This book is an engrossing retelling of a Greek Myth explaining how evil and its counterparts were let loose in the human world.  It all began with Zeus’ revenge and ended with Pandora’s curiosity and a forbidden jar.  In other versions it is a box.  She is advised not to open it.  She tries to distract herself but can not keep her mind off it.  The more she tries not to think about it the more it dominates her thoughts.  Publisher’s Weekly says, “This superbly illustrated and tersely relayed retelling of the Greek myth from the team behind Hercules emphasizes Pandora's compulsion to know, rather than to disobey.  ”Pandora's curiosity about the jar did not lessen. / Oh no, not at all! / Instead, it grew, like a clinging vine, / Tighter and tighter around her waking thoughts."  She gets a sign and grows more courageous than ever.  Pandora opens the jar and changes the world forever. 

Publisher’s Weekly calls this book a “hypnotic text.”  It is in lines like free verse, rhythmic, and in simple sentences.  The poetic style compliments the dramatic storyline.  A list of Greek names helps the unfamiliar reader and the foreword sets the stage for this myth.  It is a simple, but powerful tale of human determination, in spite of mistakes made and presence of evil, to keep hope.  Pandora feels her fears lessen as she determines to use the gifts and powers she has been given.  School Library Journal says, “The author incorporates the story of Pandora's creation, and emphasizes her courage, so that even her transgression seems daring rather than foolish. And finally Pandora clings, triumphantly, to the hope remaining behind.”  Pandora is the heroine at the end.  Booklist says, “In the end, she's left with not only hope but also a steely determination to act and create positive change: "She and her people would find a way."

This beautiful Greek mythological tale is exquisitely illustrated.  Publisher’s Weekly says, “Colon pays homage to classical Greek forms in his serene and powerful artwork.”  The watercolor and pencil illustration have borders and texture making them seem old.  But they have the qualities of modern art with bold, pleasing colors.  Booklist says, “Several of Colon's illustrations, in his signature style (textured, jewel colors and strong forms), lack some of the story's robust immediacy and action, but they are artfully composed, borrowing details from Greek art images, and will show well to a crowd. An elegant, accessible addition to mythology collections and curricular studies. ” This edition is a good introduction to this story and to this genre.

Engberg, Gillian. Review of Pandora in Booklist.   Available from:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0152021787//qid=1095821077/sr=ka-3/ref=pd_ka_3/103-3926711-3700639?v=glance&s=books&vi=reviews. Accessed 23 September 2004

Lothrop-Green, Patricia. Review of Pandora in School Library Journal. Available from:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0152021787//qid=1095821077/sr=ka-3/ref=pd_ka_3/103-3926711-3700639?v=glance&s=books&vi=reviews. Accessed 23 September 2004

Review of Pandora in Publisher’s Weekly. Available from:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0152021787//qid=1095821077/sr=ka-3/ref=pd_ka_3/103-3926711-3700639?v=glance&s=books&vi=reviews. Accessed 23 September 2004