Quote of the Month

When love and skill work together, expect a miracle. John Ruskin




Showing posts with label George O'Connor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George O'Connor. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Of The Hunt

He was an archer, fashioning his own arrows and customizing his bows.  Each autumn he would enter the woods before daybreak, waiting and watching.  Once I was old enough I would walk with him.  Before we got to our spot, light permitting, he taught me the names of trees and plants and their possible uses.  He was a man who appreciated nature, learning to understand the signs she offers.

This is why for years, as a sport, I would practice with due diligence at straw bales in our back yard, taking the stance, nocking the arrow and pulling back the bow string, steady and sure before the release.  Artemis: Wild Goddess Of The Hunt (A Neal Porter Book, First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, January 31, 2017) written and illustrated by George O'Connor is the ninth volume in his continuing series Olympians.  This entry, like the others, will have you turning pages faster than you thought possible; spellbinding from beginning to end.  It might have you wanting to begin or continue archery skills.

My son has the muses to sing his praises and paeans.  Who shall do so for Artemis?

 That honor falls to her mother to begin.

 Leto, mother of twins, Apollo and Artemis, begins by telling of her love for Zeus, the treachery of Hera, queen of the gods and the birth of the children.  When the children are older, Zeus asks them to come to Mount Olympus to live.  Not shy in the least of her royal father, Artemis, when asked what she desires, names specific qualities in her bow and arrows, numbers an entourage of people in her hunting party and to attend her, a group of hunting dogs, a chariot, a large portion of land, mountains, and the ability to hunt animals which dwell there.  In addition she asks for those traits which place her as a guardian of girls, women in childbirth and ruler of beasts.  She concludes by requesting Zeus to promise she will never marry or have children.  And so it is.

Artemis and Apollo are very protective of their mother, knowing living on Mount Olympus is not easy.  They shield her from earthly enemies.  When a mortal, Queen of Thebes, disregards Leto, it is a deadly mistake for her fourteen children.  It is Leto who eases her pain.  You can still see her if you venture into present day Turkey.

If you are a hunter who looks upon Artemis when you should not, you might become the hunted.  If you are the twin sons of Poseidon, Otus and Ephialtes, continuing to court Hera and Artemis, regardless of Zeus throwing you off the mountain year after year, your days are numbered.  One of the most tragic stories of Artemis is of her relationship with Orion.

Orion is a giant hunter of great skill whose birth is unusual. (I'll let you read it.)  Orion hunted throughout the world worshiping Artemis, hoping to gain her attention.  This he finally does and the two become hunting partners.  Orion believes their relationship is more but when Artemis explains this cannot be and even tells him a story similar to theirs, he is furious vowing to slaughter all the animals.  Leto, Apollo and Artemis all know what needs to be done.  Only one succeeds.


When George O'Connor writes about the Olympians he presents them to readers revealing their strengths and flaws.  His choice of which portion of their lives to direct his focus supports the qualities for which they are known.  Prior to meeting her father, O'Connor provides a vivid explanation for many of Artemis's requests.

In this particular volume the story of Artemis is told by her mother, Leto, Hera, Apollo, some handmaidens, Orion and Artemis.  Within the narrative O'Connor places dialogue.  This dialogue is in present day language lending realism to the story as well as humor.  Here are some sample passages.

Hera speaking:

I'll admit, I was not too wild about the idea of Leto and her brood moving to Olympus
Can you blame me?  My husband moves his two children by another woman into our house?
And brings the woman, as well?
I mean, really.

 Zeus has just thrown out Otus and Ephialtes.

And stay out!
Yes, that'll show them, dear.

 ...almost made it that time...
Are you all right, my brother?
Of course!
You know Grandmother Earth has made it so the only thing that can kill us is each other.
And we'll never do that!
Bro hug!
The strength and skill of Artemis is adeptly portrayed on the front of the book case.  George O'Connor places her on one of her beloved mountains with hounds coming from the left and those lovesick Earth brothers coming from the right.  Beneath her outstretched legs is a stag, hunted and protected.  The choice of vibrant purple blue with golden yellow text, complementary colors, captures our attention.

On the left of the inside cover, opposite the title page, is a family tree of the Olympians.  For pacing and emphasis O'Connor, using luminous full color, alternates between double page, full page and pages with panels.  His panels are of varying sizes and combinations.  He adheres to a layout of squares and rectangles.

