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Animation:
The Price Of Victory
DK
Publishing has developed a series of books utilizing sequential
storytelling as a reading aid for children. Aimed at four
different levels of readers, from beginning to proficient,
these “Graphic Readers” provide engaging stories
and impressive art.
I recently
read the Graphic Reader entitled The Price of Victory,
and now I can’t wait until my children are level four
readers.
Kinesias
is a Greek athlete who is preparing to compete in the Olympic
Games in Athens, unless a rival runner is successful in
keeping him out of the games.
Told
from the perspective of Kinesias’ younger brother,
Pylades, the story takes young readers into an exciting
tale of adventure and intrigue. It would also appear to
open opportunities for parents to strike up conversations
with their children about fair play, honesty and doing your
best in all of your endeavors.
It’s
refreshing to see that, despite being created for young
readers, the work includes interesting characterization.
Pylades serves as a young Greek “Hardy Boy”
of sorts, as he aids his brother in finding out who is trying
to keep him out of the games. It’s easy to see how
readers, boys or girls, could get caught up with this character.
Kudos to writer Stewart Ross.
Also
indicative of this book is attractive artwork by Inklink.
Who is Inklink, you ask? I couldn’t begin to tell
you. But, whoever he, she or it is, readers are treated
to an expressive style with clean lines and an entertaining
(and only occasionally confusing) use of panel arrangement.
Not as cartoony as some might expect for this type of work,
Inklink actually gives the characters quite a bit of personality.
A map,
timeline and illustrated glossary makes this book educational,
as well as entertaining. What more could a parent ask?
The
Price of Victory is recommended for older child readers.
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