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The Race of the Birkebeiners

illustrations by
4.29
on Goodreads (110)

What’s inside...

In the year 1206, in the snow-covered mountains of Norway, the fiercest warriors known as the Birkebeiners embark on a perilous journey to ski an infant to safety. The child they are protecting is Prince Hakon, whom they save by skiing across the harsh winter landscape. The story is brought to life with Azarian's beautiful woodcut illustrations, hand-tinted with watercolors, depicting the serene, snow-covered landscape. Lunge-Larsen's compelling prose captures the bravery and tenderness of the Birkebeiners' legendary feat. Engaging and beautifully illustrated, the story recounts how the Birkebeiners, renowned for their skiing ability, forge ahead to protect the young prince.
Age

7-9

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Torstein Skevla
Prince Haakon Haakonsson
Skjervald Skrukka

Discussion points

What do you think made the journey of the Birkebeiners so challenging?
How do you believe the baby felt during the race? What clues in the story or pictures helped you understand that?
Why was it important for the Birkebeiners to protect the baby prince?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like the Birkebeiners?
What does this story teach us about helping others even when it's hard?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the snowy settings and imagine the sounds and sensations the characters might experience.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the bravery shown by the characters and any personal instances of courage they've faced.
Discuss the historical aspect of the story and how people long ago might have lived differently yet shared similar values like bravery and loyalty.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing your own shield like the ones the Birkebeiners might have carried, incorporating symbols that represent courage and protection.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases the bravery of the Birkebeiners who risked their lives to protect an infant prince during a harsh winter.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bravery and can apply it by standing up for themselves and others, even when it's difficult.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and loyalty
Explanation: The Birkebeiners worked together, showcasing the strength found in unity and loyalty to a righteous cause.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the value of working together towards a common goal, applicable in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience and determination
Explanation: The characters' perseverance on a perilous journey through snowy mountains demonstrates resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in overcoming obstacles, whether in learning new skills or facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Protecting the vulnerable
Explanation: The Birkebeiners' mission to protect a helpless infant highlights the duty to care for those who cannot defend themselves.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy and caring for younger siblings or standing up for friends who are bullied.