The Vicious Vikings
Horrible Histories Special Series
What’s inside...
Introduces aspects of everyday life of the Vikings, explaining the gory details of torture techniques and legends of gruesome giants and deadly dwarfs. Listeners can discover all the foul facts about the vicious Vikings, including Viking Gods in wedding dresses, corpses on trial and Death by booby-trapped statues. Now in audio format, this bestselling book is sure to be a huge hit with yet another generation of Terry Deary fans.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the Viking culture described in the book?
How do you think the Vikings' lifestyle and explorations impacted the world around them?
Can you imagine what your life would be like if you were a Viking? What would be the most exciting and the most challenging parts?
What have you learned about the way Vikings governed themselves and solved disputes?
How do the stories of gods and mythical creatures in Viking lore compare to other myths you know?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by comparing Viking culture with your own. Discuss similarities and differences, and what we can learn from them.
Use the book as a starting point to explore history together. Look up maps, videos, and other resources about Vikings to enhance the reading experience.
Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite Viking character or god. This helps them connect more deeply with the material.
Discuss the moral and ethical aspects of the Vikings’ actions and decisions in the book. This can lead to valuable discussions about values and consequences.
Read together regularly and share thoughts after each chapter to build an ongoing dialogue about the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical perspectives
Explanation: Through engaging anecdotes and facts, 'The Vicious Vikings' introduces young readers to the historical context and lifestyle of the Vikings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate the diversity of human culture and history, fostering a broader perspective on how past societies influence the present.
Example Lesson: Importance of exploration
Explanation: The book highlights the Vikings’ exploratory ventures, showcasing their journeys and discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and adventurous, understanding that exploration can lead to new knowledge and opportunities.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about stereotypes
Explanation: Terry Deary presents both the brutish and sophisticated sides of Viking culture, challenging the common stereotypes.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think critically about the stereotypes and biases that exist in society and encourages them to form their own educated opinions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: The Vikings' ability to survive and adapt in harsh environments and situations is emphasized throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to develop resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, understanding that these traits were key to the Vikings' successes.