One of the nice side effects of the popularity of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is upper elementary and middle school readers' increased interest in Greek mythology. D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths provides an excellent introduction to Greek gods and goddesses, as well as Greek myths and mythology. The book is a classic, first published in 1962. The 192-page long, profusely illustrated book by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire, is filled with brief accounts of the Greek gods that will fascinate young readers 9-12. D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths is also a popular read aloud for younger children and popular as well with some young teens. It would be an excellent holiday gift for kids of all ages who want to know more about Greek mythology.
(Cover art courtesy of Random House)
This book is an old favorite of mine. I am a homeschool parent and work also with teaching parents how to homeschool and teaching kids from pre-K to college in special homeschool classes and I have found this book to be beloved by all ages, not just kids. The illustrations are unique and the stories are well told. Check out their other books including the one on Norse myths and also their books about various Americans from history.