This is a first for my recommended reading: a book that has more space taken up by words than art. But this one is worth it, because
- It’s inspired by mythology, which will always get consideration from me
- It’s funny
- It’s subversive af.
The overall conceit of the book is great: Odin has banished Loki to life as a child on earth. If he can show ‘moral improvement’ in one month he’ll be allowed to return to Asgard; if he fails, he spends eternity in a stinky chamber with a snake dripping venom onto him (<— yay for a mythological reference).
Joining him on earth as his ‘human’ family are Thor as his blond, better looking, and much stronger ‘brother’; Heimdall, the watchmen of the gods as his ‘father’; and the giant Hyrrokkin as his ‘mother’.
In addition to the built in 30-day clock, there’s one more thing: a magical diary that Loki must write in every day to prove he’s becoming a better person. Except the diary responds, makes corrections, and keeps track of the Loki Virtue Score that quantifies his improvement (it starts at -3000).
Overall, it’s a great addition to the genre of books for kids who have to deal with going to school and want to read something that makes them feel understood.
But frankly, it’s the subversive humor – or as the Brits say, humour (the author Louie is indeed a Brit)(and yes, we are on a first-name basis already).
This was a book that I had trouble reading because I kept having to share something funny online (to Mastodon, where I do most of my public social networking these days). Either it impressed my inner 12yo or it impressed my inner adult. I’ll just let the stuff I had to share speak for itself below.
If you dig subversive & funny kidlit, this is the book for you.
Not sure if I’m going to read this book or keep getting distracted by funny bits.
