Edda

March 31, 2014
Adjusting to the rhythms and rules of school can be tough for any kid, but imagine how much of a challenge it is for a young Norse warrior maiden. Edda wants to spend time with people her own age, which is why she asks her kindly papa (though he’s never named, with his eye-patch, it’s safe to assume he’s Odin) to fly her from Asgard to a typical neighborhood elementary school. But making the transition from helping “search the land for unruly monsters” to sitting still in class and waiting in line for the slide is asking a lot. Auerbach—an accomplished editorial artist with an approachable line drawing style and a sly, sympathetic wit—makes a terrific children’s book debut in this folklore-meets-first-day story. He doesn’t get too specific with his Norse inspirations (Edda’s magical home is as much Adventure Time as Asgard), but Edda is a fresh, funny twist on the kid who can’t quite find a groove. While most readers won’t have access to a dragon to help smooth the way for themselves, they should find her story encouraging. Ages 4–8.

June 1, 2014
Wagner's operas inspired this Valkyrie-themed look at the first day of school.Choosing to define Valkyrie as "an ancient Norse goddess who guides and protects heroes" (rather than the more common life-or-death decision-maker for warriors), Auerbach's choice of protagonist is an unusual one that may simply go over the heads of young readers, though they will certainly empathize with her. Off to school to meet kids her own age, Edda is not sure Earth compares favorably to her life back in Asgard. At home, Edda can do as she pleases, whereas at school, she will get a timeout if she doesn't follow the rules. No one wants to share or trade lunches with Edda, who has brought a flagon of...something and a huge hunk of meat still on the bone, and she misses the amazing wildlife of Asgard-Rex the classroom guinea pig is no substitute. But things begin to look up when Edda uses a difficult writing assignment to describe Asgard for her classmates, who suddenly want to know more about Edda and where she lives. Auerbach's pen-and-ink illustrations were colored digitally, giving them a flat, matte aspect. The two worlds are just as incongruous as adult readers might imagine.While this will introduce readers to aspects of Norse mythology, there's not enough detail to satisfy; the questions this will raise far outweigh any comfort those new to school may gain from it. (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-In Norse mythology, Valkyries are no strangers to battlefields, where they guide and protect heroes. In this clever picture book, Edda is the littlest of her clan. Her days are filled with hunting monsters and doing what she pleases, but she longs to be around children her own age. Her father flies her from Asgard to Earth on a magical horse for her first day of school. Although Edda is brave, her mettle is tested as she has to learn to wait her turn, sit still, and make friends. At first, she finds writing hard work, but once she starts to describe her magical home, she hits her stride and her story is a big hit. The tone of the cartoon art fits the book to a tee and enhances the fun. Filled with fantastical creatures and realistic-looking children, this twist on the all-too-familiar first-day jitters and summoning courage is a delight. Children will relate to Edda, root for her success, and might be tempted to learn a bit more about Asgard.-Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.