Leif the unlucky Viking by Gary Northfield

The Viking wolf pup wants to be a true Viking hero just like his dad.   Unfortunately, Leif is always tripping up, falling down holes, ripping his trousers and nobody fears him, they just laugh at him.  So when a shooting star crashes to Earth and a witch arrives at his village asking the chief’s (Leif’s Dad) help but he claims he is too busy, Leif decides that this is his opportunity to prove he is a fearsome and smart Viking not just to himself but also to his Dad and his (annoying) older sister who never trips or makes mistakes. 

No one trusts Leif to do anything, and the author has crafted him to be such a funny, likeable character that the reader will be cheering him on.  Leif has to journey deep into the heart of polar bear country to retrieve the star, on his adventure he is joined by a series of interesting and “helpful” characters that at times steal the limelight and create some comedic moments as he tries to outwit and defeat mythological and real creatures who are trying to stop him from reaching his goal.    

This book is brilliantly written, and the reader will be giggling along as Leif encounters a range of characters who each present their own challenges including giant, extremely grumpy, polar bears, monster whales, mythological creatures, annoying older sisters and a cunning witch! 

This is a book that would be brilliant as a class read aloud as the teacher will enjoy it just as much as the children.  It was a great read, and I am sure that children and adults will enjoy it and reread it.  A fabulous book with Viking adventures, Gods fighting and dropping mythical objects to Earth and a wolf pup who just wants to prove he is as fearsome and fabulous as his dad.  This is the first in a series and I can’t wait to read the next one.

Themes: Adventure, Humour, Vikings, Friendship, Family.

Mhairi Alcorn