A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology

by Heather Alexander

Korean edition of [A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology: Odin, Thor, Loki, and Other Viking Gods, Goddesses, Giants, and Monsters] by Heather Alexander. Packed with action, intrigue, trickery, and love, [A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology] acquaints kids with the original North Germanic and Scandinavian folklore behind characters like Thor and Loki, plus other gods, goddesses, giants, dwarves, and more. Korean edition translated by Hwang So Yeon.

Genres: Childrens, Mythology

Hardcover

Published July 15, 2019

Reviews

[Leah Delcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my 8-year-old son and he was just as captivated as I was. Some of the myths/stories are a bit gruesome in detail so use parental discretion. I admittedly knew very little about Norse Mythology before reading this and it sparked enough interest in me that I started seeking out more books about the topic. It’s fascinating how much of our modern culture/stories are linked to many of the Norse myths.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors did a wonderful job putting together a detailed biographical summary for the major and some minor Norse gods and giants, while mentioning dwarves, elves and trolls but not really incorporating them into the myths of the second half of the book. They are written very casually, which I sometimes found to be condescending. Illustrations were nicely done and on every page, plus a large fold-out family tree at the back.

What I don’t fault the author for is the limited subject material. Maybe I’m not a huge fantasy fan, but many of these myths come off as pure sitting around the fire entertainment (with a smattering of attempts to explain why the world is the way it is). Combine that with a lot of Thor smashing giants, Loki playing not just mischief maker but actual bad guy repeatedly and Odin seeing all but democratically asking everyone what they should do - I was just underwhelmed after the Greek pantheon.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Alexander and Illustrator Meredith Hamilton welcome children across the Rainbow bridge to deep dive into Norse Mythology.
From Loki to Odin, giants, battles, Gods, Loki, Thor, vengeful Goddesses and explanations of certain stars, environments and animals, Alexander does a great job with giving kids a nice look into the war-like world of these myths.

The text is pretty heavy for these stories, but they do everything in a respectful and fair way. There doesn't seem to be a sway or censorship on these stories, but it is definitely explained in a kid-friendly manner.
While not a bedtime story per say, the stories are fun and engaging, empowering for both the little heroes and heroines in each child. So be you dwarf, elf, or monster, your story is here and told as only Norse mythology can explain.
Enjoy!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9 year old daughter loved this book. She is currently obsessed with mythology (thank you, Rick Riordan) and found this book to be informative and fascinating. Some of the stories do get a bit dark (war, death, etc.), but the author manages to keep these tales still kid friendly.

[Elenore Figg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Mostly because the pictures are as engaging as the text and when I read to a child I want to feel like they didn't just lose interest because of boring imagery and too many words.
I wish I could give it more stars because of the engagement factor.

[Destany Westrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cute way to teach my children about the Norse Mythos

[kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect introduction to Norse Mythology.