Jeremy in the Underworld

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Harvard,
Massachusetts.

The Greek god Zeus is upset with the way Mr. Magnus stages the Greek
myths in the Enchanted Theater and has placed a cursed on it. No more
plays can take place unless Mr. Magnus solves three riddles. Jeremy
agrees to help by travelling back in time to the Underworld to find out
the answer to the riddle: “In the land of Hades by night and day, six
blood red lanterns light my way. Who am I?”

Jeremy touches a magic prop and is off on his latest adventure with
Aristotle the cat. In the Underworld, Jeremy outsmarts the three-headed
dog, escapes from King Hades, and helps the seven daughters of Hades,
Sisyphus, Hercules, and Queen Persephone. Jeremy solves the riddle, and
since he has accomplished five brave things on his quest, he is able to
return safely to the theater.

This is the second book in the series that introduces young readers to
some of the characters and places of Greek mythology in an adventure
story, cleverly using plot devices of the myths themselves. The story is
clearly presented and well organized, and by following Jeremy on his
quest the reader is given a modern kid’s perspective (“this is so
cool”) on the classic characters of Greek mythology. There is enough
action and humour to keep a young reader engaged. Recommended.