D'aulaires' Book of Norse Myths (New York Review Children's Collection Series) »

Edgar Parin D’Aulaire (1898–1986) studied art in Germany and France, and worked with Henri Matisse. In Munich, he met Ingri Mortenson (1904–1980), a Norwegian-born art student. They married, emigrated to the US, and began a long career together, during which they published over twenty picture books for children. The Magic Rug was followed by Ola and East of the Sun and West of the Moon, both of which describe Norwegian folklore. Their work shifted to American history with Abraham Lincoln, a biography which won the 1940 Caldecott Medal. The d’Aulaires were awarded the Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association in 1970.

Michael Chabon is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay and the children’s book, Summerland. He lives in Berkeley, California.

The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their young audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god of the Jotun Race, and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods. Children meet Bragi, the god of poetry, and the famous Valkyrie maidens, among other gods, goddesses, heroes, and giants. Illustrations throughout depict the wondrous other world of Norse folklore and its fantastical Northern landscape.

(James Hynes) - New York Times Book Review

"Out of print for many years, 'Norse God's and Giants' has been very handsomely reissued by the The New York Review Children's Collection and retitled 'd'Aulaire's Book of Norse Myths'.   Featuring a sturdy sewn binding, the book arguably represents the pinnacle of the d'Aulaires' achievement as storytellers and artists.... the prose seems livelier and more robust in the Norse myths than in the Greek...Their retelling of the Greek myths for children had to pull its punches somewhat ....but since sex doesn't feature as prominently in Norse mythology, this book is able to stay scrupulously faithful to the Edda and still maintain its PG rating.  But not to worry: there's still a lot of drinking, fighting and bad behavior, particularly on the part of fiery Thor, who is forever whacking frost giants on the head with his hammer, and the highly entertaining Loki, who is one of the most complicated and devious characters in anybody's mythology, anywhere.  Loki is the Bart Simpson of Norse mythology, forever pulling pranks, forever getting caught and forever talking his way out of the consequences...There's certainly nothing here to upset any kid who's already sat through all 12 hours of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings." and indeed, that same kid would have to be dull as a frost giant not to notice just how large a debt Tolkien owes to Snorri Sturluson (most of the dwarves' names in 'The Hobbit', for example, come straight from the Edda).  I ...  imagine the Snorri Sturluson (or Thor or Loki or even Odin himself) would only be thrilled by the d'Aulaires energetic, witty and gorgeous retelling of these truly amazing stories.