Lamp Side Reading #1: Brownstone's Mythical Collection: Arthur and the Golden Rope

This weekend, a new book unveiled itself to me when I took my family to a local bookstore. With its golden letters glimmering in the light, I grabbed a hardcover book that dawned the name Joe Todd Stanton at the top. I loved the art style at first sight but, as I started to read the opening pages, I realized that it was not only a beautifully illustrated story but that the story itself was also engaging. I knew then that I needed to buy this book and take it home for a deeper read.

Stanton created a series of books that follow the Brownstone family and the adventures of their ancestors. In Arthur and the Golden Rope, we follow the journey of Arthur, a kid from Iceland who had an itch for adventure. Due to an interaction with Fenrir in his village, Arthur is faced with a great task to help save his village from a frozen fate.

The artwork of Arthur and the Golden Rope draws you in and continues to keep your attention throughout the book. Stanton’s way of providing scale allow you to understand that Arthur is a small kid who is exploring a world that is grand in scale. The texture of the pages also add to the feeling of the story. I was able to see a few more books from this series and I can’t wait to buy a few more stories from this collection.

Who would I recommend this book to?

According to the No Brow site, the intended audience for this book is for children ages five to seven but I feel that it would be entertaining for individuals far beyond that audience. The book is only 56 pages long but, for an adult, it is a quick read. As a parent and teacher, I felt that this book would be great for read aloud time and for bedtime reading. From the flow of the story to the engaging artwork, the book is a welcoming story that makes you want to find more adventures from the Brownstone collection. I would greatly recommend this book for kids who enjoy adventure stories and for adults who are still young at heart and would like a lighthearted romp through a small portion of Norse Mythology.

Brownstone’s Mythical Collection: Arthur and the Golden Rope retails for $18.95 USD and can be found on online book retailers and where fine books are sold. If possible, check out your locally owned bookstores and give them your support!

Thank you for checking out the first entry for our new Lamp Side Reading series. The books on this series will vary from children books to adult novels. If there are any books that you would recommend, please send us your suggestions on Facebook or Twitter!