This is a retelling of the myth of Ishtar’s half successful rescue of her beloved Tammuz from the underworld. In Christopher Moore’s version, Tammuz is the god of green, growing things and Ishtar’s son, who she orders to be executed when his fame overshadows hers. Ishtar quickly regrets her rash order and descends into the underworld to bring him back. He can only return for six months out of the year, and during that time the earth lives and flourishes.  On the last page, Moore gives context to his version of the myth that will interest young readers whenever they are ready to dig deeper into Mesopotamian mythology. 

Fans of Greco-Roman mythology will recognize similarities to the myth of Demeter and her daughter Persephone, but Ishtar is more than a grieving mother missing her child. As the goddess of creation and war, she is full of contradictions. However, she must humble herself to regain her son, slowly giving up the trappings of her vast power until nothing remains but her love. As always, Christina Balit’s illustrations add majesty that bring out the grandeur of the original myth. This retelling of Ishtar and Tammuz carries the compelling message that power is superficial, but love endures.  – Krishni Burns