Two Terrible Vikings and Grunt the Berserker

Two Terrible Vikings and Grunt the Berserker is a rip-roaring tale of historical fun. It follows the tale of two young Vikings, Hack and Whack, and their daily lives; everything from trips to market to their first experience of school.  The pair take being a Viking very seriously and do their best to create trouble wherever they go; they particularly enjoy raiding! In fact, one of their catchphrases is, "Raid or trade?"

One day, their worst nightmare comes true when Grunt Iron-Skull, a fierce and stinky berserker, moves in next door. Imagine how bad it must be if two of the most troublesome Vikings find living next door to him a real pain in the neck. They must work together along with all of their friends to try and find a solution to getting rid of the worst Viking there is!

This is such a great book for younger readers, some of the language is quite tricky and there are historical aspects that may need explaining but this is a brilliant way to engage younger readers with history and I know the funny aspects will be a real crowd pleaser.

176 pages / Reviewed by Nicola Mansfield Niemi, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Comprising three episodes, Two Terrible Vikings and Grunt the Beserker takes a rather less than serious peek at Viking times, as lived (principally) by siblings Hack and Whack, their domestic animals Bitey-Bitey and Peck-Pecky, friends Dirty Ulf and Elsa Gold-Hair, their would-be teacher Thorkel the Stout, and the definitely not so friendly Grunt Iron-Skull with his own undomesticated Muddy Butt.

The Pen portraits by illustrator Steve May tell the reader much about their character before the action begins - and there's certainly plenty of that in the following pages. Even going to the market, or a day at school, is quite an adventure. As for what happens when a new neighbour arrives - one with a reputation, and a smell, that precede him – well, that's another story.

Grunt the Beserker is a force to be reckoned with. How can a band of untrained, not to say unruly, little Viking kids possibly get the better of him? Read on! This is great storytelling: simple, fun and perfect for Key Stage 1s, whether read aloud or alone.

176 pages / Reviewed by Jane Rew, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+