Live Like a Viking

Did you know that Viking means, ‘Sea Raider?’ Not all Vikings were bloodthirsty raiders though – some came to foreign lands to settle peacefully, in fact most were farmers, craftworkers or traders. Learn about their travels, their trades and even have a go at weaving your own loom, making a Thor’s hammer pendant or a Viking drinking horn!

* Wrd About Books magazine *

Live Like a Viking: Discovering the Secrets of the Vikings is a beautifully presented and incredibly informative non-fiction book that delves into the history of the Vikings. These infamous, "bloodthirsty raiders" were so much more than fierce warriors on the hunt for loot and land.

In this wonderfully illustrated text, the many aspects of Viking daily life, customs, skills and society are expertly explored, explained and celebrated. Clear, bold engaging text is laid out in easily-accessible sections on a page and with engaging, colourful drawn pictures.

The reader could be absorbed in reading this cover to cover or use the excellently styled contents page to dip in and out of the many topics covered. As well as more well-known Viking facts( their longships and longhouses), there are details that enlighten and engage the reader with the level of indepth knowledge; we read about how Law and Order was decided on (sometimes with fights known as Holmgang that the Vikings believed the gods would judge), and how the Vikings divided their day into eight equal parts, using the position of the sun to tell morning from afternoon and evening.

Viking life is made lively and interactive by the inclusion of some fantastic recipes for Viking foods (Pea and Spring Onion soup sounds appealing), and instructions for fun craft activities, such as making a Viking Drinking Horn. These elements elevate this non-fiction look at the past and bring it to life vibrantly. 

-- Jennifer Caddick, teacher * Reading Zone *

This highly informative and fascinating guide to one of the most enigmatic, mysterious and fearsome groups of people in history is a real delight. This book uses tools such as a recurring character, engaging illustrations, craft activities and even recipes to help us become immersed in what the life of a Viking was really like and helps us to separate the facts from the myths of one of the most imagination – capturing times in history.

* Junior Design Awards *

Live Like a Viking by Claire Saunders, illustrated by Ruth Hickson, is a mesmerising look into the daily life of Vikings. This book delves into the customs, crafts, culture of these ancient people plus so mush more! We learn and experience history firsthand. The illustrations are fabulous. They’re detailed, rich in tone and so engagaing. We loved the activities in the book which included Viking recipes and how to make our own drinking horn! This book is perfect teaching tool for look at history through immersive storytelling and beautiful visuals. It’s an invaluable resource for bringing the Viking Age to life in the classroom.

* @inclusive_childrens_books *

An in-depth exploration of the everyday life of the Vikings and their multifaceted society.

* @father_teacher_reader *

This brilliant non fiction book is full of fascinating information and really shows you who the real Viking people were. Venture beyond the perception of the Vikings as formidable warriors and explore their multifaceted society. Recognised as dexterous farmers, innovative craftsmen, inspiring musicians, and intrepid explorers, the Vikings' influence permeates our modern existence. There are easy to read facts, storytelling, craft projects, recipes and gorgeous illustrations throughout making this a very accessible book for readers 7+. This would be the perfect book to accompany the topic in school and a very useful book to have at home! We have thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

* @family_book_club_ *

Live Like a Viking is a fascinating and informative journey back in time to find out what it was really like to live in the Viking age. Dotted throughout are fictional accounts by a young girl that bring the Viking era to life and enable readers to understand what it was like to live like a Viking. The Vikings have a fearsome reputation as warriors. In reality, they were much more than that. From farmers and craftsmen to musicians and explorers, Viking society and culture has left a lasting impression on our modern world. At the peak of their power, the Viking population soared to two million! Get ready to discover what it was like to live in this epic era. Learn about out how these master seafarers invaded countries across Europe using iconic wooden longships, about family life, their beliefs, the place of women in society, how they dressed and what they ate, as well as their language, customs and rituals.

* Crunchy Family blog *

Embark on an enthralling journey back in time with ‘Live Like a Viking’, a captivating dive into the world of the adventurous Vikings! Far beyond their fearsome reputation as warriors, this book reveals the multifaceted lives of Vikings as farmers, craftsmen, musicians, and explorers. Discover how these master seafarers sailed iconic longships to raid, trade, and settle across vast distances, from North America to Constantinople. The book vividly portrays Viking family life, beliefs, the role of women, attire, cuisine, language, customs, and rituals. It shatters many myths while sharing the real ones. Children will love the step-by-step craft activities and recipes, like making a simple weaving loom or a batch of non-alcoholic mead. These hands-on projects make history tangible and fun! Meet Astrid, a fictional Viking girl, who pops up throughout the book to share insights into the daily life of Vikings. Her stories bring the ancient past to life, making this book an engaging read for both home and classroom settings. Perfect for history buffs, educators, and home-schooling families, ‘Live Like a Viking’ offers a rich, immersive experience that illuminates the epic era of the Vikings. Get ready to discover what it was like to live in this fascinating age!

* @booksb4bedtime *

An immersive and informative guide to the Viking Age which shows you who the real people were! It’s a fascinating and insightful journey back in time. Author Clair Saunders and illustrated by Ruth Hickson . The book is very informative with details about family life, fashion , crafts , recipes and religion . I really like this book for the interaction too. You can do activities suggested to join in , such as making a drinking horn and baking.

* @mylittlebrightsparks *

If you teach Vikings, or have a mini historian in your life, you're definitely going to want to check this pair out. Recommended for: KS2 I absolutely love this series. They're such a helpful guide and accompaniment when planning a history topic. Fascinating and insightful, this book condenses information about Viking society and culture so well across double page spreads, particularly helping the reader learn about the life of ordinary people in Viking times. As well as information, the books also shares crafts and recipes to try so you too can live like a Viking.

* @mrsbrownsbookbox *

A fascinating and informative journey back in time to find out what it was really like to live in the Viking age. Dotted throughout are fictional accounts by a young girl that bring the Viking era to life and enable readers to understand what it was like to live like a Viking. I like this fun & creative way to take us back in time to explore history, who Vikings were, & how they lived. The facts are interesting & the artwork is also fun. A never a dull moment for Vikings or learning!

* @stylishmodernmotherhood *

A compelling and absorbing but very accessible study of a truly fascinating time period.

-- Bonita Turner, Editor of Junior

I enjoyed this fresh angle on a historical period beloved by all kids at one point!

-- Lucy Clayton, Dolls house maker and writer, @mslucycla