Winged Girl of Knossos facts for kids

Winged Girl of Knossos is an exciting historical novel for young readers by Erick Berry. It tells a story set a very long time ago in the Bronze Age on the island of Crete. The book mixes ideas from ancient Greek myths, real Cretan history, and discoveries made by archaeologists.

The main character in the story is a girl named Inas. She is the daughter of a famous inventor called Daidalos. The author, Erick Berry, also drew the pictures for the book. It was first published in 1933 and was recognized as a Newbery Honor book in 1934. This means it was one of the best children's books of that year!

What is Winged Girl of Knossos About?

This book takes you on an adventure to ancient Crete. It's a time when myths and legends were very important. The story focuses on the amazing Minoan people. They lived on Crete thousands of years ago. The author used real historical facts and archaeological finds to make the story feel true.

Who is Daidalos?

In the novel, Inas is the daughter of Daidalos. In Greek myths, Daidalos was a brilliant inventor and craftsman. He was known for creating many amazing things. One of his most famous inventions was the Labyrinth for King Minos. He also famously built wings for himself and his son, Icarus, to escape from Crete.

What is the Bronze Age?

The Bronze Age was a period in history when people started using bronze to make tools and weapons. Bronze is a strong metal made by mixing copper and tin. This era came after the Stone Age and before the Iron Age. In Crete, the Bronze Age was when the powerful Minoan civilization thrived.

Where is Crete?

Crete is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of Greece today. In ancient times, it was home to the advanced Minoan civilization. This civilization built grand palaces and had a rich culture. The most famous Minoan palace is Knossos, which is mentioned in the book's title.

Why is Knossos Important?

Knossos was the largest city and a very important center of the Minoan civilization. Archaeologists have found a huge palace there. This palace had many rooms, courtyards, and even advanced plumbing. It shows how skilled the Minoans were. Many myths, like the story of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, are connected to Knossos.

What are the Minoans Known For?

The Minoans were a peaceful and artistic people. They were excellent sailors and traders. They built beautiful palaces, created stunning fresco paintings, and had a unique writing system. Their civilization was one of the first advanced cultures in Europe. The Winged Girl of Knossos helps bring their world to life for young readers.

How Does Mythology Connect to the Story?

The novel uses elements from Greek mythology. Myths are ancient stories that explain the world or teach lessons. The story of Daidalos and his inventions is a famous Greek myth. By including these myths, the book makes the ancient world even more exciting and magical. It helps readers understand how people in the past thought about heroes and gods.

What is a Newbery Honor?

The Newbery Medal is a very important award for children's literature in the United States. It is given each year to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. A "Newbery Honor" means the book was one of the top runners-up for the main award. This shows that Winged Girl of Knossos was considered a high-quality and important book when it was published.