The fun of Adam Auerbach's debut picture book springs from his illustrations of exotic Asgard, "a land full of magic and adventure," and its "littlest Valkyrie," Edda.
Edda, in full Viking regalia, stands with one foot on a stone, while a dragon peeks at her from behind a tree, a giant pursues a warrior, and tiny bearded men sit on a branch above her. Edda helps her father and sisters find monsters, but she believes there's more to life. "Papa... I want to find someone my own age," she says. The wise man knows of such a place, and takes her to Earth for the first day of school. When she gets to the classroom (still in full Viking gear), no one says hello: "She wishes she were back home in Asgard." In a series of vignettes, Auerbach contrasts what Edda does at home ("what she wants") and in school ("she is expected to sit still"). The funniest contrast occurs at lunchtime, when Edda thinks about the feasts in Asgard and how everyone shares: "In school, no one wants to make a trade." Could it be because of her giant steakbone and strange, tail-shaped drinking vessel?
By day's end, Edda has made a friend, who comes home with her to Asgard, and the next day Edda brings her nervous dragon to class. "Don't worry... Dragons are very brave," she tells her companion, echoing the very words her father told Edda. She's telling readers, "If I can do it, you can, too." --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness