Ludicrous legends: Myths with a twist by Jol Temple and David Conley

Ludicrous Legends: Myths with a Twist is the first instalment of a new series, and a cleverly crafted champion. Combining the talents of author Jol Temple and illustrator David Conley, this wildly entertaining junior novel ingeniously blends history and humour in a hybrid text of narrative and graphic. Perfect for young readers with an interest in mythology - or those who simply love a good laugh - this book transforms well-known Greek myths into something fresh, accessible and thoroughly amusing.

The story follows school boy, Hector – who loves myths - and his loyal best friend, Hylo - who just happens to be a centaur - as they prepare for an important test on Greek mythology, set by their teacher Mr Socrates. This forms the narrative thread of the book, but it is far from any ordinary study session. As Hector and Hylo recap, readers are taken on a ‘dip’ dive into the facts and comical reinterpretations on famous legends, such as Hercules, the Trojan Horse and Minotaur.

Temple masterfully intersperses bite-sized historical facts, making learning feel effortless, ensuring readers absorb genuine historical knowledge while being completely captivated. This balance of fact and fiction is one of the novel’s greatest strengths; entwining education and entertainment.

Conley’s illustrations elevate the reading experience even further. The cartoons and graphic panels add an extra layer of enjoyment with visual humour and action that perfectly complement Temple’s comedic tone.

The humour is constant and playful, yet beneath the comedy lies a genuine appreciation for mythology and storytelling. Young readers not only come away laughing but also with a stronger understanding of Greek myths; even testing their knowledge at the very end by taking a snippet of Mr Socrate’s Legendary test.

Short, sharp and fabulously fun, Ludicrous Legends: Myths with a Twist is an excellent choice for middle-primary readers and an exciting launch to a series that promises many more hilarious historical adventures ahead.

Themes: History, Greek Mythology, School, Humour.

Michelle O'Connell