These panels may contain narrative or dialogue in separate shapes or no words at all.  In some of the panels we are shown a more panoramic view.  In others we may see a mouth, an eye or a portion of an object.  All align with the flow of the story as told by O'Connor.

One of my many favorite images is of Artemis running in the night through a forest corridor, trees lining either side.  The sky is deep blue and clear with a sliver of a moon.  Her hounds and Oceanides run behind her.  All are smiling with the joy in this freedom.  Artemis looks as if she is heading right toward us; perhaps off the page.  This panel is a quarter of a single page.


Without a doubt Artemis: Wild Goddess Of The Hunt written and illustrated by George O'Connor is going to be a favorite of readers of the Olympian series.  She has a hero quality hard to ignore with a life full of challenges and choices.  One of her final thoughts, as told to us by O'Connor, will resonate with readers of all ages long after the cover is closed.  At the conclusion there are pages devoted to Artemis, Leto, Orion and Atalanta, an author's note, G(r)eek Notes, discussion questions, a bibliography and recommended reading.  If you would like to read more about the first seven books, I was part of a blog tour for Ares: Bringer Of War.

To discover more about George O'Connor and his other work please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  There is a separate website and blog for the Olympians.  At the website there are educators, activities and process sections.  At the publisher's website there are four pages of images you can view.  Enjoy the collected tweets below.









Posted by Xena's Mom at 5:47 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , ,

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Blog Tour: Ares Bringer of War


When studies in folklore are offered in classrooms it seems legends and myths are two terms frequently tied together.  In my way of thinking the two are completely different.  A tiny shred of truth, not necessarily verified, over time is enhanced with each telling until fact becomes shrouded in fiction as in the tales of Robin Hood or King Arthur.  This is what legend means to me.

The myths of any particular culture are explanations of why certain historical events or natural phenomenon occur including the origin of the world.  A mythology of a certain people is like a religion which they endorse and follow.  The mythologies of which I have enjoyed reading the most, for as far back as I can remember, are those of the Norse and Greek gods.  

Five years ago author illustrator George O'Connor released the first book of twelve to begin his Olympians series of graphic novels, his retelling of the classic Greek myths.  I recently finished rereading the earlier titles and read the most recent ones for the first time.  The first six, Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon and Aphrodite while seeking to focus on the titular god also introduce other events and beings intertwined in their immortal lives.  The point of view or voice(s) in each volume varies in order to best present the Olympian. 

In Zeus his story is told with respect to the creation of the world and the order of the gods, the battle for power between the Olympians and the Titans and the roles of the Cyclopes, Kronos and Metis. It is the three Moirae who spin the tale of Athena's extraordinary birth as daughter of Zeus, her training in the art of warfare, learning to be thoughtful before taking action, and the downfall and destruction of Medusa by the hand of Perseus.  The story of Hera, Zeus' queen begins with their courtship and her demand for marriage but she is also well aware of Zeus' many infidelities and countless children. One in particular, Hercules and his twelve tasks, becomes the center of revealing to us the personality of Hera.  Demeter and her daughter Persephone assist us in understanding death and Hades.  We are able to see him in a different light as well as the strength of a mother's love.  The children of Poseidon, Odysseys, and the Minotaur are all significant in explaining his position as god of the sea and his unresolved acceptance as ruler of that realm.  In learning about Aphrodite her three attendants, Charites, are the narrators acquainting us with Eros and Eris.  A contest to decide who is the more beautiful, Hera, Aphrodite or Athena, has repercussions which will plague mankind with the ravages of war.

My copies of the first six books.
The front of the case for the boxed set.
The back of the case for the boxed set.
The spine for the case of the boxed set.























This brings us to the release of Ares:  Bringer of War on January 27, 2015.

TO KNOW THE GREAT GOD ARES, 
YOU MUST FIRST KNOW HOW HE
DIFFERS FROM ATHENA.

 Unlike his counterpart, Athena who works with strategy and a plan in her approach to warfare, Ares relishes in the point when in the heat of battle, the lust for blood, the rage of revenge and the desire for all-out chaos overcomes any thoughts of order.  For ten years a fight has been fought between the Greeks and the Trojans.  The presence of both Ares and Athena has been felt by the men on the battlefield but all grow weary of a conflict which seems to have no end.

Zeus calls a council of the gods and their children on Mount Olympus in order to see this Trojan War end.  Regardless of the discussion, arguments between those favoring one side over the other, on Mount Olympus, the mortals have decided to have two men determine the fate of this war.  All is well until Aphrodite intervenes.  Then unbeknownst to Zeus both Athena and Ares return to the field of battle.  Athena has already altered destiny but she asks Ares to stay his hand and avoid the wrath of Zeus.  

