
Title: Be Patient, Pandora!
Author: Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli
Genre: Board Book, Folklore
Number of Pages: 24
Synopsis: When Pandora is warned by her mother not to open a box, her spirited curiosity trumps her obedience. Pandora harmlessly touches the box, innocently leans on the box, and eventually, albeit accidentally, bursts the box open! The cupcakes that were hidden inside are ruined, except for one last vestige, which Pandora presents in the hope that her mother still loves her. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively narrative to Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text. Includes a summary of the original Pandora’s Box myth at the end.

Title: Play Nice, Hercules!
Author: Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli
Genre: Board Book, Folklore
Number of Pages: 24
Synopsis:Hercules is not as interested in “playing nice” as he is in playing strong! But when one feat of strength destroys his little sister’s 12-piece tower, he must use his powers for good to restore the tower and seek her forgiveness. She forgives him indeed, and then shows her own strength by gleefully knocking down the stacked blocks herself! Joan Holub’s expertly focused text pairs perfectly with Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Hercules’s Twelve Labors myth at the end.
Be Patient, Pandora! and Play Nice, Hercules! are part of the preschool Mini Myths series that teach little ones important lessons, while also giving them a brief age appropriate synopsis of the Greek Mythology.
Be Patient, Pandora! teaches children the importance listening to their parents and the consequences of not following directions. However, children will also discover that a parent's love is unconditional even when mistakes are made.
Play Nice, Hercules! is a story of forgiveness. As young Hercules uses his strength to destroy, he fails to notice his little sister is in the wake of his destruction. Once he realizes his mistake, Hercules seeks to make things right.
I love these darling stories. They are simple tales, yet instill valuable life lessons that children can implement in their daily lives for years to come. The illustrations are bright and colorful and help little ones make a visual connection to the stories content.
I highly recommend picking up both books. Available on Amazon.