Leif is a viking who prefers to explore nature instead of pillaging or brawling. During the viking games, it may come time for Leif to use his talents after all.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

My family loves to talk about how we're descended from Vikings and I went to Iceland and I thought that was all very cool and then I read more about them and watched the horrific things in the movie The Northman and was like "mmmm....probably shouldn't glamorize this to my small child." So I loved this book. Instead of being a "normal viking," the boy in this book likes to be in nature and the book explains how to stay true to yourself. It reminded me a little of the core story in How to Train Your Dragon.

An excellent little book, cataloging a love for nature in a whimsical and delightful manner. Vibrant, colorful illustrations help the tale to come to life. I really enjoyed the ending and how it all came together.

This is a fairly standard idea for a picture book, even the inclusion of vikings. A character defies the standards of their culture, showing an interest in more gentle pursuits, interests that prove their value in the end. A cute enough story and well illustrated.

This is a Children's Book that I read to my twin boys. I really loved the pictures and the message in this book. My boys loved this book to. I loved that this book shows kids they can be different and still be great. Great Children's book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Capstone) or author (Lauren Gehl) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

This was absolutely adorable. I loved the excuse to read a bunch of little kiddo arcs while pregnant and I will enjoy picking them up in stores.

While the other Vikings love to holler and howl and battle and brawl, Leif prefers spending time by himself atop the beautiful fjord. But when it’s time for the Viking Games, everyone must participate. Will Leif let down his clan . . . or surprise them?

This was a cute story. I read it to my little one. I recommend this book with its beautiful pictures! A different story that would be perfect in any child's collection.

I appreciate #NetGalley and Capstone Publishing for allowing me to read and review the Hiking Viking by Lauren Gehl. I enjoyed Leif's story and the pictures were amazing. Young Leif isn't like the other Vikings. He'd rather hike to his favorite spot than practice throwing spears, lifting heavy rocks, or wrestling. When it comes time for the Viking Games he is completely unprepared for the competition. Leif redeems himself at the end of the story when the score is tied.

This was utterly adorable!

The story itself was a bit predictable but still heartwarming. What really made the book was the illustrations - the style and colors were perfect. It truly shows the treasure and beauty of the land.

Definitely adding it to our library collection!

A really lovely picture book that will be perfect for any primary classroom. Join Leif as he seeks acceptance in his Viking clan and shows that the greatest treasure is one that we can all share. A wonderful way to explore the theme of being true to yourself and viewing things from a different perspective. Leif is different from the other Vikings as he likes to be peaceful and quiet. This is a simple but lovely story with beautiful illustrations by Timothy Banks. A welcome addition to any classroom shelf or library.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for this e-copy of the book.

Good story with the familiar message of its okay to be different. Nice pictures of a norse setting that kind of differentiates this one from others. I have a couple books I would pair this with nicely.

This is the story of Leif a Viking Boy, so different from the rest , he one day asked for a hiking stick and every day he went up the hills and appreciate Nature and his surroundings, obviously his family never saw the same thing he did, until the Viking games.

I Give 5 Stars to this book, I loved the story and the art. Absolutely cute. Sadly I don’t have younger siblings in my family to share this with but my Inner child.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

This book is filled with great color and wonderful meaning, but not as detailed as I’d want it to be. A great length book for a younger child, and very similar to how to train your dragon with the Vikings and plot (in a good way). I think it could have a bit more though, the kids I work with enjoy depth and details to their stories. It’s very well done for most the book but I feel as though it could’ve shown what treasures other Vikings brought (at least one page of that) and just had a better final page, it seemed abrupt. It is more so a book I’d check out of the library rather than purchase.

Leif isn’t like other Vikings. He doesn’t like to battle or brawl, holler or howl, wrestle, or throw spears. No, Leif’s idea of a good time is hiking to the top of the fjord and beholding the majesty of the natural world.

No one in Leif’s family can understand why he is the way he is. They’re always pressuring him to join them in the activities they enjoy, which naturally leaves Leif feeling like an inferior outcast in his own clan. When it comes time for the Viking Games, Leif’s family’s honor is at stake and he can’t let them down. What Leif learns and is able to teach his family and the other members of his village is that the best contribution you can give to your community is being yourself.

Laura Gehl and Timothy Banks have crafted an instant classic with The Hiking Viking. With gorgeous illustrations and positive messages about the benefits of honoring your own authenticity, The Hiking Viking will appeal to young readers of all genders.

This story reminded me so much of How to Train Your Dragon mixed with the artwork from the Frozen story Bruni's Big Adventure - both favorites of my young child. We both enjoyed this longer read, and the lesson that came with it. It was such an organic way of reminding a young child that everyone views situations differently and that we should be celebrating that. Great lesson for your child, and a good reminder as a parent.

My child has already asked to reread this story a few times- I have a feeling we will be picking up a physical copy of this story as soon as it is released

I was given an ARC of this story to read; but thoughts and opinions are all my own. Thank you to @netgalley and Capstone for the chance to read this title.

The Hiking Viking is about a young Viking, Leif, who has a passion for enjoying natural vistas and the smells and sounds of the forest. His family harangues him about joining in on the brawny Viking contests with the rest of the village because The Viking Games are on the horizon. Spoiler alert - you don't have to be a track star to be a winner. Leif is able to show the community that we don't all need to have the same talent and sometimes you have to look a little further to find a different type of value.

We really enjoyed this book! The story & pictures were beautiful, and it was a very fun read! I would definitely recommend this for all little kiddies & its a story worthy of a place on any bookshelf!

I got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The illustrations weren't too eye-catchy and the storyline lacks a real story.

Leif enjoys hiking instead of fighting, but he has a treasure that the rrst if them don't understand. Sweet and relatable -- and thr colors are gorgeous!

Thank you to the Capstone publisher for the advanced electronic copy of this wonderful book. I read it on NetGalley. I really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations and an important message that comes across very clearly. Can’t wait to share it with my students when it is published in February of 2022.