 From Mount Olympus the gods watch but are unable to keep from exerting their influence.  Heroes from the Iliad spring forth in the narrative, Diomedes and Aeneas, Patroclus and Hektor, and Achilles.  As the battles continue on the mortal plain, a fight begins on Mount Olympus between Ares and Athena, between those favoring the Greeks and those favoring the Trojans.  A barbaric act by one of the earthly warriors costs him dearly.  One by one the gods lose interest in this Trojan War; all except Ares.  In a final conversation between him and his father, Zeus, we come to understand that beneath his apparent thirst for blood is the sure knowledge his actions are a part of his destiny.


In the six prior books and this newest title, for all his reading and research, one might expect George O'Connor to speak above his audience but he does not.  In his writing he provides understanding for his readers, wanting us to develop the same passion for Greek mythology as he has.  He speaks to us.

The narrative and dialogue between the gods is in a contemporary language.  It reveals to us the essence of Ares (and the others) depicting weaknesses and strengths.  Regardless of his desire for the constant conflict with bloody results, when asked to wait, he waits.  He may seem to act without conscience or care for human life but the loss of his son shows us otherwise.  O'Connor, in his interpretation of the most original versions he can find, strives to give us Ares Bringer of War as he is meant to be.  Here are some sample passages.

And that is when Ares takes the field.
He arrives in a chariot driven by his sister-in-arms, Eris, the goddess of strife and discord.
Ares, war insatiate. His armor blazing like fire. Dealing death.

 Ares:  I am under no one's sway!  I am Ares! God of War!
Athena:  God of Getting Stuck Like A Pig, you mean!
Ares:  You! You maddening gadfly!  Biting and flitting about the field!  I'll make you eat those words!!
Athena:  Bring it blowhard!

 What makes this volume as good as the others are the extras George O'Connor adds.  In the front is a lineage chart beginning with Gaea, earth. At the conclusion O'Connor sets forth a conversational Author's Note informing his readers about his approach in telling this story of Ares.  He is careful to disclose why he includes what he does in each volume.  A page is devoted to Ares; naming what he is god of, his Roman name, symbols, sacred animals, sacred places, his day of the week, month, heavenly bodies associated with his name and his modern legacy.  Explanations for Eris and Achilles are also given.  What is truly interesting to read are the G(R)EEK NOTES.  O'Connor's remarks about pages and panels are not only informative about the series but downright funny.  He wants us to notice all the added details in the text and his illustrations.  There are eight questions for discussion, a bibliography and print sources for younger and older readers.


The color palette shown on the front of the book case is prevalent throughout this title.  (What you can't see on the cover here is the blue foil inlaid in Ares' two spears.) O'Connor's panel sizes and placement create the pace for the story. For the most part straight narrative is placed within rectangular boxes with dialogue in speech bubbles.

O'Connor may have elements from one panel extend into another to direct the flow of our eyes.  Every line and every item are part of a well-conceived layout. There is never any doubt as to the mood of the characters.  The action scenes literally jump from the pages.  You would hardly be surprised to hear the sounds of battle at any moment.

Olympians Ares Bringer of War written and illustrated by George O'Connor is an outstanding volume in an already stunning presentation of the Greek myths.  It's a rare thing when mythology is presented in as a compelling form as this.  George O'Connor's dedication to this subject is evident on every single page.

To learn more about George O'Connor and his other work please visit his website by following the link attached to his name.  This link will take you to the Olympians website. For each title an excerpt can be downloaded, there is a reader's theater and other extensions.  To access the Olympians blog follow this link.  O'Connor is hosting other illustrators' versions of Ares.  On both the Olympians website and blog, you can see the processes used by O'Connor for creating these books.

A link to the publisher's website provides you with a look at interior pages from this title.  At Watch. Connect. Read. hosted by teacher librarian extraordinaire, John Schumacher, George O'Connor stopped by twice; to chat both times with questions, answers and sentence starters and to show readers the new cover and to announce the book release.   Educator Colby Sharp, the man who stands on desks to proclaim his love of reading, interviews George O'Connor here at his blog, sharpread.

Make sure you take the time to watch this interview with George O'Connor by Rocco Staino on KidLit TV.  It's informative and completely entertaining.




Here is a link to the other bloggers participating in this tour.
Posted by Xena's Mom at 1:14 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)