Thorfinn and the Awful Invasion
#1 in Thorfinn Series
on Goodreads (57)
What’s inside...
Prepare yourself for the wrath of the Norsemen! That is, if you don't mind and it's not too inconvenient... Everyone knows Vikings are ruthless barbarians whose idea of a good time involves pillaging, plundering and feasting. But Thorfinn is no ordinary Viking! He is always polite and happily offers to wash the dirty dishes. Too bad his dad is Harald the Skull-Splitter, Village Chief and the roughest and toughest Viking of them all. Tired of Thorfinn and his too-nice ways getting them into trouble, his dad decides it's time for Thorfinn to earn his gruesome Viking name. Stuck on a longboat with a ragtag bunch of adventurers who'd like to throw him overboard, how will the Nicest Viking cope with a dangerous voyage to Scotland? Thorfinn the Nicest Viking is a funny, illustrated, action-packed series for young readers which bridges the gap between Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!
Discussion points
What do you think made Thorfinn different from the other Vikings?
How did Thorfinn handle the challenges he faced during the awful invasion?
Why is kindness important even when others are not being kind?
Can you think of a time when you solved a problem without using force or anger, like Thorfinn?
What would you do if you were in Thorfinn’s place during the invasion?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make someone a hero, discussing Thorfinn's actions versus traditional Viking behaviors.
Discuss the importance of kindness and creative problem-solving, highlighting how Thorfinn’s approach differed from typical Viking strategies.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences, which can help them understand the themes of the book better.
Ask your child how they feel about the characters and their choices, facilitating a deeper understanding of morality and ethics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of kindness
Explanation: Thorfinn, a peace-loving Viking, demonstrates kindness to others in contrast to his warrior community, promoting non-violence and empathy throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to offer kindness in their interactions at school and at home, recognizing that empathy is a strength rather than a weakness.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Thorfinn often finds himself in tricky situations but uses his intelligence and wit to solve problems without resorting to violence, showcasing resourcefulness and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving approaches in their daily challenges, understanding that violence is not the solution and that thinking creatively can lead to peaceful solutions.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Thorfinn collaborates with a diverse group of characters to achieve common goals, emphasizing the importance of working together and respecting different abilities.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value teamwork in group projects at school or in sports, understanding that every team member contributes uniquely.
Example Lesson: Courage to be different
Explanation: Thorfinn's character embodies the courage to stand out from his warrior peers by being gentle and clever, reinforcing the message that it's okay to be different.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to embrace their unique qualities and be confident in who they are, even if it means standing out from the crowd.
Example Lesson: History and culture awareness
Explanation: Set in the Viking era, the story provides historical and cultural context that enriches the reader's understanding of that period.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the book can spark interest in history and encourage children to explore and learn more about different cultures and historical periods.