I was recently sent these Thorfinn the Nicest Viking books to read and review, and I'm so glad I got to review them. I'm always on the lookout for great middle grade reads that reluctant readers will enjoy, and I think this series with the illustrations, trading cards, and interactive quizzes and riddles in the back make for some great reads most 2nd through 4th graders, even those that don't like to read, could enjoy.
Thorfinn the Nicest Viking and the Disgusting Feast by David MacPhail has a good funny plot driven storyline. Usually, I think character driven story lines are better written; however, plot driven is the best for this age group. I was glad to see the story focused around Thorfinn, was a fun and humorous, and it wasn't completely predictable. All in all, well done.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 Stars. The illustrations, larger text, interactive games and riddles make it perfect for this age group, and a great choice for any library (personal, school, or public) collection. Girls and boys alike will enjoy this book, but it is definitely geared more to boys. I mean, there's a funny underwear mention in the story, and I know boys especially, even reluctant readers, would find that funny.
I think 2nd through 4th grade is the ideal reading level, but a good reader in 1st grade could enjoy this series, which does not need to be read in any particular order, as well. This Thorfinn book has loads of silliness, funny names, clever wordplay (which the higher readers will get), and some surprising twists. It's a fun book and series that shares some good lessons of teamwork, friendship, trust, and cheering for one another.
Amazon has the following book description:
"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. The king of Norway is coming to visit Indgar village and Thorfinn is named Head Chef for the greatest feast the village has ever seen. Apparently the king has a taste for exotic fish, but he's also been known to catapult chefs who displease him into the sea! Thorfinn sets sail for Orkney with a ragtag crew to visit his Uncle Rolf and learn how to cook and catch fish. But it seems a poisoner is at large and he has his eyes on the poisson...Thorfinn the Nicest Viking is a funny, illustrated, action-packed new series for young readers who love Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!"
Happy Middle Grade Fic Silly Viking reading!
Do you know someone who will love Thorfinn?
I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion. All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.
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