Thorfinn the Nicest Viking & the Gruesome Games (Book 2 in the Series)

by David MacPhail; Illustrated by Richard Morgan

• Thorfinn, The Nicest Viking is a funny and fearsome 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!
• David Macphail takes readers on a hilarious journey filled with gruesome Viking heroes, adventurous battles — and a polite young Viking who would rather be at home with a mug of pinecone tea!
• Each page is illustrated with hilarious sketches by Richard Morgan

Thorfinn is a nice, polite young Viking. How will he save his village against the ruthless competitors at the Scottish Gruesome Games?

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.

Harald, Thorfinn and the other Vikings are preparing to compete in the annual Gruesome Games, held on the Scottish island of Uraig. It falls to Thorfinn to save their village, but in a competition where belching, axe-throwing, pie-clobbering and goat-throwing are great point scorers, what help will a terribly nice Viking with a talent for baking be?

Thorfinn the Nicest Viking is a funny, illustrated, action-packed new series for young readers which bridges the gap between Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!

Recommended by the publisher for ages 6-9 yrs.

Softcover, 136 pages. 197 x 158 mm. With 50 black and white illustrations.

Floris Books, 2015.

About the Author

David MacPhail left home at eighteen to travel the world and have adventures. After working as a chicken wrangler, a ghost-tour guide and a waiter on a tropical island, he now has the sensible job of writing about yetis and Vikings. At home in Perthshire, Scotland, he exists on a diet of cream buns and zombie movies. David is also the author of Yeti on the Loose and the Thorfinn the Nicest Viking series.

Richard Morgan was born and raised by goblins on the Yorkshire moors. He has painted backgrounds for Disney TV and now writes and illustrates children's books. He lives in Cambridge, England, and has a family of goblins of his own.

Reviews

'... a cute story filled with funny illustrations.'
-- Goodreads, Wayne McCoy

'A must read.'
-- Goodreads, Jossie Solheim

'this book should be in elementary school libraries as well as classroom libraries.'
-- Goodreads, Carla Johnson-Hicks

'this little novel is a perfect barrel of laughs for boys and girls alike.'
-- Suffolk Libraries

'Fabulously funny Viking fiction for children! This book is bound to appeal to audiences of the much loved 'How to Train Your Dragon' series'
-- Springwell Park Primary School

'Readers will recognize the humorous and distinctive illustrations of Richard Morgan and enjoy the supplemental activities in the back of the book.'
-- Einin Weebly

'The chapter book is filled with cute illustrations and silly humor that made my 7 year old laugh out loud, all while teaching lessons about sportsmanship and being true to yourself.'
-- Easily Entertained Blog

'An easy, fun read that would work well as a read aloud.'
-- Education Queensland

'a good story, interesting heroes, quality writing, some obvious laughs, some understated chuckles, and a very engaging and satisfying reading experience.'
-- Amazon Pop Bop/Goodreads