Pandora's Box

by: Jean Marzollo

Published by: Little, Brown and Company

Reviewed by Sharon Broom

The original story of Pandora is from a poem called "Work and Days" by the Greek writer Hesiod. The story, first told over 2,500 years ago, has been handed down through time and is alive today in the form of Pandora's Box. This version, written for children by Jean Marzollo, takes the modern-day form about 'trouble bugs' versus the 'pains and evils' originally written about by Hesiod.

Prometheus didn't think it was fair that only the gods had fire so he stole a torch of fire from them. He carried it down the mountain but knew he would be punished by King Zeus. And Prometheus was right! King Zeus decided to create a beautiful woman named Pandora and give her the gift of curiosity.

Pandora was given in marriage to Epimetheus (Prometheus' brother). King Zeus gave the couple a special box as a wedding present. But he told them to never open it. It was too much for the curious Pandora and she eventually 'took a peek' unleashing all the pains and evils that would 'bug' the people on earth. As the trouble bugs flew off, she was able to save 'hope.' So, the people of earth had troubles, but they also had hope to see them through the bad times.

The good thing is, King Zeus didn't stay mad and maybe everything that happened was a part of his plan.

Armchair Interviews says: Children will delight in this unique telling of an old myth.