Everybody loves Neil Gaiman, and why not? Born in Great Britain, transplanted to Minneapolis, this versatile writer has done everything and won everything: He has garnered awards for his science fiction novels and short stories; his young adult books; his comics and his graphic novels. Odd and the Frost Giants recalls the heroic effort of a 12-year-old Viking boy whose kindness reverses his bad fortune and sets him on the way to reclaim Thor's hammer and release the Nordic gods. Thunderous fun.
Publishers Weekly
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. (Sept.)
School Library Journal
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
Kirkus Reviews
Gaiman does it again, this time featuring a lame young boy, talking animals and intrigue in Asgard. Originally written for World Book Day, this sweet, wistful, slyly funny novella also offers a crash course in ancient Norse mythology. Unlucky Odd lost his father during a Viking raid (but not to heroics) and then crushed his leg trying to be a man. When an endless winter descends, he leaves his stepfather's home and is recruited by talking animals who are actually Thor, Odin and Loki, exiled to earth by a Frost Giant. Odd ultimately outwits the giant in a way that upholds and yet totally subverts the trope, at the end returning home still humble but successful and clearly destined for more adventures. Like George R.R. Martin's The Ice Dragon (2006), this 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 (and the Frost Giant's response to feisty Freya!). All in all, another winner. (final art not seen) (Fantasy. 8 & up)
From the Publisher
A rare tale that values brains over brawn—light, bright, and handsomely tricked out. — Kirkus Reviews
OCTOBER 2009 - AudioFile
Neil Gaiman does a good bear voice. This is important in an audiobook populated with a talking bear, a talking fox, a talking eagle, a Frost Giant, Norse gods, and a Viking boy named Odd. In Gaiman's voice, the bear grumbles, the fox wheedles, the eagle screeches, and the giant booms—and occasionally reverberates. Odd mostly just takes things as they come, journeying between his world and Asgard, helping the gods, and growing up along the way. Gaiman's nods to other stories in traditional Norse mythology will appeal to young listeners who are familiar with it and intrigue those who aren't. Either way, they'll be drawn into this fun, fast-moving adventure. J.M.D. 2010 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine
