The Three Vikings

Three Vikings embark on an epic quest to Valhalla, “the magical place where the strongest and bravest Vikings go.” In order to reach their destination, they have to travel “over the tallest mountains, across the widest sea, and through the darkest forest.” The smallest Viking is neither the bravest nor the strongest, but he has musical abilities and a tiny green lyre. When he tries to deter monsters with song along the way, though, the other two Vikings must intervene to save the group. Finally, after making it to Valhalla, the disheartened smallest one asks why he’s being welcomed. But upon entering the glittering world, the little guy discovers that its residents have “been waiting for just the right Viking to come along and fill their days with music and stories.”Auerbach (Monkey Brother) makes clever use of color in his bright, cartoon-style watercolors, showing how each character shines in scenes that match the character’s dominant shade of blue, green, or orange. Upon reaching Valhalla, a rainbow of colors helps to emphasize the story’s underlying message: everyone has something special to contribute. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)