Odd and the Frost Giants
by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell
Interest age: 7 to 12
Reading age: 7+
Published by Bloomsbury, 2016
About this book
After his father dies, Odd - a Viking boy in a Norwegian village - tries to cut down a tree with his father's special axe. The tree falls on his leg - and shatters it.
From then on, Odd isn't of much interest to his clan - despite having a lucky name and being brave and resourceful.
One night, Odd leaves the village to start his own adventure in the wild. He finds the strange companionship of three talking animals that are actually gods: Odin, Loki and Thor. They must return to Asgard to stop Frost Giants plunging the world into winter forever. And in Asgard, a crippled boy with a lucky name can make astonishing things happen...
This is a wonderfully wintry, magical and mythical story from Neil Gaiman, with atmospheric illustrations from Children's Laureate Chris Riddell. It's a fantastic story for fans of the Norse myths, as well as Gaiman's own signature mix of magic and humour.
About the author
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Lists of recommended reads
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Best stories for children about Vikings and the Norse world
If your child is fascinated by Viking battles and all things Thor and Odin, then author Cat Weldon has just the booklist for you!