Helga Makes a Name for Herself

by Megan Maynor, Eda Kaban (Illustrator)

Overview

A hilarious and empowering picture book about a small but strong Viking girl who is determined to be a warrior and make a name for herself. 

Filled with humor and heart, this clever picture book about perseverance and following your dreams stars Helga, a small but mighty (and loud) Viking. Helga, along with her sidekick, Wolvie, wants to be a warrior just like her favorite hero, Ingrid the Axe. But she is a farmer’s daughter and the only battles she fights are pretend. So when Ingrid the Axe comes to town looking for new recruits, Helga jumps at the chance. She and Wolvie find the competition to be fierce. But Helga is fierce too, and single-minded in her desire to make a name for herself. After all she is a WARRIOOORRRR! 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781328957832
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	11/10/2020
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Megan Maynor is the author of several picture books, including It's Taco Knight!, Helga Makes a Name for Herself, and Henry at Home. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, children, and pet rabbit. Visit her online at meganmaynor.com.

Eda Kaban has illustrated many books for children. Born and raised in Turkey, Eda now lives in Oakland, California, with her husband, small son, and two Siamese cats. www.edakabanstudio.com, Instagram: @petiteturk, Twitter: @petiteturk

Editorial Reviews

"Humor abounds in the text...Meanwhile, the art is peppy and thoroughly upbeat... You’d have to be beserk(er) not to appreciate this mighty gal." — Kirkus Reviews

"The story is cute and well woven....the real gem here is the artwork that looks like it’s straight out of a Pixar animated film. All in all, this girl-power story is a victorious celebration of uniqueness, ingenuity, and little people following their big dreams." — Booklist

"[An] irreverent Viking saga spoof...Kaban’s bright, digitally cartooned vignettes have the verve of classic animation, and she marches right along with Maynor’s comic beats.... This one’s all about Helga’s determination and self-knowledge."  — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2020-09-15
A small-town “farmersdotter” hits the big time when she joins a warrior woman’s brigade.

Whether it’s bedtime, fish-pickling time, or her monthly bathtime, Helga continually craves stories about her favorite Viking warrior, Ingrid the Axe. Her parents, however, are quick to point out that “Warriors do not come from small mountain villages like ours.” Undeterred, when Ingrid comes to a nearby port city to recruit, Helga is raring to prove her worth. Other warriors mock her clothes and faithful pet wolverine, and when the trials begin she seems out of her element. Fortunately, Helga’s talents shine through, earning her infamy and the eponym Helga the Howler. An author’s note gives Vikings some context, and there are even recommended books and pertinent websites for further reading. The storyline packs lot of action into a few pages, pacing everything at a mighty clip. Humor abounds in the text, as in a section of dialogue written in Minnesotan-esque phrasings (“Yah?” “Yah, sure. You betchya”). Meanwhile, the art is peppy and thoroughly upbeat. Those with a yen for a warrior-woman storytime should pair this with such titles as The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton (2015). Helga and her parents present White, and there appear to be some Vikings of color among the supporting cast.

You’d have to be beserk(er) not to appreciate this mighty gal. (Picture book. 4-6)

Kirkus Reviews