Ludicrous Legends: Myths with a Twist by Jol Temple and illustrated by David Conley

Title: Ludicrous Legends: Myths with a Twist 

Author: Jol Temple and illustrated by David Conley.

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: HarperCollins Australia

Published: 28^th January 2026

Format: Paperback

Pages: 112

Price: $16.99

Synopsis: Ludicrous Legends is a hilarious new junior fiction series that reimagines myths in a fun way for early readers, 7 to 10 years old.

Hector and his best friend, a centaur named Hylo, are about to be tested on Greek mythology by their teacher Mr Socrates. Join them as they come to grips with the mighty Minotaur, the famous Trojan Horse/Cow, and the terrifying Medusa whose snake-hair is definitely not keen on a haircut.

A ludicrous, light-hearted and very loose retelling of three classical legends.

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It’s Greek myths, but not as you know them! Ever wondered how the myths came to be, or how the ancient Greeks understood them? Did they learn about them in school? Well, join Hector and his best friend, a centaur named Hylo as they study some of the myths of their world for a test at school. Mr Socrates, their teacher, has set a test. Hylo needs Hector’s help to study.

They’ll find out more about the Minotaur, the Trojan Horse (or Cow, as it is in this version), and Medusa’s terrifying snake hair – don’t even think of trying to cut it! The myths are delivered with humour, showing kids that the myths are fun and interesting. Jol has taken the basic myths, or the main themes of the myths and turned them into something amusing that will hopefully get people who have never encountered them interested. Because the myths are rich and have many versions, some, like the Trojan Horse, linked to real events. This book is one way of interpreting them and looking at these myths and making them accessible.

It is the kind of book that can be used as a fun introduction to the myths, for entertainment or as an example of how these old stories are constantly being retold in many different ways for all different audiences. Because Greek myths show us what the world was like, how people understood their world, and shaped some of the stories we know today as well. All myths and fairy tales throughout history, and from all cultures have worked their way into modern stories in many different ways.

Whilst this book is aimed at early readers aged between seven and ten, I think it’s great for all ages. Its great as a read aloud. It’s great for readers who might be looking at myths for the first time. It’s a great way for reluctant readers to get into reading and find something that they enjoy reading about. And it would be a cool way to bring myths into the classroom, maybe in older years or at university, to explore reception studies. Exploring how myths and fairy tales can be retold in reception studies shows the universality of these old stories. The themes, the archetypes, the plots, and the types of characters that we encounter in stories today. It’s a great example of how to create something fun out of something that can be dense, and making it accessible to lots of readers.

I had a lot of fun reading this book, and seeing how different people interpret myths is something I enjoy. I am looking forward to seeing what myths come up next time!