Anita Loughrey's blog. This is my journal about my experiences and thoughts on writing. As well as news about me and my books, it includes writing tips, book reviews, author interviews and blog tours.
For more information about me and my books see my website: www.anitaloughrey.com. Follow me on Twitter @amloughrey, Facebook @anitaloughrey.author and on Instagram @anitaloughrey
A Very Curious Christmas by Maddie Moate and Paul Boston is full of a wide range of Christmas trivia divided into four sections:
Traditions and Cultures
Animals and Nature
Food
Fun and Decorations
Told from the viewpoint of YouTuber, Maddie Moate, with the assistance of Nigel the abominable snowman, Puddles the Adélie penguin and Big Elf this book is a fun read that you can dip in and out of with no need to read it from cover to cover. There are also twenty-five gingerbread men hidden within the pages and some extremely corny Christmas jokes.
If you want something to keep the children amused during the weeks leading up to Christmas this is the perfect book. There are plenty of activities for them to get engrossed in such as a folded magazine Christmas tree, Birdseed cakes, Snowy Owl pine cones, a table top ice hockey rink and a cool quiz at the end of each section.
A Very Curious Christmas incorporates information on environmental issues such as the effects of climate change and has a fantastic multi-cultural approach to celebrations around the same time as Christmas. At the back of the book Maddie Moat lists her many sources and there is a useful glossary.
Ideally this book should be bought and shared with your children before Christmas. It would also make a great classroom resource for activities to do at the end of the winter term, where you can compare different celebrations, discuss pantomimes and do your own performances or try some of the many craft ideas.
A treasure trove of information.
You can find out more about A Very Curious Christmas by Maddie Moate and Paul Boston in my Spotlight here: Spotlight – A Very Curious Christmas.
A Bad Day For Bear reunites readers with a character favourite from Duncan Beedie’s picture book The Bear Who Stared, which was shortlisted for the Waterstone Children’s Book Prize 2017 and No Sleep for Bear published by Templar Books in 2022.
Bear has an important job to do. He has to build the bonfire for the forest party. But he is having a bad day as he gets a splinter, a bump on the head, rained on and slips in a muddy puddle.
It takes a visit to his friend Frog to help put his problems into perspective. The illustrations are bold and simple with some brilliant facial expressions.
A Bad Day For Bear highlights an important message of how talking about your problems can help. It would be suitable for use in a PSHE lesson to encourage discussion on the children’s bad days and how their problems were solved. This book would also be ideal for stimulating memory games and literacy lessons on making lists.
With an underlying themes of being positive, A Bad Day for Bear is an ideal book for young readers at pre-school and in KS1.
You can buy copies of A Bad Day for Bear by Duncan Beedie from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.
This book has previously been reviewed on Amazon .
From New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho comes a powerful new picture book released in the UK by Harper Collins on the 12th October 2023. It is about the beauty, meaning, and history behind the names of six different children – exploring their cultures and ethnicities, and emphasizing the importance of identity and saying names correctly.
My name is full of tones and rhythms,
melodies and harmonies, chords and cadences.
Each syllable, each sound, is a building block in architecture
constructed over oceans and across generations.
SAY MY NAME.
Say My Name by Joanna Ho and Khoa Le
In Say My Name, with illustrations from Khoa Le, six children from different backgrounds introduce themselves and convey the rich histories of their names. These captivating kids of Chinese, Tongan, Iranian, Navajo, Mexican, and Ghanaian descent also honour their ancestors and cultural histories.
Readers are taught the importance of saying a person’s name correctly, a key issue, particularly in communities that have often had their names shortened because they are viewed as too hard or complex to say. This lyrical story explains how saying a person’s name is the only way we can truly know one another.
Joanna Ho, who is of Chinese and Taiwanese heritage and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, is passionate about equity in books and education. She has been an English teacher, a dean, a vice principal, and a professional development mastermind. Homemade chocolate chip cookies, outdoor adventures, and dance parties with her kids make Joanna’s eyes crinkle into crescent moons.
She is the New York Times bestselling author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, Eyes that Speak to the Stars, Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma, The Silence that Binds Us, and One Day.
The illustrator Khoa Le is the award-winning author and illustrator of numerous picture books, based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Her work can be described as whimsical, dreamy and with a bit of fantasy.
She is the winner of the Grand Prize Samsung KidsTime Authors Award 2015 (Singapore) and the second runner up the The Scholastic Picture Book Award 2017 (Singapore).
This book is very much a celebration of differences.
This is another of the beautifully illustrated picture books in the Hello Seasons series about four friends who take it in turns throughout the year to wear the crown and lead the games they play. Now it is Winter’s turn but instead of passing her the crown, Autumn passes it to Spring instead.
