I Am Hermes!: Mischief-Making Messenger of the Gods

Gr 2–4—This hilarious graphic novel, a follow-up to I Am Pan!, follows the Greek messenger god from birth to modern times. Vignettes feature Hermes alongside Zeus, Apollo, Pan, Iynx, and Aesop, and other characters. As the book opens, Hermes is born to Zeus and Maia. The young god is colored completely golden, including his diaper, except for his blue eyes. The first word out of his mouth is "Gimme!" Hermes wants the world and everything in it. He tricks a turtle out of its shell and a ram out of its horns. Putting the two together, he invents the lyre, the first instrument, and sings the first song. He then lures his big brother Apollo's precious cows away. After being reprimanded by Zeus, Hermes is forced to grow up, literally, and become a man. Over time he starts a family, and when everyone else retires, he adapts his skills as a messenger for the digital age, delivering emails, photos, and more around the world. With distinct art and side-splitting dialogue, Gerstein's Greek mythology adaptation is unique and appealing. An author's note and bibliography are included.