Odd and the Frost Giants

Product Information

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. 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.

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.

Keep in touch

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. As mentioned a few days ago already, this is the special edition of a story Neil Gaiman wrote and published for World Book Day in the UK in 2008. In their independent activities they will focus on the main character of Odd, using their inference and deduction skills to explore his thoughts, behaviours and actions further. In the alternative activity they are challenged to put themselves into Odd's shoes, and write a short diary entry explaining what has happened to him in the last two years, and inferring how he feels about this.

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. 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.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!" Overall, this is the perfect dessert to have after reading Norse Mythology (Because it is sweet... get it? GET IT?) 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.