Odd and the Frost Giants
|
|
In this inventive, short, yet perfectly formed novel inspired by traditional Norse mythology, Neil Gaiman takes readers on a wild and magical trip to the land of giants and gods and back.
In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he's had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy.
Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle—three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is forced on a stranger journey than he had imagined—a journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It's going to take a very special kind of twelve-year-old boy to outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods, and end the long winter.
Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever . . .
Someone just like Odd .
|
|
|
Author Extras
Reading Guides:
|
|
|
|
Critical Praise for
Odd and the Frost Giants
“Gaiman does it again...this sweet, wistful, slyly funny novella...succeeds both as a delightful children’s book and an adult collectible. Children will enjoy Odd’s quiet heroism and the simple adventure; adults will love the squabbling gods and the strong women. All in all, another winner.”
—
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Gaiman’s narration is impeccable. Swift-moving yet thoughtful, a book to share aloud—and then again. Helquist’s eight full-page drawings, distinguised by thier sturdy characterizations and angular drafting, deftly evoke Gaiman’s wintry Norse world. ”
—
The Horn Book
“A remarkable feat.”
—
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“The mind of Newbery Award-winning writer Neil Gaiman must be a very animated, busy and slightly offbeat place-and thankfully so. Otherwise, adults and children alike would be missing out on some of the most inventive characters and stories of our time…. Readers, especially young boys, will easily be drawn into Odd’s excellent adventure, which is ultimately a satisfying coming-of-age story wrapped in magic and mythical overtones.”
—
BookPage
“Along with Gaiman’s deft humor, lively prose, and agile imagination, a few unexpected themes—the double-edged allure of beauty, the value of family—sneak 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 isn’t much Gaiman can’t write well, be it comics, picture books, or novels for any age. ”
—
ALA Booklist
“A thoughtful and quietly humorous fantasy that younger Percy Jackson fans will enjoy. Readers will also enjoy Odd’s interaction with the animals, Gaiman’s simple and graceful writing, and the satisfying conclusion.”
—
School Library Journal
“[A] simple but well-done tale... this enjoyable story should appeal to Gaiman’s younger fans.”
—
Publishers Weekly
Praise for The Graveyard Book:
“The invention of immortal folk who readers feel they might like to kick back with may be this prolific, tousle-haired, ex-pat British author’s contribution to world literature.”
—
National Public Radio
“This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming….this is a rich story with broad appeal.”
—
Booklist (starred review)
Praise for Coraline:
“Not since four English schoolchildren walked through a wardrobe and discovered the magical land of Narnia has the simple act of opening a door unlocked such a fantastic journey. And not since Alice tumbled down the rabbit hole has that journey been so splendidly strange and frightening…You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate the spell Gaiman casts in the suspenseful Coraline. Walk through the door and you’ll believe in love, magic, and the power of good over evil.”
—
USA Today
|
The Graveyard Book
In this ingenious and captivating reimagining of Rudyard Kipling’s classic adventure The Jungle Book , Neil Gaiman tells the unforgettable story of Nobody Owens, a living, breathing boy whose home is a graveyard, raised by a guardian who belongs neither to the mortal world nor the realm of the...
|
|
Stories
"The joy of fiction is the joy of the imagination. . . ." The best stories pull readers in and keep them turning the pages, eager to discover more—to find the answer to the question: "And then what happened?" The true hallmark of great literature is great imagination, and as Neil Gaiman and Al...
|
|
Instructions
Trust Dreams. Trust your heart, and trust your story. A renowned storyteller whose words have transported readers to magical realms and an acclaimed illustrator of lushly imagined fairy-tale landscapes guide a traveler safely through lands unknown and yet strangely familiar . . . . . . and home...
|
|
|
|