Can a nature-loving young Viking convince his town there's more to life than fighting? Find out in Laura Gehl & Timothy Banks new book--THE HIKING VIKING!

THE HIKING VIKING

by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Timothy Banks

Capstone Editions, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-68446-427-2

Source: Blue Slip Media

Ages 4-8

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

While the other Vikings love to holler and howl and battle and brawl, Leif prefers spending time by himself atop the beautiful fjord. But when it's time for the Viking Games, everyone must participate. Will Leif let down his clan . . . or surprise them? Highlighting the value of nature and earthly wonders, best-selling author Laura Gehl teams up with illustrator Timothy Banks to remind readers to stay true to themselves and to look at things from a new perspective. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR

Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of more than thirty popular picture books, board books, and early readers including One Big Pair of Underwear, Except When They Don't, My Pillow Keeps Moving, and the Baby Scientist series. She loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking. Laura lives in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with her husband and four children (all of whom are willing to hike as long as tasty trail snacks are involved). Visit Laura online at lauragehl.com.

Twitter: @AuthorLauraGehl
Instagram: @authorlauragehl
Facebook: @AuthorLauraGehl

Timothy Banks is an award-winning illustrator from Charleston, South Carolina. He’s created character designs for Nike, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network; quirky covers for Paste magazine; and lots of children’s books with titles like A Valentine for Frankenstein, Nian, The Chinese New Year Dragon, and There’s a Norseman in My Classroom. Timothy also loves to hike and find inspiring scenery along with his talented wife and three energetic daughters.

READERS GUIDE

Follow this link to download a Reader’s Guide to The Hiking Viking!

REVIEW

Leif doesn't like to fight or wrestle or throw spears, he prefers to hike and enjoy nature.  Unfortunately, with the Viking Games coming up, his family insists that he practice the skills he will need to compete.  Despite his efforts to help his family understand his preference for hiking, they just don't get it.  And when the Viking Games do take place, he feels like he let his clan down when it ends in a tie. But when the judges announce that the winner will be the clan with the greatest treasure, Leif comes up with an idea that just might save the day.  

So many people will be able to relate to Leif, who wants to be a part of his clan, he just doesn't fit in the way everyone else thinks he should.  Gehl clearly demonstrates the importance of finding and using one's own talents and pursuing one's own interests.  The themes related to enjoying nature and appreciating its value shine through especially well in the illustrations.  I also appreciated the fact that Leif didn't give up, even when things didn't go his way.  This fun book would be a great read a loud and discussion starter both in and out of the classroom. I also appreciated the way the book highlights indirectly the danger of stereotypes and the importance of understanding other points of view.

ILLUSTRATIONS