How to be a Viking

Hiccup is a tiny, thoughtful and polite Viking. The other Vikings are 'enormous roaring burglars with bristling moustaches' so poor Hiccup really feels like he doesn't fit in. It doesn't help that his father, Stoick the Vast, is everything a Viking should be and doesn't understand how frightened Hiccup is of going to sea for the first time. But when things go wrong in the storm - who will save the day? This is the book where it all began! A letter from Cressida Cowell explains where her inspiration for the story came from and, in sharing this, inspires others to follow that 'one little idea'. With a really good story line, well-developed characters and a strong 'message' to the tale, this book is a gift to teachers! There are so many ways that this could be used in the classroom. First and foremost, however, this is an excellent read aloud for parents, teachers and children to enjoy. It offers huge potential for 'doing the voices', creating actions and joining in with the Viking song (making up hundreds of different tunes of course!). The vocabulary chosen is a joy to read - 'Little grandson,' wheezed Old Wrinkly, and his breath was like being kissed by a mackerel' and offers so many opportunities for discussion. The illustrations are charming and full of humour. I love the changing expression of the figurehead on the Viking ship - smug as they first leave, concerned as the waves grow higher and positively queasy as the Vikings give in to their sea-sickness! A real treasure! Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 3+