Little Minotaur: Walker Books

The ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur brought to dazzling life in a stunning retelling from Gaia Alessi, a thrilling new picture book talent.

"A heartfelt, moving tale. Little Minotaur is a story about what it means to be different, the price those who don't fit in have to pay, and the power of love in overcoming hatred and spite." - Costanza Casati, award-winning author of Clytemnestra

"Little Minotaur is a big-hearted tale of familial love, wonder and a celebration of difference." - Ferdia Lennon, author of Glorious Exploits

"The Minotaur" is a popular Greek myth - the brutal story of a half-man, half-beast trapped in a labyrinth underneath the palace on the island of Crete in ancient Greece. But this story is not about a vicious monster. Instead, it focuses on the Minotaur as a boy - a little minotaur named Asterion.

With breathtaking imagery, Gaia vividly paints the minotaur as a gentle child who enjoys the joys of each season - a boy happy amongst the birds and out in nature. With his bull head, he struggles to speak but, buoyed by the enduring love of his sister, Ariadne, and his mother, Queen Pasiphaë, he can communicate in his own particular way and can find the right word when he needs to.

But as Asterion grows bigger and taller, and rumours on Crete begin to swirl around him about what he is and what he can do, he must fight against prejudice and shame to find his place in the world. He will learn that he is not a terrifying beast at all but a misunderstood boy called Asterion, deserving of love. And maybe ... he can rewrite his own ending...