I'm a Viking!: A History Book About the Vikings for Kids
What’s inside...
'I'm a Viking!' is a history book geared towards children that explores the Viking Age through the eyes of Leif, a chieftain's son who dreams of becoming a Viking like his father. Written by author and historian C.J. Adrien and illustrated by Crystal Whithaus, the book offers a glimpse into Leif's life, his learning experiences, and his leisure activities. This engaging primer provides young readers with an insight into the past, while also appealing to adults.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it was like to be a Viking? Can you describe a typical day?
Why do you think the Vikings explored new lands? What might they have been looking for?
How do you think the tools and weapons used by Vikings affected their lifestyle?
What can we learn from the way Vikings lived and worked together in their communities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by setting a casual and relaxed reading atmosphere, perhaps by using a world map to locate where the Vikings originated. Allow your child to express their ideas freely, and show genuine interest in their thoughts. Make connections between the book and today’s world to help them see the relevance of historical lessons. Finally, use illustrations or images from the book to help visualize the story and deepen the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: The book portrays Vikings as brave explorers who ventured into unknown territories. Through engaging stories, it highlights their courage and zest for discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new activities and embrace opportunities to learn about different cultures and places, fostering a sense of curiosity and bravery.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Community
Explanation: Vikings are shown working together, whether in building ships or during their voyages, emphasizing the importance of community and collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to participate in team activities and understand the value of working with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The book illustrates how Vikings overcame obstacles and harsh environments, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through personal challenges, whether in their academic pursuits, sports, or personal relationships, mirroring the resilience shown by the Vikings.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Ingenuity
Explanation: It describes Viking's skills in shipbuilding and navigation techniques, underlining their innovative spirit to solve problems and improve their tools.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to apply creative thinking and innovation in their school projects or in resolving everyday issues.