Viking in Love

by Doug Cenko

Overview

In this laugh-out-loud picture book, a Viking falls in love and must face the only thing in his way of attaining it: his fear of the sea.

Stig is your quintessential Viking guy. He loves fresh air, stew, and adorable kittens . . . but he hates the sea. Ingrid is your quintessential Viking gal. She loves all of the above and the sea. What happens when Stig sees Ingrid? Of course, he falls head over heels. But there is one significant problem that stands in their way: the sea.

Will Stig find a way to overcome his fears and woo the bold and beautiful Ingrid? Only if he uses his Viking ingenuity . . . and a few kittens.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593202289
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	12/14/2021
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	292,494
Product dimensions:	10.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD500L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Doug Cenko lives in Chicago, Illinois with his wife and daughter. He grew up in Indiana and one of his first jobs was at a comic book shop . . . where he spent most of the money he made. Since then, he has worked at design agencies, an animation studio, and a live special-effects company. His most recent claim to fame was reading his book My Papa is a Princess to thousands of fans at Dodger Stadium. For more information about him and his books, please visit http://dugduggoose.com

Editorial Reviews

11/08/2021

Ingrid, “the most fearless Viking he’d ever seen,” inspires timid Stig to overcome his fear of the sea in this well-crafted, endearing Viking romance. Pale skinned and red bearded, Stig loves “fresh air, hearty stew, and adorable kittens,” but unlike his compatriots, he does not like the ocean. When pale-skinned, blond-haired Ingrid greets him (“Hei”) just before a wave carries her away, Stig falls head-over-heels and resolves to give her a “super-mushy” note with a heart emblazoned on the front. Cenko’s polished digital illustrations are cinematic in their storytelling, working hand in hand with the narrative’s smooth pacing: comic scenes show Stig futilely folding his letter into a paper boat and paper airplane, and questionably tying it to a kitten he plans to toss into the wet, before finally venturing into the water on a dragon-shaped inner tube. His effort is ill-fated, but a tender conclusion flips the script on classic storybook endings and leaves even the sea creatures smiling. Ages 3–7. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

"As heartwarming as it is funny . . . viewers will love this book as much as Stig loves Ingrid." —BCCB Review

"A funny and pure tale proving that love conquers all." —Kirkus Reviews  

"This tender Viking tale of love at first sight packs in adorable kittens and equally adorable sea monsters." —Booklist

"Cenko’s polished digital illustrations are cinematic in their storytelling, working hand in hand with the narrative’s smooth pacing." --Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2021-11-16
A sensitive, timid Viking crosses the ocean to woo a bold and fearless maiden in this refreshing picture book.

Stig, a White Viking, loves fresh air, stew, kittens, and drawing hearts. One day, he unexpectedly meets another White Viking named Ingrid and becomes quite smitten with her. That night, he writes her a love letter, and the next day he has to figure out how to get it to her, as she is now across the sea. The big problem is that Stig dislikes and fears the ocean. After several failed attempts to deliver the letter from land, he ventures out onto the water and embarks on a journey that tests his bravery and loyalty. Young readers will learn the Nordic word for hiand enjoy following Stig’s adorable kittens, who are invested in their owner’s quest and add humor and emotion to every page. The text is heartfelt but will also make readers laugh, and the asides add voice to the story. The digital cartoon illustrations are simple yet engaging and accurately capture the life and artifacts of a seaside Viking village; however, some details in the art may be too miniscule for young eyes. Ultimately, two poignant messages emerge: Fear is to be defeated only when one is ready, and one does not have to be like everyone else in order to love and be loved.

A funny and pure tale proving that love conquers all. (Picture book. 4-9)

Kirkus Reviews