Greece
232
Ampatielu, Anna (text)
Stamatiu-Kotsake, Nina (illus.)
Peiraias, taxidiotes sto chrono (Pireus, a travel in time)
[Athena] : Entos, 2000. – 95pp
ISBN 960-8472-65-2
Pireus - 19th and 20th centuries - Everyday life
This book traces the development of Pireus from a medieval village to a prospering
portuary city, after Athens had been declared the new capital of the young, independent
state in 1832. Drawing on various primary sources, such as accounts by foreign travellers
of the 19th century, statistics and newspaper clippings, the author succeeds in giving a
differentiated, socially critical overview and a lively impression of the locals' everyday
life. This is a real book for browsing in which the reader will always discover some new
aspects in the texts and in the accurate but expressive illustrations which capture the
atmosphere of this city marvelously. (9+)
233
Chatze, Giolanta
Domenikos Theotokopulos, ho Hellenas (Domenikos Theotokopulos, the Greek)
Athena : Ammos, 1999. – [44pp]
ISBN 960-202-208-6
Domenikos Theotokopulos <El Greco>
The publishing house presents yet another well edited art-book for children. It shows the
deve-lopment of art in the context of contemporary society and ways of thinking, focusing
on one of the most enticing periods of European art history. The biography of El Greco
(1541-1614), who worked with great masters on Creta, in Venice and Rome before settling in
Toledo in Spain, unfolds against this intense cultural backdrop which brings forth works
of art. The book succeeds in evoking this time of change with great vividness and careful
differentiation. A table of illustrations and a description of some of El Greco's works
complete this book and prepare the way for those who want to know more about his work.
(10+)
234
Gynaikeia Logotechnike Syntrophia (ed.)
Tsitsikas, Thanases (illus.)
Sten palia mu geitonia (In my old neighbourhood)
Athena : Kastaniotes, 2000. – 221pp
(Neanike bibliotheke ; 215 : Zoe kai koinonia)
ISBN 960-03-2618-5
Greece/20th century - Child - Everyday life
Some of the best known contemporary women writers for children's literature in Greece (all
members of the GLS, the first union of women writers active in the realm of literature for
children and young adults) present various short stories exploring the topic »Our old
neighbourhood«. Because the authors are from different generations and come from many
regions of the country, the anthology gives a vivid impression of life in 20th century
Greece. The childhood memories are free of retrospect embellishment or nostalgia. The
subjects are as colourful as life itself, including serious ones such as the fate of
refugee children, poverty, or the time under German occupation during World War II, which
are all documented without pretence or accusation. (10+) <>
235
Karkabitsas, Andreas (text)
Pulos, Kostas (adapt.)
Andrikopulos, Nikolas (illus.)
He gorgona (The mermaid)
Athena : Papadopulos, 1999. – [28pp]
ISBN 960-261-918-x
Sea - Mermaid - Alexander the Great
This is one of the first picture books of a promising new series proposing adaptations of
classical, modern Greek literature for children accompanied by new illustrations. A.
Karkabitsas (1865-1922) tells the well-known myth of the mermaid who is desperately
looking for her brother, Alexander the Great. She enquires seamen for his whereabouts.
Upon the news of Alexander's presumed death, the mermaid is so upset that she sinks the
boat with mariners and all. Knowing this, a mariner assures her that her brother is still
alive. N. Andrikopulos, one of the foremost contemporary Greek illustrators, once again
pays tribute to his talent: His vivid and colourful pictures capture the dramatic
highlights of the scenes and sustain the suspense, revealing yet another facet of his
artistic mastery. (5+)
236
Kliapha, Marula (text)
Malisiobas, Giorgos (illus.)
Tromaktika paramythia gia atrometa paidia (Gruesome tales from dauntless children)
Athena : Kedros, 1999. – 148pp
ISBN 960-04-1564-1
Thessalia - Gruesome tale
The well-known author Maroula Kliapha presents yet another anthology of gruesome tales
which she has collected from storytellers in her native region Thessalia during the 70s.
This background of oral tradition endows the tales with a special narrative quality.
Reading them, one can easily picture the storytellers who knew their craft and fascinated
their listeners. These tales are characterised by lively characters and a strong sense of
humour. An appendix names the storytellers with their approximated date of birth. (6+)
237
Kynegu-Phlampura, Maria (text)
Anasiades, Makes (illus.)
2028
Athena : Labyrinthos, 1999. – 51pp
ISBN 960-7663-29-2
Future <2028> - Short-stories
In four rather conventional short stories, the popu-lar writer for children's literature
envisions a future scenario set in 2028: Young adult protagonists master all the trials
confronting them on their expeditions into the depths of the earth, to the bottom of the
sea, high up into the air and even out into space. The fine images created by the young
graphic artist M. Anasiades are of great impact; they impressively stand out amongst the
common illustrations of contemporary children's books. They prove that graphic artists
from the commercial sector in Greece have long been successfully active in book
illustration. This is a promising work, letting us await further productions by this
illustrator with great anticipation. (8+)
238
Perpatontas sten Athena : enas hodegos tes poles gia paidia
(A stroll through Athens : a city guide for children)
Athena : Kaleidoskopio, 1999. – 109pp
ISBN 960-7846-11-7
Athens - Everyday life - City guide
By children and for children, this first city guide of Athens is a truly successful
outcome of a school-project by schoolchildren from middle school. The main focus is on the
historical city centre and the surroundings of the children's school, encompassing ancient
and contemporary history of everyday life. Since the hints come from children, they will
certainly appeal to other children. This is more than a simple city guide. It is a book
with plenty of stimulating suggestions to accompany you throughout the city's seasons. The
handy format and the attractive design pay tribute to the publisher's awareness of
children's needs and interests. (7+)
239
Psaraute, Litsa
He ekdikese ton manitarion (The mushrooms' revenge)
Athena : Ankyra, 1999. – 86pp
(Synchrone logotechnia gia neus ; 13 : Hellenes syngrapheis)
ISBN 960-234-616-7
Short stories
The renowned writer of young adult fiction, Litsa Psaraute, nominated for the Hans
Christian Andersen Award in 2000, once again displays her mastery of the narrative craft
in this collection of short stories. She adopts a sober, sparse yet gripping tone to
relate these original true-to-life stories, making this book a real page-turner. (11+)
Special Mention
240
Remundos, Giannes (text)
Kapatsulia, Natalia (illus.)
Pos ta perases sto Bolo, Kostake? (How did it go in Volos, Kostake?)
Athena : Psychogios, 2000. – 188pp
(Xinomelo ; 2)
ISBN 960-274-494-4
Boy - Summer - School holidays - Rural life
Giannes Remundos (born 1950) tells the humorous and entertaining story of a boy's
adventures during the summer holidays which he spends with relatives in the country. He
develops the characters with all their little shortcomings and weaknesses; the fine
illustrations by Natalia Kapatsulia have their share in giving an ironic touch. This witty
text offers unrelenting reading-pleasure to children and adults alike – the smile
will not leave the reader's lips. (9+) (Gynaikeia Logotechnike Syntrophia Award; 1999)