The Three Vikings

March 1, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-Three Vikings sit around a campfire with the littlest one playing music and "singing about Valhalla, the magical place where the strongest and bravest Vikings go." The male Viking has strength, and the female Viking has bravery. The little one has neither, but he does have confidence and musical ability. As they journey to Valhalla and encounter a troll, the little Viking tries a song, but the strongest Viking is able to vanquish the troll. When they encounter a kraken in the sea, the little Viking's lullaby fails and the brave Viking must dive deep to put the creature to sleep. The littlest Viking is certain he can help defeat a dragon by playing a musical tune, but the dragon likes the music so much, she wants to keep the instrument (a lyre) for herself. Luckily, the brave and strong Vikings come to the rescue and give up their shields so the dragon can use them as cymbals. As they finally arrive at Valhalla, and enter the grand hall, they receive a warm reception. Precise and colorful pen and ink illustrations drawn with a black outline complement the ordered structure of this tale that celebrates individuality and music. VERDICT A pleasing tale of individuals who use their unique strengths-might, bravery, and musical talent-in just the right way.-Ramarie Beaver, Plano Public Library System, TX

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2018
A diminutive green Viking who makes music instead of war is the eventual hero of this small saga.Three Vikings, an orange man with a beard (the "strongest"), a blue woman with purplish hair (the "bravest"), and a small green Viking boy, all wearing the requisite helmets with horns, want to enter Valhalla, "the magical place where the strongest and bravest Vikings go." During their ensuing adventures, the smallest Viking works hard to show the others that he has what it takes to enter Odin's magical hall, but he usually comes up short. First the trio confronts "an ornery troll," then a kraken, and then a dragon. With each monster, the littlest Viking tries to use music to save the day, but the strongest and the bravest Vikings must step in. When they finally reach their goal, however, the smallest Viking finds his niche: There are no musicians among the multicolored inhabitants of Valhalla. Just as in Leo Lionni's Frederick, the warriors "had been waiting for just the right Viking to come along and fill their days with music and stories." Bold, humorous cartoon illustrations, created with pen and ink, watercolor, and digital color, will hold the interest of group listeners. The message that the arts are as important as fighting is a positive one.Youngsters may want to learn more about Norse lore after reading this pleasant tale. (Picture book. 5-7)

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May 13, 2019
Three Vikings embark on an epic quest to Valhalla, “the magical place where the strongest and bravest Vikings go.” In order to reach their destination, they have to travel “over the tallest mountains, across the widest sea, and through the darkest forest.” The smallest Viking is neither the bravest nor the strongest, but he has musical abilities and a tiny green lyre. When he tries to deter monsters with song along the way, though, the other two Vikings must intervene to save the group. Finally, after making it to Valhalla, the disheartened smallest one asks why he’s being welcomed. But upon entering the glittering world, the little guy discovers that its residents have “been waiting for just the right Viking to come along and fill their days with music and stories.”Auerbach (Monkey Brother) makes clever use of color in his bright, cartoon-style watercolors, showing how each character shines in scenes that match the character’s dominant shade of blue, green, or orange. Upon reaching Valhalla, a rainbow of colors helps to emphasize the story’s underlying message: everyone has something special to contribute. Ages 4–8.

March 15, 2019
Preschool-G Three Vikings seated around a campfire muse about going to Valhalla, a magical Viking afterlife full of food. All are sure they will be invited, although privately, the strongest and the bravest aren't sure their smaller musical friend will be asked. In a dream all are summoned to travel over mountains, across the sea, and through the forest to this paradise. They fend off trolls, sea monsters, and a fire-breathing dragon (that, it turns out, loves music) and arrive at Valhalla to find a room full of feasting Vikings, awaiting song and story. The author of Edda (2014) offers another Norse-themed story with plot elements sure to interest contemporary kids. Brightly colored, digitally enhanced mixed-media illustrations feature stylized geometric shapes (boxy squared Vikings; triangularly shaped trolls and mountains) and many setting details (horned helmets, leg wrappings, shields, jewelry). Reminiscent of Tomi Ungerer's The Three Robbers (1961), this story keeps an upbeat tone despite the fact that only the dead enter Valhalla. As well, the idea that the arts are valuable comes through loud and clear.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)