As you can imagine Winter is very upset and trundles off to play her games by herself only to discover they are not as much fun when she has no one to play with. Her friends miss her and feel guilty about missing her turn. So they set about trying to find Winter, visiting all her favourite places to go.
They eventually find her sad and miserable on top of the Slippy Slopes. Their quest to find her is made more interesting with the addition of a map at the back and front of the book. The children are able to follow their route around the Season Isle, developing their comprehension skills.
This is a brilliant book to discuss friendship, takin git in turns and how it makes you feel when you are left out out. It encourages empathy and consideration. I found the children’s interactions and reactions to be realistic and the illustrations portray each character’s personality expertly.
Another magical book from author-illustrator Jo Lindley.
David Willison is a reader, writer, game enthusiast and developer, engineer, and history buff. He has lived or worked in over a dozen countries, learning different cultures, viewpoints, and attitudes, which have influenced his writing, contributing to one of his major themes: alternate and creative conflict resolution. The same situations can be viewed by different cultures quite differently. Sometimes it leads to conflict, sometimes to hilarity. Both make for a great story.
He never misses a chance to visit historic sites, from castle dungeons, to catacombs, to the holds of tall ships, to the tunnels of the Maginot Line. He considers it research, except for the minor fact that his tales are all set on the whimsical and terrifying world of Arvia, where giant mythic monsters are often more easily overcome with empathy than explosions.
My stop on the tour takes the form of an author interview about David’s world building for this series.
********
Hello David,
Welcome to my blog please can you tell us a little about yourself and the inspiration for Arvia: Wings of the Wild.
I’ve been a fantasy and sci-fi reader since I first learned to read, with the Oz books being some of my early favourites, and Jules Verne after that. But I’ve also had the chance to work and live in a number of different countries, and let me tell you, our very own Earth is a pretty interesting place. So a lot of my stories are a blend of real-world inspiration and wild imagination.
I’ve wanted to write the story of Wings of the Wild since I started with Tales of Arvia. From the beginning, I’ve hinted at all the strange and powerful creatures lurking in the deepest wilderness, at mysterious ancient cities and outposts. But I also wanted to portray my human main character Darin as an average person from contemporary Earth. You know, a person with more experience with novels and game controllers rather than longswords and fireball spells. Which meant he just wasn’t strong enough to survive in such a dangerous neck of the woods. So he’s been going through a rigorous training program to prepare for it.
Where did you start when creating the world of Arvia?
Honestly, probably since I was about six, and became enamored with the Oz books. I loved all of the strange places and exotic creatures. And ever since then, I’ve preferred my fantasies fantastical. For Arvia, I wanted to create a world that was both fantastical, but one that made sense and that was internally consistent. And beyond that, I wanted a place that would lend itself to subverting certain common tropes.
Arvia is a world that’s both wild, colorful, and fantastical (yay!) But with mythic megafauna roaming the wilds, humans are way down the food chain on Arvia (possibly not so yay.) But that’s the thing, not all challenges need to be overcome with a bigger sword, with a more powerful spell, or with a grander army at your back. Arvia rewards heroes who are quick of wit and quick of reflex. My stories may be full of monsters, but they’re also full of creative conflict resolutions.
Did you draw maps? If so how did this help you when writing Arvia: Wings of the Wild?
Yes! I drew the initial map so I could measure the distance between various points, and keep myself consistent when writing. You know… not having someone on the wrong side of a huge river at the grand climax. I have a post about the evolution of the map here: Adventures in Mapping. Though the actual maps in book are done by my wife, Claudia. She’d been doing something called ‘zendoodling’ one night with paper and ink, and I asked if she’d be interested. And they’ve turned out way better than anything I could draw.
How did the magic system evolve for the Arvia series? What rules and artifacts were important to your world building?
The magic system on Arvia is a bit of an oddity. Though very much a hard magic system, it doesn’t feel that way because none of my characters are particularly skilled mages, and they don’t know the rules. For example, even though the human main character, Darin, is fascinated with magic, it’s not until the current book (fourth in the series) that he undergoes a formal test for magic abilities. Skilled mages are rare, and there just isn’t anybody in his home city that can do it. But a lack of formal understanding doesn’t prevent him from using it in fun and creative ways. One of my favourite chapters is when he rescues Rinloh from a vicious band of beast hunters, who, like many others he encounters, are dramatically stronger, tougher, and better equipped than he. So he relies on wit, deception, and a grand distraction with some novelty magic popcorn to save the day.
Is there a significant way the world in Arvia: Wings of the Wild has changed since writing Arvia: Heart of the Sky?
Honestly, no. Most aspects have been planned since the beginning. I’ve had fun filling in some of the specific details, but I have this huge pile of cool stuff (from creatures, to plants, to geological features, to historical facts) that either won’t fit in a current work, or that I hint about, but want to expand on in the future. I guess I probably over plan things, but it does mean fewer changes.
