Adam Auerbach

The littlest Valkyrie in Asgard, Edda enjoyed many things about her home, from the adventures chasing unruly monsters to the feasts that everyone shared together. But she also longed to know other children her own age, leading her wise father to take her down to earth, to attend something called "school." School was an adjustment, but fortunately Edda was brave...

A sweet, Norse-mythology-inspired take on one of the classic early childhood experiences - heading off to school for the first show more time - Edda: A Little Valkyrie's First Day of School pairs an engaging, humorous tale with appealing illustrations. I liked the fact that Edda used storytelling to connect with her new classmates, as this tallies with the larger mythological themes. Recommended to anyone looking for entertaining first-day-of-school stories, or for picture-books that use Norse mythology as a starting point. show less

Three Vikings dream of getting to Valhalla in this third picture-book from author/illustrator Adam Auerbach. One of the Vikings is sure he'll get in, for he is the strongest. Another is positive she'll make it, because she is the bravest. The smallest amongst them is a gentle musician, and although he attempts to be helpful on their quest, he often finds that the others must come to the rescue. When the trio finally cross the rainbow bridge to Valhalla, he has to wonder: what does he show more bring...?

An entertaining and ultimately satisfying tale is paired with cute illustrations in The Three Vikings, which, like Auerbach's debut, Edda: A Little Valkyrie's First Day of School, features an Old Norse cultural background. The conclusion, in which the littlest Viking is welcomed at the Hall of Heroes, where his skills as a musician and a bard make him quite desirable, emphasizes that there is more than one way to participate in the heroic. The world may need its warriors and heroes, but it needs its storytellers as well. Recommended to Adam Auerbach fans, and to anyone looking for stories about heroism, storytelling, and being a musician. show less

When your little brother is a monkey - really a monkey - it can be something of a problem, as the young narrator of this humorous but heartwarming picture-book makes plain. He can cause quite a mess, follow you everywhere you go, and annoy your dog with his antics. But he also can be rather sweet, upon occasion...

This second picture-book from author/artist Adam Auerbach, following upon his debut, Edda: A Little Valkyrie's First Day of School, examines a common childhood issue - how to deal show more with annoying younger siblings - in a new and entertaining way. The artwork is colorful and engaging, with plenty going on on each page to keep the young reader involved. Recommended to all young monkey lovers, as well as to anyone looking for fun new sibling books. show less

Edda is the littlest Valkyrie and loves her life of adventure in Asgard, but she also wants to make friends her own age. When she tells her father this, he lets her go to earth and go to school with other kids. She has never been away from Asgard, but her papa assures her that even little Valkyries can be very brave. School is hard at first, especially when she is trying to make new friends and learning to follow the rules, but soon Edda finds a way to make friends in class and to do well in show more her new school.

Edda’s story can help children starting school learn about some of the hard things about school, but that they can have an adventures and be very brave like Edda. Although school may not be portrayed as fun, the positive messages about friendship and being brave though it can be difficult remain prevalent. While Edda has some Norse mythology themes, it’s only a hint rather than an introduction to this mythology system. Still, many children will be able to relate to being scared of the first day of school but learning to be brave anyway. show less