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Reviews

Children's Literature

“Bateman breathes new life into this ancient story, and Johnson accents it by stunning paintings. Young readers will be drawn into the Greek legend of the power of friendship, courage and justice. When Pythias spoke out about the harsh ruler Dionysius of Syracuse, he was imprisoned and sentenced to death for treason. Pythias asked one favor before he was to be put to death, to see his elderly parents one last time. So that he could leave jail temporarily, his best friend Damon took his place, vowing to die in Pythias' stead should he fail to return. On the day of the execution, Pythias failed to return at the appointed time. The heartless Dioynsius berated Damon for his foolishness in trusting his friend. But before the order could be carried out, Pythias returned to take his punishment. The tyrant of Syracuse was so overwhelmed by the strength of their friendship that he asked to be part of their bond. Drama and tension will keep readers turning the pages in this exciting tale of friendship put to the ultimate test. It is a fine introduction to heroes of Greek mythology.” Reviewer: Beverley Fahey

Booklist
“Rebellion, loyalty, and friendship fuel the personal drama in this moving picture-book retelling of an ancient Greek legend. Close friends Damon and Pythias share nearly everything, including disapproval of their cruel ruler, Dionysius. After speaking out in public against the tyrant, Pythias is sentenced to be executed for treason, and he asks for permission to go home and arrange care for his parents before his death. Damon steps forward to take his friend’s place in prison until he returns, knowing that he will die if Pythias does not come back. Johnson’s acrylic paintings in glowing shades of red show the friends’ bond, as well as portraits of the angry ruler as tension builds during Pythias' absence. Pythias does return just in time to prevent Damon’s execution, and the friends’ loyalty moves Dionysius. A final note says the story is based on true events. Kids will want to talk about the friendship issues and how the tale reaches into their own lives.” Preschool-Grade 3. --Hazel Rochman

School Library Journal

This classic tale of friendship is set in Sicily in the fourth century B.C.E. Dionysius, a "cruel ruler," surrounds himself with bodyguards, reigns with an iron fist, and sneers at the idea of trusting others. Pythias speaks out publicly against the tyrant and is sentenced to death for treason. The young man's request to journey home to bid his parents farewell is granted only after his good friend Damon steps forward and offers to take Pythias's place in prison, vowing to die in his stead should Pythias not return in a month. The traveler is delayed, and Damon prepares to accept his fate. Pythias arrives just in time, and their heartfelt reunion inspires Dionysius to revoke the sentence and ask the two young men for a "favor": "Might I be the third in your friendship?" Johnson's realistic artwork evokes the setting and time period with rich detail, alternating landscapes and city scenes with close-ups of the characters' faces. The paintings glow with deep apricot and jewel tones, while darker colors underscore powerful emotions. The text reads aloud smoothly with strong dialogue and vivid similes. While Dionysius's instantaneous turnaround from harsh oppressor to humble supplicant might be a bit abrupt and simplistic, it is in the spirit of this ancient fable.

Share this offering to launch discussions of friendship, faith, and trust.-Joy Fleishhacker

Member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators  

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