Published by Two Hoots, an imprint of Pan Macmillan, 2021.

We were so excited when we discovered that Bethan Woollvin had a new book out! We’re big fans of all her earlier books; we love her graphic style and her strong feminist take on the fairy tale genre. Her latest offering – Three Little Vikings – did not disappoint and is now top of the pile for bedtime reading.

In the Viking village everything seems to be going wrong. Chickens are disappearing, trees are falling down, and there’s lots and lots of crashing and bashing. The silly Chieftain won’t listen to the three littlest Vikings (Ebba, Helga and Wren) because he thinks he knows best. He obviously doesn’t and so it’s up to the three girls to work together to save the day.

We just love Ebba, Helga and Wren (handily identified by the initials on their clothing). They know how to handle themselves, can wield an axe, outsmart a troll and get their voices heard. Plus, they know that there’s wisdom to be found in books.

I also liked the book’s positive representation of disability. Helga has a prosthetic leg (and a rather funky one at that). No mention is made of it and Helga effortlessly fights, swims, climbs and runs alongside the others.

The book showcases Bethan’s wonderful trademark illustrations which are bold, stylised, and drawn using a striking colour palette. And of course there are the characters’ distinctive eyes. Eyes which we’ve loved since Little Red.

Three Little Vikings is a brilliantly enjoyable picture book which celebrates fearless females, fun and friendship.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 3+

Thank you to Two Hoots for sending me this book to review.