What writing advice would you give to writers trying to create their own fantasy world for their novel?
Two things. One, use the fantasy setting to its fullest. Yes, you can think of your world like the set of a stage play. Sure, the actors can do their thing and give a great performance regardless of the set. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s a world, not just a decoration. How do the unique features of your world influence the attitudes, beliefs, and culture of your characters? Example: my harpy character is baffled by all the effort humans put in to building things like bridges. She and all her sisters can fly, and easily cross rivers without a second thought. So the mere idea that there are places you can see, but can’t easily reach is foreign to her. Put yourself in your character’s shoes and stroll around your world for a while. Unless you also have harpy characters. They don’t wear shoes.
Second, have a little fun with it! There are thousands of versions of medieval Europe out there. You can do anything, why not make your world interesting? Why not make a fantasy world fantastical.
Which novels have you read that you think are good examples to show world building at its best?
This may come as a bit of a surprise, since the series is historically based, but I’m going with Temeraire. True, a lot of the world is based on Napoleonic Earth, but the changes to society as a result of the ‘what if there were dragons’ issue is really well thought out. And though it isn’t technically world building, the dialog and use of language really accentuates the world building. When reading these books I feel immersed. And that is a hallmark of good worldbuilding.
Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about Arvia: Wings of the Wild?
We’ve talked a lot about the world of Arvia, which I love to do, but when it comes down to it, it’s the characters that make the story. The characters on Arvia may be a bit quirky. Some may not even be human. But they’ll make you laugh. They’ll make you cry. And they’ll make you stand up and cheer.
Thank you David for this insightful glimpse into the world of Arvia. It’s been fascinating. I agree with what you have said about the characters but you do have a kill in world building too.
********
To find out more about D. H. Willison take a look at his website: www.dhwillisoncreates.com and you can follow him on one of his many social media platforms via his Linktree: @dhwillison.
I would like to thank Dave from The Write Reads for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.
A couple of weeks ago I was invited by Bloomsbury to a spectacular pirate themed book launch to celebrate the release of the proofs for an exciting new adventure novel, Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle.
Catherine’s fiction for children includes the award-winning Storm Keeper trilogy, which is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, The Miracle on Ebenezer Street, a modern reimagining of A Christmas Carol, The Lost Girl King, a magical adventure inspired by Irish mythology and her bestselling YA trilogy, which includes Twin Crowns and Cursed Crowns, co-authored with Katherine Webber.
The final book in the Crowns trilogy, Burning Crowns, will be released in April 2024. She also has another YA novel, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy, The Dagger & the Flame, coming out in September 2024.
Here is the blurb for Pirates of Darksea, which is released on 14th March 2024.
“Deep in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, where the full moon rests on the horizon, lies a secret kingdom called Darksea. Ruled by the Pirate King, Captain O’Malley, Darksea’s tranquil waters have, of late, been haunted by an invisible and deadly monster – a monster that is eating the once-beautiful islands in gigantic bites.
On the other side of the horizon, at his home in Galway, Max Reid and his family are battling a different monster. His big brother Christopher is in hospital and getting sicker – and his parents have begun to talk of miracles.
Then one night a loud, bright red parrot taps on Max’s bedroom window, carrying an invitation from the pirate king. Captain O’Malley needs a new crew member for a dangerous quest; and the reward is everything Max has been hoping for.
But in Darksea, not everyone is as they seem. When Captain O’Malley’s secret threatens to upend their mission and destroy Max’s chance to help his family, Max realises he’s going to have to navigate much more than he bargained for…”
Blurb for Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle
I arrived at the Old Thames Inn wearing my pirate costume where I met the other people who had been invited and Catherine Doyle. We drank prosecco and then ventured to the escape room on The Golden Hind, designed by Secret Rooms.
This was the first escape room I had ever done and was not quite sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. On board we were split into two teams, The Stolen Sunrise and The Pirates of Darksea, and set a quest to find the ring and save the ship from sinking. We also had to find all the bottles of Darksea Stardust.
Then we were ushered into a room by the talented actors and locked in so we had to navigate our way through the puzzles and around the ship to find the missing ring. Here I am retrieving the next clue from the chest.
On the whole, the escape room on the Golden Hindproved to be a highly entertaining and fun test of our puzzle solving skills. I would highly recommend you giving it a go yourself. My team managed to escape with three minutes to spare.
After we had completed the quest and played a few pirate games then went for a late buffet-style lunch at The Anchor where we received our fabulous treasure: a copy of the proof Pirates of Darksea. Here is a photo of me getting my copy signed by Catherine Doyle.
