well. This is a story with a message for our times with regards to compassion, love and care and its graphic-novel/picturebook format will be welcomed in the hands of any reader.
October 15, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this graphic novel, it's not something I would usually pick out but I'm glad I came across it. A great introduction to some of the ideas of Greek Mythology, but Stanton puts his own spin on them. Leo is a very loveable character and one that children could aspire to be like, especially how he treats all the creatures he comes across. A tale full of action and adventure that many children would love. I'll be sure to check out the previous books in the series.
July 5, 2024
This is a story about the adventures of Leo, a young boy who wants to become a hero. One day, Leo is treated as a hero by the townspeople due to an accidental misunderstanding. To live up to his expectations, he is ordered by the goddess Athena to take on one monster after another.
The highlight of this book is probably Leo's development. At first, Leo lacks confidence in himself and lies, but as he goes on adventures, he learns true courage and honesty. For example, in the battle against the Gorgon, he wins without hurting anyone. Through this experience, Leo learns the importance of believing in his own power.
In this way, the story progresses in a lighthearted way, and you can't stop turning the pages. The scenes where Leo fights various monsters are thrilling.
It's a book worth reading, with adventure, friendship, and growth. It is recommended for those who are interested in Greek mythology as well as those who want to think about courage and honesty.
The highlight of this book is probably Leo's development. At first, Leo lacks confidence in himself and lies, but as he goes on adventures, he learns true courage and honesty. For example, in the battle against the Gorgon, he wins without hurting anyone. Through this experience, Leo learns the importance of believing in his own power.
In this way, the story progresses in a lighthearted way, and you can't stop turning the pages. The scenes where Leo fights various monsters are thrilling.
It's a book worth reading, with adventure, friendship, and growth. It is recommended for those who are interested in Greek mythology as well as those who want to think about courage and honesty.
April 26, 2021
Learn about the long-forgotten Greek hero, Leo Brownstone. While other kids in ancient Athens learned how to fight monsters to be heroes, Leo is charged by his family to protect all creatures. When Leo shadows another hero on a quest from Athena, he finds a way to rid the land of monsters without harming them. He soon becomes a famous hero. But will he get in trouble for his unorthodox methods?
This is probably the sweetest of all the Browntone books. I love the message of kindness and creativity being the answer over violence, and the creativity of Todd-Stanton to dream up a new kind of mythical hero. There's a nice array of mythical creatures that Leo has adventures with, and I enjoyed Todd-Stanton's illustrations of them. Hand this to graphic novel fans, adventure fans, mythical creature fans, and mythology-based fantasy fans.
This is probably the sweetest of all the Browntone books. I love the message of kindness and creativity being the answer over violence, and the creativity of Todd-Stanton to dream up a new kind of mythical hero. There's a nice array of mythical creatures that Leo has adventures with, and I enjoyed Todd-Stanton's illustrations of them. Hand this to graphic novel fans, adventure fans, mythical creature fans, and mythology-based fantasy fans.
March 20, 2023
Leo is sent to Athens by his parents to become an expert in taking care of mythological creatures. But that is not what he wants. Being a hero is his true desire and, after sneaking in one of Theseus's missions, he "manages" to become one! The problem is: he did not actually defeated the creatures he was supposed to, he found ways of solving the problems they were causing, not harming them, as Leo should, according to his family.
As he did not tell the truth to Athena, the goddess who gave the heroes' missions, he had to face unexpected consequences in the end.
Another book from the Brownstone Mythical Collection series!
I loved this story! It is "Fantastic beasts and where to find them" with Greek mythology creatures! I enjoyed the way the author makes us nervous when the creatures are about to "get hurt".
Amazing illustrations!
As he did not tell the truth to Athena, the goddess who gave the heroes' missions, he had to face unexpected consequences in the end.
Another book from the Brownstone Mythical Collection series!
I loved this story! It is "Fantastic beasts and where to find them" with Greek mythology creatures! I enjoyed the way the author makes us nervous when the creatures are about to "get hurt".
Amazing illustrations!
January 20, 2023
Decisamente stupendo, sia nella storia che come sempre per le illustrazioni. Sono un'amante della mitologia greca quindi ho adorato come han utilizzato le creature mitologiche e gli eroi per raccontare una storia un po' diversa dal solito.
L'unica cosa che non ho apprezzato è la scelta di collocare Medusa dentro il tempio di Poseidone. Lo trovo di cattivo gusto. Sebbene qui la storia del perchè Atena trasforma Medusa in una gorgone sia diversa, collocarla nel tempio di Poseidone che è l'originale causa della maledizione non mi pare giusto. Si poteva scegliere qualsiasi altro dio o semplicemente metterla tra delle rovine o qualcosa di simile.
Ma comunque l'ho adorato e spero davvero che ne vengano pubblicati altri!
L'unica cosa che non ho apprezzato è la scelta di collocare Medusa dentro il tempio di Poseidone. Lo trovo di cattivo gusto. Sebbene qui la storia del perchè Atena trasforma Medusa in una gorgone sia diversa, collocarla nel tempio di Poseidone che è l'originale causa della maledizione non mi pare giusto. Si poteva scegliere qualsiasi altro dio o semplicemente metterla tra delle rovine o qualcosa di simile.
Ma comunque l'ho adorato e spero davvero che ne vengano pubblicati altri!
July 15, 2023
This feels like a graphic novel, but because the text is told as a narration rather than in speech bubbles, it has been cataloged as a picture book.
