Odd and the Frost Giants

Product Information

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. Gaiman was the creator/writer of monthly cult DC Comics horror-weird series, Sandman, which won nine Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Norman Mailer said of Sandman: "Along with all else, Sandman is a comic strip for intellectuals, and I say it's about time." 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.

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. 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.

Check-In

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. 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. 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. 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!

Either way this is a much better presented version of the Norse tale than previous versions - with of course the addition of atmospheric illustrations. I don't have much more to say since this is a pretty short little book. The only thing I could add is that I enjoyed it immensely! 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 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!"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 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.

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. 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! 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. 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.

Help

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!

While Odd was on the run, he came across the Gods of Asgard who have gotten themselves into a bit of trouble.... And Odd volunteers to help them!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. 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. 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.