Book Review - 'Three Little Vikings' by Bethan Woollvin

2023 EDIT: Part of my 2023 clear-up, of books I no longer like, or am no longer interested in, or remember well as standing out, or find as special anymore, or I otherwise will not miss.

Final Score: 3.5/5





Original Review:



Warning: Do not make a drinking game out of the number of times the word Viking is used in this review.



I wasn't fond of the artwork at first, but 'Three Little Vikings' is a fun, cute little picture book. It's about three little Viking girls, Ebba, Helga and Wren (their initials are helpfully stitched into their clothing or bags for the reader to tell which one is which), who save their Viking village, using their wits, common sense, reading, and practical skills. Because young girls are learned and are more willing and able to help people than old, pompous, arrogant, loud, blustering men in unearned positions of power who always claim to know best while offering no proof whatsoever - no reason - to back up that claim. Who do nothing that really helps anyone, and often make stuff up - create imaginary problems, threats and scapegoats - to avoid having to do anything about the REAL issues.

I love that Helga has a horse-shaped pegleg, and Wren wears glasses, too. Disability rep FTW! And in a fantasy/historical fiction children's book. About three little girl Vikings. Who are also murderers.

They are Vikings, after all.

Ahem.

Wait, the girls are best friends, not sisters, but apparently they live together? They and the stupid chieftain are the only human characters we see. The story could have done with an overt anti-gold, anticapitalism message, as well. Anti-greed all around.

Final Score: 3.5/5