NEAR MYTHS
by Robert Kraus & illustrated by Robert Kraus
Near Myths ($14.99; May 1996; 32 pp.; 0-670-85751-3): On the winged heels of Kraus's Strudwick (1995) comes a disappointing collection of parodies of Greek myths, full of graceless jokes and puns. Prometheus, a ``firebug,'' steals fire and takes it to the masses so they can light their cigarettes and cigars. The gods, in revenge, make smoking injurious to the health. ``SO SING THE MUSES.'' The stories seem cobbled together from one-liners and throwaway jokes, and while the illustrations—wild cartoon skirmishes set in Olympus—are funny, they can't carry the book. (Picture book/folklore. 5+)