Odd and the Frost Giants

August 17, 2009
In this simple but well-done tale, Newbery Medal–winner Gaiman (The Graveyard Book
) introduces Odd, a boy with an injured leg whose Viking father died at sea. Odd befriends the Norse gods Odin, Thor and Loki, who have been transformed into animals and exiled from Asgard. The gods, having previously tricked and bested the Frost Giants, are now receiving some of their own medicine. Showing great ingenuity, Odd figures out how to reach Asgard and then convinces the Frost Giant that ruling Asgard isn't so great (after all, admits the giant, his prize, the beautiful goddess Freya, “only comes up to the top of my foot. She shouts louder than a giantess when she's angry. And she's always angry”). The gods and the giant, though powerful, come across as self-involved and vaguely simpleminded, clearly in need of a resourceful young fellow like Odd to help set things straight. Although less original than Coraline
or The Wolves in the Walls
, this enjoyable story should appeal to Gaiman's younger fans. Final art not seen by PW
. Ages 8–12.

October 1, 2009
Gr 3-6-Using several figures from Norse mythology, Gaiman has written a thoughtful and quietly humorous fantasy that younger Percy Jackson fans will enjoy. Twelve-year-old Odd hasn't had a good couple of years: his father died rescuing a pony that fell overboard during a Viking raid, his leg was crippled during a tree-felling accident, and his mother married a man he dislikes. So, in the midst of what should be spring ("Winter hung in there, like an invalid refusing to die"), he sets out for a cabin in the wilderness, figuring that anything will be better than home. Soon after arriving, a fox leads him to an enormous bear whose paw is caught in a tree; a large eagle circles overhead. Odd shows kindness and bravery when helping the bear, learning afterward that these three animals are gods who have been transformed by the Frost Giant. Odd is determined to help them, and his ultimate encounter with the Frost Giant is especially interesting, tweaking the tradition of small boys getting the better of giants. Readers will also enjoy Odd's interaction with the animals, Gaiman's simple and graceful writing, and the satisfying conclusion."Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Grades 3-6 Not to be mistaken as a follow-up to this years Newbery winner, The Graveyard Book, this thin novella was written for Britains World Book Day, an event designed to get kids excited about reading, and is now being published in the U.S. It follows the adventures of a Viking lad named Odd, who grows weary of his little village and sets out on his own. He encounters a talking (and bickering) eagle, bear, and fox, who reveal themselves to be none other than Odin, Thor, and Loki, banished from Asgard by a monstrous frost giant. Odd takes it upon himself to help the trio return home, using his wits and sense of compassion to dispatch the giant. Along with Gaimans deft humor, lively prose, and agile imagination, a few unexpected themesthe double-edged allure of beauty, the value of familysneak into this slim tale with particular appeal to kids drawn to Norse mythology, but suitable for any readers of light fantasy. Yet more proof that there isnt much Gaiman cant write well, be it comics, picture books, or novels for any age. Final art not seen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2010
Twelve-year-old Odd learns that a bear, fox, and eagle are really the Norse gods Thor, Loki, and Odin. A Frost Giant has done them this mischief, and blocked spring besides. Gaiman's impeccable narrative, swift-moving yet thoughtful, features lots of humor and pithy descriptions. Helquist's eight full-page drawings, distinguished by sturdy characterizations and angular drafting, deftly evoke Gaiman's wintry Norse world.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 1, 2009
Odd, twelve, has run away from his dreary Viking settlement, seemingly trapped in desolate winter. After freeing a trapped bear, he learns that the bear and its companions -- a fox and a one-eyed eagle -- are really the Norse gods Thor, Loki, and Odin. A Frost Giant, coveting spring-goddess Freya, has done them this mischief, and blocked spring besides; only in Asgard can the gods regain their true shapes. Odd contrives a rainbow bridge to get them there, then reasons with the giant, who's finding his successful coup inconvenient: Freya, though lovely, is too small and feisty for him, and his brothers don't want to join his siege. There's an entertaining whiff of political commentary here, plus some effective conflict resolution: "I am trying...to allow you to go home with your honor intact and a whole skin," Odd points out, sweetening the deal with something beautiful for the grateful giant to take with him. Gaiman's narration is impeccable, with lots of monosyllables (the eagle utters nothing but: "Rage!" "Death!") and pithy descriptions ("Winter hung in there, like an invalid refusing to die"). There's humor in many a turn of phrase. Even the most straightforward remarks are telling, while the framing story -- Odd's home life -- is resolved with a satisfying twist. Swift-moving yet thoughtful, a book to share aloud -- and then again. Helquist's eight full-page drawings, distinguished by their sturdy characterizations and angular drafting, deftly evoke Gaiman's wintry Norse world.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)