Arthur and the Golden Rope

Gr 3 Up—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.