This is an excellent introduction to Ancient Greece in an excellent series. Although the information is presented with a child in mind, thoughts and ideas are planted which will last and develop for years. The treatment of sports is sure to provoke interest, which can be extended to other aspects of Greek life.

For example, one of the last topics covered is "Growing up in Sparta" in which, after discussing the roles of children (including the relative equality of female children) in Sparta, the author concludes with a sentence about the heroic stand of the Spartan Band at Thermopylae. The son for whom I purchased this book years ago is now a teenager, and we plan to see the 300 together soon, continuing a discussion of Ancient Greece we began over his cradle. ( )