Books by genre
Top 10 books about Norse myths for kids
Norse myths (Thor, Odin, Loki, Asgard) are popular with kids who know them from Marvel films, and the original stories are different and often funnier. The older collections are bleak in places, since the world ends in the myths. Pick by age.
Titles were chosen from award winners, ALSC notable lists and long-running library favorites, then each title and author was checked against Open Library in Oct 2026. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.
D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths
Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire · Ages 6-12
The d'Aulaires' lithographs and plain retellings of Thor, Odin, Loki and the Giants. A first book for young kids.
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Odd and the Frost Giants
Neil Gaiman · Ages 8-12
A short novel about a boy who meets Thor, Odin and Loki disguised as animals. Quick and funny.
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Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer
Rick Riordan · Ages 10-14
A homeless Boston teen learns he is a demigod and must stop the end of the world. Modern humor and mythology.
Watch for: Magnus dies early in the story; some deaths follow.
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The Children of Odin
Padraic Colum · Ages 9-13
Classic retellings from Asgard with Willy Pogany's illustrations.
Watch for: Older prose style.
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Loki: A Bad God's Guide to Being Good
Louie Stowell · Ages 8-11
Loki is demoted to a boy and must do good deeds. Funny, illustrated, easy to read.
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Norse Mythology
Neil Gaiman · Ages 12+
Gaiman retells the major myths, from the creation to Ragnarok. Written for a general audience, so readers under 12 may find it slow.
Watch for: Violence and some adult jokes.
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The Norse Myths
Kevin Crossley-Holland · Ages 11-16
A scholarly but readable retelling of the main myths, with a long glossary.
Watch for: Adult language of conflict.
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Dragon Slayer: The Story of Beowulf
Rosemary Sutcliff · Ages 10-14
Beowulf's three fights, retold simply. A good way into the epic.
Watch for: Fighting and monsters.
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The Sea of Trolls
Nancy Farmer · Ages 11-15
An apprentice bard is captured by Vikings and taken to Norway. A mix of Viking life and mythology.
Watch for: Violence and slavery.
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Thor's Wedding Day
Bruce Coville · Ages 6-9
Thor loses his hammer and must dress as a bride to get it back. A funny picture book with Norse flavor.
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