Another blog tour and this time it is for a beautiful Christmas book by Rose English and Pablo Rodriguez, A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time.
To get a feel for this book take a look at the blurb.
A seasonal treat, a modern, lyrical re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic – ‘A Christmas Carol’
The book is specially designed for families to share during the Holiday Season, or for young competent readers to try for themselves. This is a beautiful picture book to treasure, with full colour images on every page.
Grandfather Time is a magical clock ~ he brings us the story of young Ebenezer, a boy who is not very caring and really hates sharing. One Christmas Eve, not so very long-ago Grandfather Time decides to teach the boy a lesson. So with the help of his friends; the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future and with lessons to learn he brings forth the first tutor – a little golden-red King Charles spaniel, called Miss Ruby Heart.
Will this unlikely pair be able to teach the boy the error of his ways? Or will he be doomed to be a scruffy, lonely teenager stuck forever in his own little world?
Blurb for A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time by Rose English and Pablo Rodriguez
The author, Rose English, lives in ‘England’s Green and Pleasant Land’, among the gentle rolling hills of the Herefordshire Countryside, Rose’s house is wall to wall books. She even has a ‘Leaning Tower of Paperbacks’. Rose is a dreamer, preferring a simple & quiet life. Often spending time alone, although never lonely, being ever surrounded by great characters when lost in a good book. Working as a school librarian, and sharing her love of books with children, was the best job she ever had. However, life moves on and another chapter was only a page turn away.
Now working in an entirely different library, in Hereford’s Wye Valley NHS Trust Hospital, Rose spends her day cleaning and issuing ‘Medical Equipment’. For Rose writing is a hobby, she is more a Read-a-holic.
However, after winning FIRST PRIZE in a short story competition with The Magic of Grandfather Christmas featured in Seasonal, Sweet and Suspenseful she is inspired to transform the story into books for the young and the young at heart. Her children’s books are often written as stories in verse with a general theme of friendship, caring and sharing with a touch of fantasy and magic.
My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review and I am also hosting a fantastic Christmas Giveaway.
********
Title: A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time
Written by: Rose English
Illustrated by: Pablo Rodriguez
A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time by Rose English and Pablo Rodriguez is a clever modern lyrical re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic. Written entirely in rhyming couplets, young Ebenezer is given the Christmas Carol experience by a grandfather clock called Grandfather Time. The gorgeous picture book is written from Grandfather Time’s point of view.
The first ghost to appear is Miss Ruby Heart a ruby red King Charles spaniel that has appeared in other books written by Rose English. She is featured peering in the window on the cover of A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time. She also has her own social media websites @MissRubyHeart1 on Instagram.
The other ghosts are Santa and a reindeer. Each have a message for Ebenezer about how caring is sharing and if you are selfish you will be alone with no friends. This persuades the young lad to change his ways.
The beautiful illustrations provide a warm and inviting experience in this elegant picture book. The good pacing and fun rhymes that help tell the story, make this an easy book to read aloud and so will be accessible to even very young children who can not read yet.
Although, we never actually see Ebenezer being selfish in the book we do witness him refusing to go to bed in a similar way to does an excellent job of showing kids and adults alike how people will avoid someone who is not kind. It practices what it preaches in that at least £1 from every book purchased will go towards donating a book to each child in Hereford County Hospital over the Christmas Season 2023.
Overall, an engaging lyrical picture book which would make another brilliant stocking filler, or book to cuddle up and listen to with your young children on Christmas Eve.
********
Giveaway To Win a lovely book bundle (Open to UK only)
Prize includes –
Hardback picture book ‘A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time’ (4 – 8 years average)
Paperback ‘Young Ebenezer ~ A New Christmas Carol’ (8+ years)
Paperback ‘Young Ebenezer ~ Confronts the School Bully (8+ years)
Paperback ‘The Magic of Grandfather Time’ (older readers to adults)
This is where the stories all began a short story of love and loss
Paperback/Pocket Treasure ‘Ruby’s Christmas Gifts’ (Families to share) short stories, poems, puzzles jokes.
Grandfather Time bookmarks, pen, fridge magnet, sticker
Miss Ruby Heart glitter sticker, badge, heart/pawprint bracelet
Sharing is Caring necklace
Christmas keyring
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
You can buy copies of A Christmas Carol with Grandfather Time by Rose English and Pablo Rodriguez from Amazon Kindle here: https://mybook.to/GrandfatherTimeXmas
I would like to thank Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. Thank you.
The second of my posts today extends the range in children’s books inspired by Norse mythology and the Vikings into young adult books. Again I have only included fiction titles and they are not in any particular order.
I have included some classics and some new releases out this month.
I hope you enjoy looking at my selection and please do add any more young adult fiction you can think of that have links to Norse mythology in the comments.
