Reviews

Nimpentoad by Henry Herz, Harrison Herz, Josh Herz, Sean Eddingfield, Bill Maus

eyreguide's review

3.0

This is a short, illustrated fantasy book for young children. I reviewed a kindle version of this book which I don’t recommend if you want to appreciate the detail and artistry of the illustrations of the Niblings and the strange and dangerous creatures they encounter on their quest to see the Giant. It’s a simple story that I can see engaging children, especially with the aid of the illustrations, and I found the main character, Nimpentoad, to be a strong, smart and likable hero to lead his people. I also appreciated a children’s story that introduced so many well known fantasy characters to children - trolls, orcs, and giants - and adding wolves and scorpions to the mix. It’s a straightforward story, with the story tension built in how the Niblings overcome or bypass each successive danger they encounter and I think it’s a story that children can very much enjoy.

kyshakitty's review

3.0

I guess as a young readers chapter book its okay but I didn't enjoy the story. The writing in easy to read and moves along fairly well.

jenny_reads_horror's review

5.0

Having been contacted by Henry to read and review Nimpentoad, after reading the description I gladly accepted. If I would of had a copy of Nimpentoad when I was a child, it would of been one of my favorite books. Goblins, giant wolves, Orcs, Rhinotaurs are some of the creatures the little Niblings encounter on their travels through the Grunwald Forest. They might not sound like anything to fear, unless you are a Nibling! Niblings are the smallest of creatures found in the forest, and peculiar they are. They love mushrooms, berries, and bug eggs and they are great cooks. Because they are so small, they are on their way to Goofus the Giant's castle to ask if they can work for him in exchange for protection from the other forest creatures. After all, being the smallest creatures they get picked on and made fun of by the other forest creatures. Their path is full of adventure, bravery, and imagination, thanks to a Nibling named Nimpentoad!

A short little story with many lessons, I can't wait to read this to my daycare children! The descriptions are so vibrant, the story is easy to imagine in your mind. Written by a father and his two elementary age sons, this tale is sure to be a favorite for young and old! Highly recommended!

see_sadie_read's review

5.0

I would give this 4.5 if I could. A strong 5 for the artwork and a 4 for the story. Nimpentoad has many strengths, not least of which is the beautiful artwork (if you can call pictures of goblins, orcs, and trolls beautiful). Eddingfield and Maus really out did themselves. The story itself is interesting and engaging, with a conversational tone. As we follow the adventure of the Niblings through Grunwald Forest small lessons are slipped in. Children learn the danger of not following directions and the rudeness of eating with their mouth open, numbers and colors are introduced, and the fun of eating vegetables declared. It does feel a little rushed, as Nimpentoad outsmarts one forest species after another in quick succession with very little in between, but I doubt a child would notice. All-in-all a beautifully drawn and fun story for children.