Best Norse Gods Book for Kids (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Finding the best norse gods book for kids is easier once you know the reader: a younger child may want short illustrated myths, while a confident reader may want a long quest. We compared the books by listed reading age, grade level, print length and series position.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Norse Myths by d'Aulaire	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Magnus Chase Set by Riordan	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Myths for Kids by Nordvig	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Gods and Heroes by Briggs	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Norse Mythology by Gaiman	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Norse Myths by d'Aulaire

Ingri d'Aulaire·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated retelling for a young reader meeting Odin, Thor and Loki for the first time.

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Pros

• Illustrations throughout, per the description
• Reading age 6 to 10 years, grade 3 to 7
• The listing states the d'Aulaires won a Caldecott Medal

Cons

• Only 160 pages, short for a long-book reader
• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Includes Ragnarokk, which parents may want to preview

2

Magnus Chase Set by Riordan

Rick Riordan·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A three-book Norse quest series for a confident reader in grade 5 to 9.

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Pros

• Three books in one boxed set
• 1584 pages for a committed reader
• Grade 5 to 9, reading age 10+ years

Cons

• 1584 pages is long for a reluctant reader
• A trilogy, not a standalone story
• Includes a death-defying quest and Ragnarok

3

Myths for Kids by Nordvig

Mathias Nordvig PhD·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A collection of 20 Norse myths with illustrations and a pronunciation guide.

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Pros

• 20 myths, glossary and pronunciation guide
• Illustrations pair with each myth
• Grade 4 to 6 for middle-grade readers

Cons

• Reading age 4 to 10 starts below grade 4 to 6
• Short myths, not one long adventure
• Only 144 pages

4

Gods and Heroes by Briggs

Korwin Briggs·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An A-to-Z encyclopedia of myths from 23 cultures, Norse gods included.

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Pros

• More than 70 characters from 23 cultures
• Reading age 8 to 11, grade 3 to 7
• 304 pages in encyclopedia format

Cons

• Only part covers Norse myths
• Reading age marked as from customers only
• Includes underworlds and monsters to preview

5

Norse Mythology by Gaiman

Neil Gaiman·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An illustrated retelling of the Norse myths for an older reader.

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Pros

• Full-color illustrations throughout the edition
• Connected arc from the nine worlds onward
• Published November 12, 2024

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• 256 pages may stretch a younger reader
• Includes fierce battles with giants

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More picks to compare

• Loki: A Bad God’s Guide by StowellFor readers ages 9 to 12 who like a funny Norse-inspired middle-grade adventure.Check on Amazon
• Mythology Stories for Kids by Cozy NookFor ages 6 to 12, Norse myths beside Greek and other world myths.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Four of the five picks list a reading age, marked as from customers, and four list a grade level, while one pick states neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best norse gods book for kids

Match the reading age and the grade level together

Grade level usually comes from the publisher, while the listing marks reading age as from customers. When they agree, as with D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths at grade 3 to 7 and a reading age of 6 to 10 years, you can trust the range. When they disagree, as with Norse Mythology for Kids, read a sample page before deciding.

Pick a retelling or an adventure

Retellings such as D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths walk through the myths themselves, while Magnus Chase turns the gods into a quest story. For the myths in comic form, browse the best norse mythology graphic novel list, and for more retellings see our best books about norse mythology list.

Check the format before buying

The Magnus Chase listing is a three-book paperback boxed set, not a single volume, while the other picks are single volumes. Check the edition year too: Norse Mythology: The Illustrated Edition is dated November 12, 2024, while Gods and Heroes dates to August 21, 2018.

Before you buy

• Check the format: the Magnus Chase listing is a three-book paperback boxed set, not a single volume.
• For a series, buy Book 1 first and confirm the series number on the listing.
• Compare the grade level with the reader’s current grade, and read the description for themes such as battles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good first norse gods book for a young child?

D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths suits a first reader: the listing gives a reading age of 6 to 10 years, marked as from customers, and grade level 3 to 7, with illustrations throughout.

Which book suits a reader who wants a long Norse adventure?

The Magnus Chase paperback boxed set collects three books, 1584 pages, with a reading age of 10+ years, marked as from customers, and grade level 5 to 9.

Do any of these books include a pronunciation guide?

Norse Mythology for Kids includes a glossary and pronunciation guide of Nordic terms, per its description, and 20 myths.

Still deciding? Our top pickNorse Myths by d'Aulaire

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Related lists

See every fantasy books list and all fiction lists.

More lists: best norse mythology graphic novel, best books about norse mythology and best middle grade dragon books.