Ancient Myths for Kids
Educational Book series
Ancient Myths for Kids is an exciting educational book series created especially for young readers. The series is developed by professionals in ancient history for curious children who want to understand the powerful myths, gods, and legendary heroes of the ancient world. Using carefully adapted original texts and beautiful illustrations inspired by real ancient art, the books make history come alive. Through engaging stories, children discover how people in the past explained the world, nature, and human relationships while taking their first joyful steps into history in a fun and accessible way.
Ancient Myths for Kids Was Created by an Expert
The series was created by Dr. Vessela Atanassova, an Egyptologist and lecturer in Ancient Egyptian art and history. She leads the research project “Thrace and Egypt in the Greco-Roman World” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and is a respected scientist in her field. As a mother of two, she saw the need for a more engaging way for children to learn about history and mythology. Combining her academic expertise with a love of storytelling, she created Ancient Myths for Kids – a book series that is accurate, engaging, and easy to understand and memorise.
Each book in the Ancient Myths for Kids series is written with the help of specialists in the relevant field – Egyptology, Assyriology, Greek or Roman history – guaranteeing high quality and authentic historical accuracy. Easy to understand and memorise, the series supports students and teachers in the learning process while helping children explore how people long ago explained the mysteries of nature and human relationships.
The Illustrations: A Window into Ancient Art
Every book in the “Ancient Myths and Legends” series is created with care for the authenticity of ancient imagery. The illustrations by the talented Irina Makedonska are not products of imagination — they are inspired by original artifacts that have survived through the millennia.
For the Egyptian myths, she draws inspiration from papyri and reliefs painted and carved by ancient Egyptian masters more than three thousand years ago. Among the most notable sources is the “Book of the Dead” — a collection of magical texts and images that accompanied Egyptians into the afterlife — as well as the reliefs on the walls of the temples at Luxor, Karnak, and Abydos, which tell the stories of the gods with unparalleled precision and symbolism.
For the ancient Greek and Thracian stories, the illustrations follow the tradition of black-figure and red-figure pottery. The black-figure style emerged in Athens around 700 BC, and the red-figure style around 530 BC, quickly replacing it due to its greater expressiveness and detail. On these vases, ancient potters and artists depicted the heroes and gods of their world — Orpheus with his lyre, Heracles in his labors, Dionysus among the maenads — scenes that today are among the most valuable sources for ancient Greek mythology.
For the Minoan myths, inspiration comes from the frescoes of Knossos in Crete and Akrotiri on the island of Santorini — among the best-preserved and most stunning examples of Aegean art. Minoan civilization flourished between 2700 and 1450 BC and left behind remarkable frescoes depicting bulls, dolphins, priestesses, and acrobats, painted in vivid colors that still impress with their modernity and elegance. The influence of Minoan art was so far-reaching that it extended all the way to Egypt. At Tell el-Dab’a, the ancient Egyptian city of Avaris in the Nile Delta, frescoes in pure Minoan style have been discovered — evidence of the remarkable connections between the Aegean and Egyptian worlds more than three and a half thousand years ago.
Thus every page in the series is both a story and a window into the authentic art of the ancient world — accessible to children, yet faithful to a millennia-old tradition.
The First Books: Ancient Egypt
It is no coincidence that the first books are dedicated to Ancient Egypt. This is the subject that Dr. Vessela Atanassova, the creator of the series, knows best as an Egyptologist with years of research experience.
The book “Isis and Osiris” presents one of the oldest myths in human history. It tells the story of creation, the battle between good and evil, and resurrection, while showing the rise of the first Egyptian ruler. The book includes one of the most fascinating versions of the myth, along with authentic ancient images.
The “Eye of Re” brings to life a powerful Egyptian myth preserved on many papyri. It explores themes of chaos and order, good and evil, and family relationships as it follows the journey of the lioness goddess Tefnut and her transformation into the gentle Bastet across the lands of Ancient Egypt.
Ancient Myths for Kids: Learn Through Play
Every book in the Ancient Myths for Kids series includes a helpful glossary of key terms and a fun cut and stick activity. In Isis and Osiris, children create the family tree of the gods. In The Eye of Re, they trace the journey of the goddess Tefnut across Egypt. These hands-on activities help reinforce what children learn through the stories. And in “Orpheus and Eurydice,” they reassemble a broken ancient vase illustrated with characters from the myth, becoming real archaeologists. These hands-on activities help children reinforce what they have learned through the stories.
Coming Soon – New Adventures in Greek Mythology
The Ancient Myths for Kids series does not stop at Ancient Egypt! It ventures into the myths and legends of the entire ancient world: Ancient Greece and Thrace, Minoan Crete, Mesopotamia, and many other civilizations that have left their indelible mark on human history.
The book “Orpheus and Eurydice” takes readers on a magical story of love, music, and a brave journey into the underworld. Orpheus is the legendary musician from Ancient Thrace whose enchanted lyre spellbound humans, animals, and even nature itself. When his beloved Eurydice suddenly leaves him, he attempts the impossible – to descend into the dark realm of Hades and bring her back. With his song, he charms the stern ferryman Charon and moves the very ruler of the underworld. But the path back holds a single condition that proves impossibly difficult to fulfill…
“The Bull of Minos” book immerses readers in an epic adventure from the world of Minoan Crete. At the heart of the island, King Minos hides his darkest secret. In the depths of a vast labyrinth beneath his palace lives the Minotaur – half man, half bull. The brave Athenian hero Theseus decides to face the monster and free his people. A story of courage, cunning, and love, inspired by the authentic Minoan frescoes of Knossos and Akrotiri.
A Journey into Antiquity Worth Taking
The Ancient Myths for Kids series beautifully combines expert knowledge and imagination. It transforms reading into a true adventure that unites science and storytelling. And most importantly, the books in the series make learning about ancient gods and legends fun and memorable for all children.
Enjoy your journey into the world of ancient myths!