********
Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston (aka Philip Caveney), published by UClan Books
Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston was released on November 3rd, 2023. It’s a contemporary YA story, set in Shetland, inspired by Norse mythology.
Viggo is fifteen years old, living in Edinburgh with his mum. He has no plans for the future other than to watch the new Thor movie at his local multiplex. But one morning, he wakes to the news that his older brother, Magnus, has gone missing on Shetland. Mum has already booked tickets to go and search for him. There’s good reason to be worried. Five years ago, Viggo’s dad, Jonathan, went ‘off grid’ in the same location and disappeared. He is now ‘missing presumed dead.’ Viggo has no option but to go to Shetland with Mum – but from the moment they set off, he’s troubled by strange visions: images of armed warriors, mythical creatures and Viking longships. And then they encounter Leon, a mysterious wandering musician who attaches himself to them and proves impossible to shake off. Once on Shetland, the search for Magnus begins in earnest and Viggo’s troubling visions start to intensify. Soon he is finding it difficult to separate fact from fantasy… and who knows what terrors lie in wait for him deep beneath the ground?
Blurb from Postcards from Valhalla by Danny Weston
********
The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books
Part ghost story, part Nordic mystery. The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge is a creepy and chilling tale steeped in Norse myth.
Martha can tell things about a person just by touching their clothes, as if their emotions and memories have been absorbed into the material.
Determined to understand her strange ability, Martha sets off to visit her grandmother – only to discover she is dead and a terrifying creature is on the loose.
Then the spinning wheel starts creaking . . .
Blurb for The Twisted Tree by Rachel Burge
Set in the remote snows of contemporary Norway, this YA novel is a ghost story that twists and turns – and never takes you quite where you’d expect. Features Yggdrasil, the Norns, Hel and Odin.
********
The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge, published by Hot Key Books
Part ghost story, part murder mystery The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge is a creepy and magical tale for young adults steeped in Norse myth.
Welcome to the Circus of Myth & Mayhem – where performers re-enact tales of the Norse gods wearing masks which mysteriously change expression, the creepy jester isn’t quite human, and the big top is full of the dead.
Martha arrives at the circus, deep in the forests of Northern Norway, determined to learn how Nina died. Did she fall from the trapeze as Stig said, or was there more to her ‘accident?’
Drawn into a dangerous game of the gods, Martha must look behind the mask and see the truth . . . before it’s too late.
Blurb for The Crooked Mask by Rachel Burge
Following the events of The Twisted Tree, The Crooked Mask continues the story of Martha and Stig as she comes to terms with her magical inheritance. The stories of the Norse gods are brought to life in the circus ring and features Loki.
********
Warrior King by Sue Purkiss, published by Walker Books
Warrior King by Sue Purkiss is the story of King Alfred and his daughter, Aethelflaed and features the Guthrum, leader of the Vikings, as a significant character in this YA adventure.
The year is 878 AD. The English kingdoms of Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia and Kent have fallen to the Vikings. Only Wessex is left, and its king, Alfred, has been driven into hiding on Athelney, the ancient Island of Princes. How can he, along with his daughter, Fleda, and his closest followers, defeat the dreaded Vikings?
Blurb for the Warrior King by Sue Purkiss
********
West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish, published by Harper Collins Children’s Books
West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish is an epic and action-packed YA fantasy adventure that weaves together Norse legends, shadowy creatures and an unforgettable hero.
When Peer is orphaned he is taken by his wicked uncles to live at their foreboding mill in the shadow of Troll Fell. Here he meets beautiful and spirited Hilde and after a terrifying encounter with the sinister creatures who live below the fell the pair form an inseparable bond. They are thirsty for adventure, so when a Viking longship docks at their village, they decide to set sail for Vinland – a mysterious place across the perilous sea. But are the ship’s captain and his sword wielding son really honest sailors? What creatures lurk in the shadows and forests of the new land? And will Peer and Hilde ever return?
Blurb for West of the Moon by Katherine Langrish
It is part of The Troll Trilogy and spans years and continents. Filled with brilliantly imagined characters and creatures, this is gripping, atmospheric fantasy at its best.
********
Daughter of Fire by Marie-Louise Jensen, published by OUP Oxford
Daughter of Fire by Marie-Louise Jensen is a rich, atmospheric Viking journey into Iceland.
Following an attack on her family, fifteen-year-old Thora is enslaved by a brutish Viking chieftain, Bjorn Svanson. A healer and a midwife, Thora is valuable. She also has visions of the future . . . and in one she foresees Svanson’s death. When her prediction becomes reality, Thora recognizes that another of Svanson’s slaves is a man she has seen before-a man from recurrent visions who is destined to be part of her future.
