Arthur and the Golden Rope (Brownstone's Mythical Collection #1)

In surveying his family's vault of treasures collected over generations, Professor Brownstone introduces his earliest ancestor. Arthur, a strange but good-hearted boy, has been going on magical adventures all of his life. But when his village is attacked by monsters, it's up to Arthur to find the magical items needed to restart the town's fire and drive out the beasts. Adapted from several Norse mythology tales, like the binding of Fenrir, this offering is a great way to introduce kids to Norse mythology. However, an author's note discussing who all the different monsters are and explaining the allusions to different stories would have made this a great educational resource. Todd-Stanton's artistic approach is folksy yet modern: big on charm and excellent at telling such an epic tale. And the graphic novel format makes this work a compelling adventure, suitable for reluctant readers. VERDICT Here's hoping Professor Brownstone has more stories to tell in the future. A quirky choice for newly independent and myth-loving readers.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

The Brownstones have been adventurers for generations, the artifacts from their exploits housed in a family vault; this tale, Todd-Stanton's debut, is about the first of their clan: an Icelandic boy named Arthur. When the giant wolf Fenrir destroys his village's great fire, Arthur is chosen to seek help from the Norse gods. Arthur's quest to find Thor and his kin is easy compared to the one that Thor sends him on: to acquire the ingredients to create a golden rope to bind Fenrir. Blending elements of picture book and graphic novel, Todd-Stanton's book offers a light introduction to Norse myth, drawn in a style that evokes both classic Franco-Belgian comics and the work of contemporary creators like Kate Beaton and Noelle Stevenson. Earthy colors and numerous scenes of daring action invite readers into a magical and mythical world, as do endpapers featuring characters (both god and monster) and maps. Arthur-small of stature, bespectacled, brave, and quick-thinking-is first-rate proof that tiny can be mighty, and readers will look forward to hearing about his descendants' adventures. Ages 5-9.

Copyright 2016 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.