When the school bus driver mentions the word ‘odyssey’,
Nanny Piggins finds herself explaining the origin of the word, a brave and
clever female pig called Odysseus.
Over many days, the Green children, Derrick, Michael and
Samantha, hear the account of The Odyssey as written down by Homer and
retold by Nanny Piggins in a series of episodes.
Each episode introduces readers to a key event or character in The Odyssey. Readers will meet the Cyclops, giants, along with Scylla the terrifying six-headed giant lizard. They will travel with Odysseus and her men through deadly whirlpools, wild storms, and past the bewitching Sirens.
The gods Zeus, Helios, Circe, and Poseidon are also
introduced in Nanny Piggin’s unique storytelling style.
Best-selling author R.A. Spratt has distilled the 100,000+
words of the original into a rollicking retelling that does not hold back on
all the good bits like monsters, battles, shipwrecks and curses.
This retelling also involves cake. A lot of cake.
There are Fun Fact sidebars throughout the book with extra
information about Sirens, pig sweat, and toilets, among other things. These are
a lot of fun, and also extremely informative.
At the back of the book there is a Cast of Characters with
additional information and a guide to pronunciation.
This was a funny and thrilling read, and young readers will be
hooked until the end, wondering if Odysseus will ever make it back home to Ithaca
and her husband Penelope?
For those who are very familiar with The Odyssey, this retelling may feel a little strange at first. If they can let themselves be swept into the world of Nanny Piggins and her style of storytelling which involves ‘malleable memories’ over facts, they, unlike Odysseus, will enjoy the journey.
Title: The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins
Author: R.A Spratt
Publisher: Penguin, $16.99
Publication Date: 16 June 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761624186
For ages: 8+
Type: Middle Grade Fiction