Jayne’s Viking, Grandpa, and Dragon reading list
Viking Strong by Doug Cenko
Ingrid the Viking must face fierce competition to be named the strongest viking. But can she win if she doesn’t know how to swim?
Ingrid has everything a Viking could want—a cozy home, a best friend, and very cute kittens. But she’s always wanted one more thing, to win the Strongest Viking Contest. Her only problem? She doesn’t know how to swim! Her best friend Stig is determined to help her learn . . . but along the way Ingrid learns that that some things are even more important than winning.
Review
In last year’s “Viking in Love,” Stig, a Viking, and Ingrid, also a Viking, fell in love after sort of overcoming Stig’s fear of the sea. Stig and Ingrid love a hearty stew, fresh air, and dressing their kittens in (the most) adorable costumes. The kittens’ opinion on the costumes might be different.
And yet, despite this wonderful life, Ingrid still yearns to win the Strongest Viking Contest. She can lift heavy things – such as a small boat with Stig and many kittens in it. She can do difficult things like pat her head while rubbing her belly (no kittens involved), She is great in the running of the kittens (kittens definitely involved) Yet because of her inability to swim, her odds of beating Grom the Unbeatable (5 time winner!) look dim. But Stig supports her (“Go Ingrid!”) and when push comes to shove, Ingrid finds her way and helps save the day.
Ingrid loves the trophy Stig made for her and even if she didn’t beat Grom the Unbeatable (6 time winner!), Ingrid and Stig are going to keep trying and competing. After all, they love to dress their kittens in adorable costumes. Ingrid and Stig continue to show perseverance, inventiveness, true love, facing your fears, and that women can compete in whatever they want. Plus there are kittens! B+
~Jayne
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Grandpa is here! by Tanya Rosie
We speak different languages, Grandpa and I,
but how we laugh and laugh and laugh.Grandpa is finally here to visit! He’s brought a suitcase smelling of Persian spices, walnuts picked from his trees at home, and sparkly saffron to make yellow rice. And Grandpa and granddaughter have so much they want to see and do together. She shows him all her favorite things: the mountaintops, the tunnel she discovered, and the horse in the field. If only Grandpa could stay longer, then he could see the spring—but when time together is limited, it feels all the sweeter and more special. In a touching follow-up to Mum, Me, and the Mulberry Tree, Tanya Rosie and Chuck Groenink deliver a tenderly told and beautifully illustrated picture book about the magical bonds between families, even those spread out across the world.
Review
A few years ago I did an “all grandpa” reading list and I’m delighted to add this book to my grandpa collection. A young girl is waiting to meet her grandpa for the first time. She’s a little excited but also a little shy. That is until grandpa arrives from Tehran. Grandpa’s got a whole suitcase of yummy food from home while his granddaughter can’t wait to show him the hills, trees, and places she loves. “Look, grandpa, look!” They might not speak the same language but laughter bonds them. The feelings are heartfelt – though about half of the book is in prose while the other half rhymes. But the illustrations are fantastic. B+
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Lottie, St. Michael, and the Lonely Dragon by Beatrys Lockie
A charming story about defying expectations and looking beneath the surface– perfect for sharing with younger children during Michaelmas – with soft and enchanting illustrations.
Lottie is apple picking when a large, angry, fire-breathing dragon appears, wanting to eat her for breakfast! As the townsfolk rush to hide from the beast within their high walls only Lottie wonders why the dragon is so fierce: could it just be lonely?
The Mayor doesn’t listen and calls on St Michael to slay the dragon. Can brave Lottie convince the great knight of her plan to save both the town and the dragon?
Review
We’ve all been misunderstood at times. We’ve all been hurt – even if we haven’t been thwacked with an apple. We’ve all thought “Why can’t people see what I need and want?” Sometimes it takes wisdom to realize there’s a problem and courage to seek to understand what that problem could be and to try and help. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and the story easily allows readers to follow the ideas as well as lends itself to discussion. B
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My eyes are suspiciously blurry. What a beautiful assortment of books. Thanks, Jayne.
@Darlynne: Ah, thank you. I try.