The Last Viking
Young Josh is afraid of everything - he isn't brave like the mighty Vikings his Pop tells him of. One day Josh decides to become a fearless Viking too. He calls himself Prince Knut, builds his own armour and sails a dragon-headed longship through stormy seas. When bullies threaten Knut, he must find the courage to defend himself - and lucky for him the Viking Gods, Odin and Thor, have been watching. They won't let one of their own stand alone...
Illustrated by James Foley
Fremantle Press, June 2011
BUY from your local bookshop
or from Fremantle Press (Australia)
Amazon (US)
Barnes & Noble (US)
Amazon (UK)
Book Depository (UK)
Awards
- Winner, 2012 Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Crystal Kite Award (Book of the Year as voted by peers in Australia & New Zealand)
- Shortlist, 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Awards, Early Childhood Book of the Year
- Winner, 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Junior Judges Awards, Early Childhood Book of the Year
- Notable Book, 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Awards, Picture Book of the Year
- Winner, Hoffman Award (highest ranked book by a WA creator), 2012 West Australian Young Readers' Book Awards
- Shortlist, 2012 West Australian Young Readers' Book Awards
- Shortlist, 2012 Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature
- Shortlist, 2011 Aurealis Awards
About
The Last Viking is written by Norman Jorgensen, award-winning author of 'Jack's Island', 'In Flander's Fields' and the 'Ashe of the Outback' series.
The Last Viking was released in Australia by Fremantle Press on June 24 2011.
Watch the book trailer to find out more:
You can also watch Norm and I pretending to be funny and talking about why we create:
Reviews
"Norman Jorgensen's writing and James Foley's illustrations complement each other perfectly in this charming story about courage and imagination. As in all the best picture books, the words allow room for the cartoonish, expressive art to expand and deepen the story." -Junior Bookseller+Publisher
"This is a beautifully illustrated book, with easy transitions from the present to Viking days of glory. The inclusion of a page from Pop's Viking book is fascinating and adds to the many layers of this wonderfully inventive book of heroes and legends." -ABC Canberra Drive
"I have a new favourite picture book!" -thebookchook.com
Resources
Media resources (Fremantle Press)
Teacher's Notes (Fremantle Press)
Blog
Norman and I have been documenting the book-making process in a blog. Come behind-the-scenes and see how we put it together, from research to sketches to finished artwork. There's also a classroom Resources page and a page for Teachers.
Images
