Loki

by Rob M. Worley, Brandon McKinney (Illustrator)

Loki goes by many names, including Maker of Lies, Sly God, Shapeshifter, Trickster, and Wizard of Lies. At times, he just seemed like a harmless prankster. Often, he used his quick wit to undo the very trouble that he had caused. How Loki caused the destruction of Asgard, the land of the gods is retold in this brilliantly illustrated Norse myth.

32 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sadiqa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first thought this was a manga like book. Instead it is one for elementry kids. Its still a good introduction in to the Norse God Loki though. Overall a good book for kids who are interested in mythology.

[Kyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of an odd one. It's not a terrible introduction to the Loki myths for young readers, it's just...odd, starting with the character design, which seems to have been influenced by Marvel comics with the addition of some truly funky headgear. The actual stories told are so sparse that Loki comes off as basically harmless, which makes his punishment for Balder's death seem even more cruel and shocking than it might otherwise and his revenge against the gods in Ragnarok almost justified. This is a lot for a children's book and I don't know that it was intentional, but that's how it reads. Like another reviewer said, it's simplified enough that it could actually be confusing as a kid's first introduction to Loki. I tend to be biased in favor of Lokis as a species, so I actually liked it, but I'm not even sure that the mildly sympathetic portrayal was deliberate, and I don't know that the book is successful in its actual goal.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a volume from the "Short Tales-Norse Myths" series, Magic Wagon Books, Abdo, c2011. The prime audience is ages 8 and up, grades 3 and up. Price is 16.24. Each book presents a simple story about a god of the Norse Myths. Loki, the prankster, who goes by many names including Maker of Lies, Sly god, Shapeshifter, Trickster. Loki was not a god, but a handsome giant, gifted speaker, whose deeds ultimately caused the ruin of Asgard, the land of the gods. Readers will learn of his friendship with Odin, the greatest of all gods, and how he convinced the other gods into going along with his deceitful plan to have a special fortress built to keep out the Frost Giants. This is just a glimpse of what happens, but in the end he causes the death of Baldur, everyone's favorite god. Young Readers drawn to mythology and fantasy genres will devour this simple retelling of a Norse myth, and the vivid illustrations add much enjoyment in presenting this Norse tale of the gods.

[Mir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overview of Loki's greatest hits in Norse mythology, so simplified that I can imagine it being actually confusing to a child moving to better accounts.

Illustrations heavily influenced by Marvel comics. What's up with all the weird headgear?

Recommended for ADD tykes who have no interest in mythology but have to prepare a report of a page or shorter for school.