Helga Makes a Name for Herself

October 1, 2020
Preschool-G Everyone knows that tiny farmersdotters from small mountain villages don't become great Viking warriors, but when word comes one Thor's Day that the world-famous Ingrid the Axe is seeking new warriors, Helga?alongside her pet wolverine, Wolvie?is determined to make the cut. Donning her homemade helmet, shield, and longsword, she races and throws battle axes alongside other Viking hopefuls, until she finally proves herself in battle and?holy Valhalla!?receives the warrior name Helga the Howler. The story is cute and well woven, full of casual Norse nods to pickled fish, monthly baths, Valkyries, and names like Sven Longbeard. The protagonist and her wolverine are quite likable in their dogged resolution to achieve greatness, and there are fun jokes sprinkled throughout in comic-style speech bubbles, but the real gem here is the artwork that looks like it's straight out of a Pixar animated film. All in all, this girl-power story is a victorious celebration of uniqueness, ingenuity, and little people following their big dreams.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

October 5, 2020
In Maynor’s (The Sandcastle That Lola Built) irreverent Viking saga spoof, redheaded Helga yearns to be a Viking warrior like the legendary Ingrid the Axe, begging for stories of her role model during her “monthly bath.” Helga’s parents suggest that a “farmersdotter” from a small mountain village is unlikely to join the Viking glitterati. But Helga defies them, training and outfitting herself in a ragtag warrior outfit, and with her trusty wolverine in tow (“What’s wrong with her cat?” asks a bystander), heads off to compete for an opening in Ingrid’s army. Kaban’s (Pirates Don’t Go to Kindergarten!) bright, digitally cartooned vignettes have the verve of classic animation, and she marches right along with Maynor’s comic beats as Helga fails twice before triumphing in sword sparring with a shout of “AROOOO!”—winning a nod from Ingrid and a mythical nickname of her very own. While even the littlest readers will guess the outcome early on, that doesn’t detract from the fun. This one’s all about Helga’s determination and self-knowledge; told by her mother to “remember who you are,” Helga shouts, battle-ready in a field of fluffy sheep, “I AM A WARRIORRR!” Ages 4–7. Author’s agent: Minju Chang, BookStop Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Justin Rucker, Shannon Assoc.

October 1, 2020
A small-town "farmersdotter" hits the big time when she joins a warrior woman's brigade. Whether it's bedtime, fish-pickling time, or her monthly bathtime, Helga continually craves stories about her favorite Viking warrior, Ingrid the Axe. Her parents, however, are quick to point out that "Warriors do not come from small mountain villages like ours." Undeterred, when Ingrid comes to a nearby port city to recruit, Helga is raring to prove her worth. Other warriors mock her clothes and faithful pet wolverine, and when the trials begin she seems out of her element. Fortunately, Helga's talents shine through, earning her infamy and the eponym Helga the Howler. An author's note gives Vikings some context, and there are even recommended books and pertinent websites for further reading. The storyline packs lot of action into a few pages, pacing everything at a mighty clip. Humor abounds in the text, as in a section of dialogue written in Minnesotan-esque phrasings ("Yah?" "Yah, sure. You betchya"). Meanwhile, the art is peppy and thoroughly upbeat. Those with a yen for a warrior-woman storytime should pair this with such titles as The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton (2015). Helga and her parents present White, and there appear to be some Vikings of color among the supporting cast. You'd have to be beserk(er) not to appreciate this mighty gal. (Picture book. 4-6)

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