Best stories for children about Vikings and the Norse world

If your child is fascinated by Viking battles and all things Thor and Odin, then author Cat Weldon has just the booklist for you!

What do you think of when you hear the word Viking”? A large, hairy man brandishing an axe while leaping off a longboat, perhaps?

While this is one element of being a Viking, it isn’t the whole story. The Viking world was far broader and more amazing than that. I’ve always been fascinated by the colourful and chaotic world of the Vikings, and these books are perfect for exploring their beliefs and how they saw the world (or should that be nine worlds?).

Norse Myths and Norse Tales, written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love

Stories you may know and some you probably won’t, all wrapped up in the most beautiful prose. These books transported me straight to a Viking longhouse, listening to evocative tales from Norse mythology while sitting around a crackling fire.

Odd and the Frost Giants, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris Riddell

Odd is a Viking boy who happens to find three Norse Gods imprisoned in animal form and trapped on Earth. This was the first Viking-era book I read that blended the real world of humans with that of the Gods, making them both feel equally real and important. It gave me the confidence to carry on with my own ideas in blending the crazy world of Norse Mythology with the lives of humans.

Viking Voyagers by Jack Tite

This book is visually stunning and very informative. Bold illustrations accompany fantastic facts about Viking lives and beliefs. Pages fold out to extend information and secrets appear under flaps. I had to wrestle it away from my children to have a look myself and I’m sure I haven’t uncovered all its secrets yet!

Riddle of the Runes, written by Janina Ramirez and illustrated by David Wyatt

Lots of Viking books focus on male characters fighting or invading new lands on their longboats, but this is a bit different. Alva wants to be an investigator, but first she must navigate her place in her community and solve the mystery of the monk’s treasure. A vivid depiction of the Viking world and how they saw themselves.

Vicious Vikings, written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown

A Horrible Histories classic! It’s easy to think of the Vikings simply as terrifying warriors but they also had regular baths and cleaned their ears using special spoons. This book is full of funny facts and stories all told in a range of interesting and accessible formats. Easy to dip in and out of and always giving you something new to find out. I love the Viking First Aid guide!

  • Viking Voyagers: Discover the Story of the Vikings

    by Jack Tite 

    2020 6 to 12 years 

    • Historical
    • Myths and legends
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    Engaging, clear and stylish illustration along with some glorious fold-out sections make this book a real treat to discover. A wonderful, detailed look at all aspects of Viking culture, from crafts to boats, legends, social hierarchies, food, animals and fighting methods

  • Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki

    by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Jeffrey Alan Love 

    2017 6 to 12 years 

    • Myths and legends
    • Picture books

    If your children loved the recent Marvel movies featuring Thor but haven’t heard the original Norse legends before, this fantastic compendium of new retellings would be an excellent place to start.

  • Odd and the Frost Giants

    by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell 

    2016 6 to 12 years 

    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Myths and legends
    • Picture books
    • Disability

    Odd, a crippled orphan in a Viking village, isn’t of much interest to his clan. When he leaves for adventure, he finds three talking animals that are actually gods – and they need his help. This is a wonderfully wintry, magical and mythical story.

  • Riddle of the Runes

    by Janina Ramirez, illustrated by David Wyatt 

    2018 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Historical

    Alva is a strong, fierce and exciting heroine and this is an interesting approach to the well-known story of Vikings, which puts women at the centre of the story. An enjoyable adventure.