My ten-year-old over and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection over the past several months. It is full of charming illustrations — both childlike and intricate — paired with the strange and exciting stories of the Norse gods.

My ten-year-old’s favourite parts were the stories with the women — the valiant Valkyrie, Sif and her golden hair, Frigg and her magical distaff, Idunn and her golden apples, Skade choosing a husband by his legs only.

I’ve read this charming tale with both of my children when they were in second grade. It is full of magic, danger, adventure and excitement. The heroes of the story are each on a path to fulfill their destiny, and have to prove their bravery and wits against mythical creatures and evil foes.

The sheer amount of characters (sometimes with multiple names) can be overwhelming to keep track of, and the story can weave in a circuitous way at times, but, in the end, it all comes together in a satisfying way.