Assuming Svanson’s identity, the slave and Thora use the dead man’s ships to escape. Their destination is Iceland, the then uncharted ‘land of fire and ice’. To succeed they must first win over Svanson’s crew, and their journey is fraught with hardship and danger.
But their troubles are only just beginning. Soon, newcomers are among them and someone is stealing from Thora’s medicines to cause terrible harm. Under suspicion herself, can Thora unmask the real culprit and clear her name?
And can Thora and the man now known as Bjorn ever really hope that their pasts won’t catch up with them?
Blurb for Daughter of Fire by Marie-Louise Jensen
********
Viking Girl by Pauline Chandler, published by OUP Oxford
Viking Girl by Pauline Chandleris a YA thriller set during the era of the Vikings.
Beren, a Viking princess, is forced to flee her home after her father is killed and her people defeated in battle. Guided by her uncle, she and the remains of her tribe come to England seeking sanctuary. But Vikings have been there before and laid waste to the land, and Beren’s small group is met with scorching hatred from the locals. When Beren’s uncle takes her men south to fight the king, Beren is left struggling to protect the rest of her followers.
The only help comes from the local abbey. The monks there want everybody to live in peace. But when Beren befriends a trainee monk, the factions are further divided, and the hatred simmering under the surface begins to boil over. And then a new threat – from Beren’s own uncle – raises its head. Now the people must decide: fight amongst themselves and be annihilated by a greater power, or unite under Beren’s command, and fight for their freedom.
Blurb for Viking Girl by Pauline Chandler
********
Odin Trilogy Volume 1 – Odin’s Voice by Susan Price , published by Simon & Schuster Children’s
Odin’s Voice by Susan Price is aimed at the YA market.
This first adventure follows the story of a bonder, Kylie, and a pampered teen, Affroditey – both thrown together as their prescribed roles in society change. Kylie becomes the mouthpiece of the god, Odin, and gains political advantage and freedom as a result. Affroditey finds herself reduced to penury after her father’s suicide, and sold off as a bonder by her uncaring stepmother. Brought together by Kylie’s young son, who has been ‘adopted’ by Affroditey’s employers, the two girls decide to escape as pioneers to Mars, where they will help to set up a new society.
Blurb for Odin’s Voice by Susan Price
********
Odin Trilogy Volume 2 – Odin’s Queen by Susan Price, published by Simon & Schuster Children’s
Odin’s Queen by Susan Price is aimed at the YA market.
In this thrilling adventure, bonder Affie has escaped to Mars with Odinstoy, and her young son, Apollo. Odinstoy has been employed by the Martian Temple of Odin as their God-speaker and Affie goes undercover as her ‘wife’. Affie hopes their new life will enable her to claw back the status and respect she had before she became a bonder – and is frustrated by Odinstoy’s disdain for the fame her new role brings. Affie’s craving for attention leads her to fall under the spell of a follower of the rival temple of Zeus, and before she knows it she is revealing more of her past to him than she ever intended. And in doing so, she finds herself betrays Odinstoy; putting all their lives at risk…
Blurb for Odin’s Queen by Susan Price
********
Odin Trilogy Volume 3 – Odin’s Son by Susan Price, published bySimon & Schuster Children’s
Odin’s Son by Susan Price is aimed at the YA market.
Since his mother, Odinstoy’s, death, Gift has become obsessed with the idea of tracking down his real father. In secret, he employs a private detective to make investigations on Earth so that he can uncover his past. But when a Newsblog reveals evidence to suggest that Odinstoy wasn’t his real mother, Gift doesn’t know where to turn. He flees to the poisonous surface of Mars in the hope that the great god Odin can give him some answers…Meanwhile the mysterious Sherri, whose resemblance to Gift is undeniable, is making her way to Mars with some important news. Will she find him before it’s too late?
Blurb for Odin’s Son by Susan Price
********
I hope you like my selection. Please don’t forget to add any of your own examples in the comments.
I would like to thank Alex for inviting me to join the Norsevember celebrations for all things Viking. I was asked to post a feature during Week Four with a theme of Norse Memories – How did the Norse view their part in the world and what is their lasting legacy?
What could be more of a lasting legacy than literature? For this Norse Memories themed week, I will be spotlighting 10 early readers and middle grade books that have been inspired by Norse myths and legends and the Vikings this morning and another ten young adult books this afternoon. These stories are shaping the minds of the future.
I have only included fiction titles. Apart from arranging them by age they are not in any particular order of preference. I have included some classics and some new releases .
I hope you enjoy looking at my selection and please do add any more children’s fiction books that you can think of that have links to Norse mythology in the comments.
