Viking in Love

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.)