Books about Vikings

The Vikings are fascinating, with their many raids on other lands, their thirst for exploration and the various Norse gods that were so important to them. This selection of books shows what Viking life was like, with all the action and humour you might expect. It includes fiction and non-fiction and is suitable for primary-aged children.

  • Brownstone’s Mythical Collection: Arthur and the Golden Rope

    by Joe Todd-Stanton 

    2016 6 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels
    • Myths and legends
    • Picture books

    Arthur goes to the great hall to help Thor catch the wicked Fenrir. There, he is set the almost impossible task of making a magical Golden Rope. A fantastic version of a Norse myth that falls between a picture book and a graphic novel.

  • 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

  • Two Terrible Vikings

    by Francesca Simon, illustrated by Steve May 

    2021 6 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Historical

    Hack and Whack are two terrible Viking twins who love stealing, raiding islands, and being generally horrible! Early readers will love this hysterical trio of stories from the creator of Horrid Henry.

  • Time Travel Twins: The Viking Attack

    by Josh Lacey, illustrated by Garry Parsons 

    2023 6 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Historical
    • Myths and legends

    Twins Scarlett and Thomas have a grandad with a time machine! When Thomas is struggling with his homework on Vikings, Grandad suggests he meets some. So Thomas whooshes back to the year 859AD, but without the crucial device to bring him home. Now Scarlett will have to go after him! 

  • Thorfinn the Nicest Viking and the Raging Raiders

    by David MacPhail, illustrated by Richard Morgan 

    2016 6 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Funny
    • Historical

    Thorfinn is a polite, considerate Viking – unlike the rest of his family, who love raiding, pillaging and generally causing havoc. With short chapters and plenty of laughs on every page, this is ideal for confident independent readers.

  • The Dragon’s Hoard: stories from the Viking Sagas

    by Lari Don, illustrated by Cate James 

    2016 6 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Myths and legends
    • Picture books

    In this collection of 11 stories about Vikings, you will encounter sailors, traders and explorers. Elemental, unadorned and compelling, these engaging retellings of the Sagas are illuminated by earth-toned illustrations.

  • Viking Boy

    by Tony Bradman 

    2012 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Historical

    When Gunar’s father is taken by the Valykries to Valhalla, Gunar makes it his mission to bring his father back – but unfortunately, he is no fighter.

  • Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good

    by Louie Stowell 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Diaries and journals
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Myths and legends

    After playing one trick too many, Loki, Norse god of mischief, is sent by Odin to live on earth as an 11-year-old boy for one month to mend his ways. Furious that he must suffer indignities such as attending school and doing chores, Loki struggles to be good.

  • Leif the Unlucky Viking: Saga of the Shooting Star

    by Gary Northfield 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books
    • Funny
    • Historical
    • Myths and legends

    Leif, a hapless Viking wolf pup, embarks on a secret mission to locate a missing shard from Thor’s hammer. This hilarious Viking adventure has oodles of laughs on every page.

  • 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.

  • How to Train Your Dragon

    by Cressida Cowell 

    2003 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Classics
    • Fantasy
    • Funny

    Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was an incredible sword-fighter, dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking hero who ever lived.

  • What it was like to be a Viking

    by David Long, illustrated by Stefano Tambellini 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Around the world
    • Chapter books
    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    This informative non-fiction book explores different aspects of Viking life, including housing, religion, travel and trade. With short chapters, illustrations and diagrams, it is ideal for dyslexic and reluctant readers.

  • She Wolf

    2019 9 to 12+ years 

    • Adventure
    • Coming-of-age
    • Historical
    • Thriller

    An intense and original coming-of-age adventure/​thriller set in the Dark Ages, featuring murder, revenge, wolves, Vikings and Norse myths. Another stunning read from a master storyteller.