********
The Magic Helmet: a Viking Adventure by Cath Jones, Published by Maverick
The Magic Helmet: a Viking Adventure by Cath Jones and illustrated by Dean Gray is a Level 10 white level banded reader. Recommended reading age 6 – 7 years.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang like a clap of thunder. The helmet slid down over his eyes and – WHOOSH! Harry finds himself aboard a Viking ship. Can he find a way home?
Blurb for The Magic Helmet: a Viking Adventure by Cath Jones and Dean Gray
There are lots of historical facts about the Vikings incorporated within the story.
********
How To Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell, Published by Hodder Children’s Books
This particular edition of How To Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell is from a rejacketed version of the classic picture book that was the inspiration for Cressida Cowell’s bestselling How To Train Your Dragon fiction series, now a Dreamworks feature film.
Unlike his dad, Stoick the Vast, Hiccup is tiny, thoughtful and polite and scared of almost everything – especially of going to sea for the very first time. But go he must… So who will save the day when everything goes wrong aboard ship and all the big Vikings lose their cool? This wonderfully witty fable will delight all those who have ever faced up to their worst fears.
Blurb for How To Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell
This 2014 reissue includes a letter from Cressida Cowell to the reader. It is suitable for reader 6-11 years.
********
Storm Hound by Claire Fayers, published by Macmillan Children’s Books
Storm Hound by Claire Fayers is a mash-up of Norse myth and Welsh legend, featuring Odin and the Wild Hunt.
Storm of Odin is the youngest stormhound of the Wild Hunt that haunts lightning-filled skies. He has longed for the time when he will be able to join his brothers and sisters but on his very first hunt he finds he can’t keep up and falls to earth, landing on the A40 just outside Abergavenny.
Enter twelve-year-old Jessica Price, who finds and adopts a cute puppy from an animal rescue centre. And suddenly, a number of strange people seem very interested in her and her new pet, Storm. People who seem to know a lot about magic . . . Jessica starts to see that there’s something different about her beloved dog and will need to work out which of her new friends she can trust.
Myth becomes reality in the unlikeliest of places in the fast-paced and funny adventure that won the Tir na n-Og award.
Blurb for Storm Hound by Claire Fayers
********
The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Viking by Tim Collins, published by Book House
The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Viking by Tim Collins is illustrated by Isobel Lundie. It is part of a series of hilarious fictional diaries put us inside the heads of hapless figures from history in frazzling situations.
Halfdan is a 14-year-old boy living in Denmark in 1000 AD. His father wants him to stay at home and learn how to carve wooden tools, but Halfdan is determined to become a brave and strong Viking raider, pillaging villages in England. Unfortunately, the raid is a disaster, and Halfdan and his friend Astrid find themselves embarking on an unexpected and perilous trip with the famous Viking explorer Leif Erikson to a strange new land.
Blurb for The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst Viking by Tim Collins and Isobel Lundie
The book incorporates ‘Get Real’ fact boxes throughout, providing historical context and further information, as well as a timeline, historical biographies and a glossary in the end matter ideal for middle grade.
********
Viking Boy by Tony Bradman, published by Walker Books
Viking Boy by Tony Bradman is an action-packed blend of historical adventure and fantasy for junior readers; a blast of uncensored Viking adventure.
Gunnar is the son of a Viking chieftain, living peacefully on his family steading with his mother, father and their people – until they are raided by Skuli and his Wolf Men, who raze his home to the ground and take his father’s life. Gunnar swears an oath to avenge his father’s death and save his mother from Skuli – but first he must run to save himself. Murderous raiders, hand to hand battles to the death, mythical flying wolves and a relentless sea journey to the Land of Fire and Ice… Unknown to Gunnar, his life has been foretold, and he finds he has a destiny greater than his own story.
Blurb for Viking Boy by Tony Bradman
********
The Night Raider: A Viking Tale by Marie-Louise Jensen, published by ReadZone Book
The Night Raider: A Viking Tale by Marie-Louise Jensen is Fiction Express book written with the input of middle grade children and written from a dual narrative.
Astrid and Finn battle against suspicion as their carefully tended livestock continue to disappear. Will they succeed in finding and stopping the secret night raider? And who or what will it turn out to be? A gripping adventure story set in Viking times, with historical facts woven into the fast moving plot.
Blurb for The Night Raider: A Viking Tale by Marie-Louise Jensen
A gripping adventure story set in Viking times, with historical facts woven into the fast moving plot.
********
Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland, published by Walker Books
Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland is illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love and aimed at the middle grade market.
These dramatic, enthralling and atmospheric tales are based on the Scandinavian myth cycle – one of the greatest and most culturally significant stories in the world – and tell of Odin with his one eye, Thor with his mighty hammer and Loki, the red-haired, shape-shifting trickster. In this stunning collection of myths, the strange world of ancient magic, giants, dwarfs and monsters is unforgettably imagined.
