Treasury of Norse Mythology (Mythology National Geographic)

In the appended notes, Napoli explains how she dealt with multiple sources giving different accounts of events and characters. With the first volume of Rick Riordan’s Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series just released, Napoli and Balit’s new mythology treasury is particularly welcome.

Gr 4-8 - Witty, informative, and entertaining, this collection of Norse myths will satisfy the storyteller at heart, whether read aloud or silently. The stories are compiled in an attractive, oversize volume. Pages feature intricate borders and larger-than-life characters. At first glance, this title looks similar to other juvenile nonfiction compilations, and readers flipping through quickly may not be especially wowed by the design. However, these attractive and evocative illustrations actively work to support the text. The characters-gods and giants, tricksters and warriors-inhabit a dramatic world of life and death. Napoli reveals how geography, climate, language, and culture influenced the stories. Though the author occasionally comments on characters' selfish ruthlessness ("Loki, oh, Loki, Loki, Loki-he just couldn't keep himself from wicked deeds."), the gods are larger-than-life and are not blunted to conform to modern sensibilities. The afterword is of note, as Napoli reveals the various inconsistencies in Norse mythology and her decision-making process. Readers will come away from this work with a greater understanding of the topic. VERDICT Buy it, and if space is an issue, weed to make it fit.

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