Odd and the Frost Giants

Product Information

Born and raised in England, Neil Gaiman now lives near Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has somehow reached his forties and still tends to need a haircut.

I like best to listen to his novels in audio format; it makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a big quilt and being read to like a child.A thrilling, wintry Nordic epic from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell, weaving a tale of legend, magic and adventure which will grip and enchant readers from beginning to end. Bestselling author Neil Gaiman has long been one of the top writers in modern comics, as well as writing books for readers of all ages. He is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers, and is a prolific creator of works of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama. I absolutely adored Odd, with his oh-so annoying smile that he put on his face exactly when he wanted to disarm or frustrate someone else. He was a really good guy. I liked that he was able to figure out a way out of most of the scrapes he found himself in, and met obstacles in a calm, thoughtful manner. I wanted everything to work out for this kid, because he deserved it.

I won't say more about the tale because that would spoil it. Some might call this a simple tale, but it also a very old one. Or, at least, a variation of a very old and prominent Norse tale. The way Gaiman tells it with his dry humour and charming descriptions, this viking world comes to life, making this the perfect story for a delightful winter afternoon (and not just for children either). It might also be worth mentioning that Neil Gaiman manages to get all the mythological details absolutely right, therefore teaching the reader a thing or two about Norse mythology in general. This is the most childish Gaiman story I've read yet and that's saying something. But it's not saying something as negative as some might take it. Odd... is intended for the kiddies. Odd and the Frost Giants is such a short and easy read, you'll gulp it down in an instant and be shouting to Neil Gaiman, "Next!" This rich and layered tale of courage is told with humour and in breathtaking style by two creators at the height of their powers: from the author of modern classics such as American Gods, Coraline and The Sleeper and the Spindle, Odd and the Frost Giants will leave you spellbound. See Neil speaking about his new novel, Fortunately, the Milk, a time-travelling adventure for young readers featuring aliens, dinosaurs, volcano gods and a pint of milk that saves the universe!

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I both read and listened to this tale, it's quite short. The audio file was well under 2 hours in length. I probably could have read it alone in far less than an hour. This edition has wonderful little pencil drawing illustrations by Brett Helquist, which underscore its suitability for children. And it is just wonderful for kids, without any focus on the darker themes present in Coraline, or even The Graveyard Book. I think it would make a fabulous springboard for homestudy elementary school children, as an introduction to mythology. This one really is for all ages. Gaiman has captured the essence of Odin, Thor and Loki terrifically. The marvel cinematic universe and the comic book writers do a good job with their personalities, though their actual physical attributes are completely wrong. It’s all in the minor details. Some of it may sound unimportant (the fact that Thor is supposed to have a big red beard for example) though things like this are quite important when dealing with Gods. So I like the attention to detail here.

In this first 'Odd and the Frost Giants' lesson plan, your class will read Chapter 1 of the book together, and discuss what has happened so far.

My Book Notes

The eagle, bear and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giants who have conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Odd and the Frost Giants ( 2008) is a World Book Day book by Neil Gaiman. It draws on Norse mythology and also the historical Vikings. Overall, this is the perfect dessert to have after reading Norse Mythology (Because it is sweet... get it? GET IT?)

Each time I read something by Gaiman, I think, “ This. This is where he excels.” Whether it's a fairy story ( Stardust,) or a children's story ( Coraline.) Or the melding of American Mythology with a new Mythology of his creation ( American Gods, Anansi Boys.) Maybe it's something vaguely steampunkish and other-worldly, like Neverwhere. Sometimes it's when I revist the complexities in Sandman. Either way this is a much better presented version of the Norse tale than previous versions - with of course the addition of atmospheric illustrations. This book is a little treat. If you enjoyed Norse Mythology then you will likely adore this. This is a children’s tale, though as with all good children’s books it’s perfect for adults too. Odd is a tough little boy. He is physically disabled and shunned by his step-father who pushes him out of his family home, though he refuses to give up. He refuses to stop smiling and it is because of this that he succeeds. Positivity can go a long way and it certainly helps when you stumble across the Gods.During these five Odd and the Frost Giant Lesson Plans, you will read and discuss the events of the book together as a class. Children will explore and compare characters, practise their skills of inference and deduction, make and justify predictions, and take part in a debate! Odd and the Frost Giants" is a short, simple, magical and disarmingly beautiful tale that draws from Viking and Norse mythology. This is basically a children's book that features a much nicer version of beloved mythological characters! Odd is a young Norseman, who lost his father after a Viking raid. He is partly disabled after a tree fell on his leg. His mother has now re-married and his new step-father cares little for him preferring his own children. This year the winter is dragging on and on, and having now had enough of home, heads out to a hut his father owned in the forest.