********
Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff, published by Red Fox Classics
Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff is suitable for middle grade, ages 9-11.
Jestyn the Englishman had once been Thormod the Viking’s slave, but after saving Thormod’s life he became his shoulder to shoulder man and sworn brother in the deadly blood feud to avenge Thormod’s murdered father, a feud that would take them all the way to Constantinople.
Blurb for Blood Feud by Rosemary Sutcliff
********
The Viking Saga by Henry Treece, published by Puffin
The Viking Saga by Henry Treece contains all three books of this exciting middle grade trilogy: Viking’s Dawn, Road to Miklagard, Viking’s Sunset.
It is AD 780. Viking’s Dawn sees a young Norse boy, Harald Sigurdson, set sail for the Hebrides in the longship ‘Nameless’. The goal: to plunder the helpless coastal villages of Britain.
Just five years later, undeterred by his first desperate journey, the dauntless warrior puts to sea once again, in The Road to Miklagard – this time lured by the news of a fabulous hoard of treasure.
After a lifetime struggling with the bitter waves, Harald embarks on his last voyage in Viking’s Sunset, this time not for gain but to seek vengeance on a blood enemy.
Blurb for The Viking Saga by Henry Treece
Into this breath taking trilogy is woven the true spirit of the Vikings, whose great thirst for travelling the seas took them on incredible voyages in defiance of icy waters, terrible hardships and bloodthirsty resistance.
********
Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green, published by Puffin
Puffin Classics bring the very best children’s stories to a new generation with Roger Lancelyn Green’s time-honoured collection of Norse myths and legends. Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green is introduced by bestselling author Michelle Paver, creator of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness collection and Gods and Warriors, her epic Greek Bronze Age series for Puffin.
The great Norse sagas are full of magic and heroic deeds. Odin’s wanderings, Thor’s hammer, the death of Bakkur, the vision of Ragnarok – tales which have been told since time immemorial – are given a fresh life in this version, written as one continuous exciting adventure story.
This Puffin Classic contains additional endnotes for children including an author profile, a guide to who’s who, activities and more. Suitable for readers 10 years an up.
********
I hope you like my selection please don’t forget to add any of your own examples in the comments and keep an eye out for my post later today on young adult books inspired by Norse Mythology and the Vikings.
Thank you again to Alex for inviting me to take part. Thank you.
The Secret of the Blood Red Key is the sequel to David Farr’s much acclaimed, The Book of Stolen Dreams. But do not worry if you have not read the first book as The Secret of the Blood Red Key is a completely unique story in itself.
Rachel and Robert have defeated the tyrant Malstain and become the heroes of Krasnia, but all is not how it should be. Robert is swept away with his new friends, leaving Rachel alone to take care of her ailing father, who’s lost without their beloved mother.
From nowhere, a boy appears knowing the secrets of the hidden blood-red key. For the key is a way into the Hinterland – and Rachel must promise that, as a new key keeper, she will answer when it calls. When a young girl, Elsa Spiegel, is illegally smuggled into the Hinterland, Rachel has no choice but to use her key to save Elsa. But her fate is linked to Krasnia, and Rachel must battle to save her home as she knows it.
The book encompasses the themes of loss and grief and good overcoming evil. Rachel has twenty-four hours to save Elsa from the new antagonists, The Truebloods who have devised a plan to prolong their lives. Meanwhile Rachel has to help her father through the grief of losing their mother, whilst Robert is busy preparing for an important debate. I enjoyed the strong brother-sister bond between Rachel and Robert and although their lives are drifting apart now they have returned to Krasnia, they will do anything to protect each other. I instantly felt a rapport for the characters as though they were long lost friends I’d known my whole life.
Brava is well thought out and realistic setting. I would place it somewhere in Germany or Austria. I could easily visualise the restored library and the coffee shop. And the world of Hinterland was amazing. This was world-building at its best. It was beautifully described in a few words so I could easily imagine what it was like from the black and white Caves of Loss to the colourful fields of the meadow of Children.
The world had complex rules where people were allocated to and area using their moral paperwork. This would make a good discussion in a PSHE lesson with KS” on how we judge people and what qualities they think would get them into the different areas of the Hinterland, such as Tyrants Towers of Liars, Liars.
There are some beautiful black and white double page illustrations scattered throughout the book which make the book feel more magical.
The Secret of the Blood Red Key is a magnificent middle grade adventure that will make you think. Fingers crossed there will be a third book in the series as I believe there is so much more to learn about the Hinterland and Krasnia and the surrounding areas.
You can buy copies of The Secret of the Blood Red Key by David Farr from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.
I have also reviewed this book on Amazon and Goodreads.
Much To Do About Writing 