That Janus was the god of doorways and hallways, and after him we have named janitors? Where did these words and other words, such as chaos, genius, nemesis, panic, and echo, come from? From the ancient stories of the Greeks - stories that rang so true and wise that the names of the characters have survived for centuries as words we use every day. This rich collection of myths is perfect for the classroom or as a gift book.

Ancient names come to rich and fascinating life in this lavishly illustrated gift book for mythology fans and word lovers.Did you know that "museums" were initially temples built to worship the nine muses, the goddesses of the arts? That "Janus" was the god of the doorways and hallways, and we have named our janitors after him?
Where did these words -- and other words, such as chaos, genius, nemesis, panic, echo, and narcissus -- come from? From the ancient stories of the Greeks -- stories that rang so true and wise that the names of the characters have survived for centuries as words we use every day. The brief stories here not only impart the subtle wisdom of these ancient tales, but make us understand the words, and our own world, more deeply.

Trolls! They are huge and ugly and very, very dangerous. But luckily, their brains are no bigger than a walnut, so even small children can trick them. First, though, you need to know their weaknesses—and that’s where these stories come in. It is helpful to know what a little girl can do when she finds out that trolls hate loud noises. Or how two brothers might make an entire family of horrible trolls burst and turn to stone. Or what a clever little gnome boy does when he discovers that trolls are ever so easily distracted. Helpful, but also great fun, and it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of all the tricks children already know when it comes to overcoming trolls—or other fearsome beings and things.  Patience, kindness, courage, and quick thinking—what works against trolls are the best things about being human. Taken from a wide range of historical and international sources, Seven Ways to Trick a Troll will delight and entertain imaginations of all ages.