Leo is a hero who leads with his heart. He uses his courage to resolve conflict, empathize with different creatures, solve problems, and meet needs.
The goddess Athena intends to expose him as a fraud, but it turns out Leo's tactics result in more combined strength the goddess possesses alone. Ha!
The cheerful, colorful drawings, and the friendly-faced monsters ensure it never gets too scary, even in battles. Great for a read-aloud for families with mixed ages of children - exciting for older kids, but not overwhelming for younger ones, AND it has the good value of modeling being non-judgmental.
A winner, in my book!
Leo is a hero who leads with his heart. He uses his courage to resolve conflict, empathize with different creatures, solve problems, and meet needs.
The goddess Athena intends to expose him as a fraud, but it turns out Leo's tactics result in more combined strength the goddess possesses alone. Ha!
The cheerful, colorful drawings, and the friendly-faced monsters ensure it never gets too scary, even in battles. Great for a read-aloud for families with mixed ages of children - exciting for older kids, but not overwhelming for younger ones, AND it has the good value of modeling being non-judgmental.
A winner, in my book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2021
This is the 4th book in the Brownstone's Mythical Collection series and we are introduced to a new Greek hero, Leo. Leo's parents send him to Athens to a centre of mythological knowledge and learning. He attends all the classes except for the one on "hero training" because his duty is to protect mythical creatures rather than fight them as the Goddess Athena has all her heroes do. Leo, however, so desperately wants to be a hero, but how can he if he can't fight the mythical beasts?
This was a sweet story of how things are not always what they appear to be, that we can't judge others according to their appearances, thinking outside the box to problem solve, and how kindness wins.
This was a sweet story of how things are not always what they appear to be, that we can't judge others according to their appearances, thinking outside the box to problem solve, and how kindness wins.
October 21, 2020
I thought this was a brilliant book! Although not something I would usually choose, it had beautiful illustrations and told a great story. It shows that physical strength is not always the best way to get to where you need to be - the importance of personal morals and values are really emphasised, redefining bravery. It also gives information about mythology, so may be an interesting text for a mythology topic. Potentially shared/guided reading for KS1/lower KS2, more independent reading for upper KS2
August 1, 2021
Although the story loses the plot at times (or perhaps it is the translation to be blamed of it), this book is quite interesting and a good approach to the Greek myths for kids. However, I think some adult/internet help is needed to go beyond a list of fantastic creatures and have a better, deeper knowledge of those Greek myths.
Definitely, the story has been well built avoiding classic stereotypes and common-lieux of the literature for young people.
Definitely, the story has been well built avoiding classic stereotypes and common-lieux of the literature for young people.
April 29, 2021
Leo is a pacifist Greek hero- instead of fighting monsters like the other heroes, he figures out a way to help them. One day he is given a task that will change everything. He finds that his kindness has not gone unreturned.
April 11, 2022
This is brilliant! I blooming love a myth and pair that with some amazing storytelling and you’ve got this beauty. Heroism isn’t always about fighting: sometimes it’s about kindness and bravery. I need to read more of this series because the one’s I’ve read I loved!
September 30, 2022
A take on the Gorgon that was great to read to the class and discuss. I loved the message that Leo could be a hero in a very different way than was traditional. As you can tell from the Gorgon this is set within Greek mythology and would be a fun read while studying the Greeks in history.
October 8, 2022
Il est vrai que je préfère que la vérité sur la légende de Méduse soit racontée aux enfants, car parler de viol et de victim-blaming est important ! Cependant, ça reste une réécriture originale et créative, drôle et touchante, avec de belles illustrations ! Une lecture rapide et agréable !
April 15, 2023
With its stunning illustrations, I've always been intrigued about this series. I'm glad I finally picked it. Of course, I had to read all the books at once. Fans of Hilda and The Tea Dragon Society will love getting drawn into this world of a family of explorers who have mythological adventures.
March 1, 2024
Le meilleur tome de la série jusqu'ici. La morale est super. J'ai adoré ''la fille'' qui a aidé Léo à découvrir qu'il fallait s'occuper des créatures sans leur faire de mal. Les dessins sont beaux. J'ai beaucoup aimé la fin qui est une belle leçon de solidarité.
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March 11, 2024ancient greek mythology, dilemma of lying and getting caught up
comic book style grey illustrations
can use for the children to create their own comic strip
miss understood characters/ creatures
cross curricular links (history)
comic book style grey illustrations
can use for the children to create their own comic strip
miss understood characters/ creatures
cross curricular links (history)
May 5, 2024
What a delightful reimagining of a tale from Greek mythology. I was a bit trepidatious when kiddo picked this one off a shelf aimed at slightly older readers, but he really enjoyed me reading it to him (and I enjoyed it too!).
May 30, 2024
Per CM. Estèticament és xulo, i també la ambientació. Pro fa una mica de ràbia que el prota hagi de ser nen heroi (perq s'hi sentin identificats, suposu) i que al final tots els éssers mitològics son bons i tot canvia i tots amics. Bé per llegir pro superficial
October 15, 2020
An excellent untold story of Leo, the young ancient Greek hero, who compared to the rest of Athens heroes, strives to protect mythical creatures rather than harm them.
October 19, 2020
Not my favourite in the Brownstone collection but Todd-Stanton art is always a hit! I enjoyed the story and I'm loving the whole serie, I can't wait for what's next!
October 21, 2020
I did enjoy this book but I definitely would only recommend it to KS2 as it’s got lots of text and it’s a very large book to digest for younger children.
December 15, 2020
I love this series & this one especially.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews