Leif is different from his family and so the story begins. Leif just wants peace and tranquility while the other Vikings want to do normal Viking stuff and take Leif along. Leif must find a way to fit in while still be himself. I really enjoyed the message this book is trying to get across. The illustrations are rendered in a crude style befitting that of a Viking backdrop. The colors are vivid. All in all, I would recommend this book to parents in general but especially to those who have kids that are maybe a little different.

This was a great book to teach about differences and how each person can contribute differently even if it is out of the ordinary. Leif thought his people would be disappointed in him and let everyone down but he ended up tipped the scales in their favor!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the author for the e-arc copy of this one. what. A great story about Leif, a young Viking boy who just wants to spend his days hiking and enjoying nature. His family has other ideas, they need him to win the Viking games. I really like the way this story shows that it's ok to not go with the flow, to like things that may not be what everyone else is liking. It has great examples for kids to not worry about what other people think and do the things they love. The illustrations are beautiful and this would make an excellent before bedtime book as it's fairly short. Thanks again

The word Viking brings up images of strength however, this particular son of a Viking of a strong Viking family was different. He loved to hike and see the beauty that was around him in what is now Norway. There is a contrast to this story that will engage your child and you about differences and how they can work together for the common good. I loved the story and imagery was vivid. One for the classics.

On a personal note, I love hiking and my heritage is Norwegian.

A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

This was a sweet and fun story about a young viking that doesn't quite fit in with all the other vikings in his village. He likes to hike and check out the scenery and none of the other vikings can understand him. In the end his love of hiking and knowledge of the area helps him win the big viking contest for his family and his entire village is finally able to understand and appreciate him for who he is.

The imagery appeals to the silly fun loving side of my toddler and I like that the fun unique style. The message about each individual having something special and valuable to offer even if it is different from everyone else is one I appreciate as a parent.

Five stars.

#TheHikingViking #NetGalley

Leif, a young Viking, is not like the other Vikings. While the others spend their time wrestling, throwing spears, and preparing for the Viking Games, Leif prefers to hike and enjoy the peace and quiet in nature. When the deciding factor of winning the Viking Games hinges on which clan can present the greatest treasure, will Leif be able to help his clan win?

This is a cute book about appreciating nature and being true to yourself. There’s a good message for children that it’s okay to be different and have different interests from the people around you. 4 stars because the illustrations were a bit odd. Leif’s mom looks scary. Though I suppose that’s the Viking look.

This book actually made me tear up a little at the end! A beautifully illustrated tale about a young viking named Leif who doesn't like to train and fight like the other vikings. Leif likes to explore and appreciate the beauty of the nature around him. The viking games are coming up, and Leif fears he will let his family and clan down. Or will he perhaps hold a secret that can bring glory to his clan?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

This story was so cute! I instantly fell in love with Leif as a character, his wonder, and his quiet, little soul in awe of the beauty around him. I recommend this, but especially to parents with children who stand out a little amongst their friends, peers, and family. (Also, if you or your child likes the How to Train Your Dragon books and/or films.)

It’s a sweet little story that has the lesson that everyone and everything has value even if it’s unexpected and often underappreciated. It also has the message that you don’t have to enjoy or be good at something everyone else likes to do.

I absolutely loved the illustrations! I could stare at the view for hours, just like Leif.
I just wish it was longer! *cries*

This was okay. The illustrations were fun, and the sunset was absolutely gorgeous - everything Leif said it would be!

"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?"

What an absolutely beautiful book. The themes of the book reminded me of "How to Train Your Dragon." Here we have the story of a young Viking who sticks out because of his love for hiking and nature (instead of dragons) rather than typical Viking pursuits. Yet despite his differences from those around him, Leif is able to show his value and teach other Vikings about the beauty of nature.

In addition to the beautiful prose, the artwork was absolutely stunning. Timothy Banks's use of color truly showcases the beauty of nature and Leif's love for the world around him.

Thank you to Capstone Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are my own.

'The Hiking Viking' is perfect for fans of 'How to Train Your Dragon.' You will see a lot of similarities in a young Viking who does not quite fit in with his burly clan. Here though, young Leif, finds pleasure in hiking (not dragons) and at the end of the day is able to share his love of the natural world with his clan. They, in turn, learn to appreciate the beauty of their Viking world without having to perform vigorous physical tasks!

Not to be downplayed, but the artwork is stellar. It is full of color and contrast. It is both beautiful and fun!

The Hiking Viking is a children's book. It was written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Timothy Banks.

Summary: Leif just wants to hike, but that doesn't exactly make him fit in with his Viking clan. Can he show them that there is more to life than throwing rocks and battling each other?

My Thoughts: This book is wonderful. I love the theme (it reminds me a lot of How To Train Your Dragon-one of my favorite book series.) The characters are fun and the art is fantastic.

It is also the perfect book for any reader who feels like they don't fit in-showing them just how valuable it is to have a different perspective on life.

I really like this book, and think it is definitely worth owning.

I would like to thank Capstone for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

The Hiking Viking is a heartwarming tale about fitting in and being yourself. Leif does not fit in with the other vikings. Leif prefers solitude and quiet over brawling, bragging, and battling. When Leif is tapped to compete in the Viking games he is thrilled (not!). In the end, however, the skills that Leif has, will prove useful to his tribe. It takes all kinds to make a tribe work.

I really liked when Lief was doing the Viking games and the judges said they needed to find more treasure. When Lief did he said it was better than silver and gold and took the judges to the fjord and watched the sunset and said that his team won.

I would recommend to other kids to read. I would give it 5⭐️.

A cute little story time book about enjoying your unique talents, and the little things, for a full and unique life.

The Hiking Viking by Laura Gehl is a hidden gem that will delight readers and librarians. The story of Leif a Viking whose perfect day is out in nature instead of practicing battles and brawls like the other Vikings. The Viking Games are about the begin and everyone must participate, can Leif help his clan win? A novel for introverts and those who find the beauty of nature. The power of solitude and being yourself is reflected on the page, in today’s loud society sometimes the real treasure is finding peace and tranquility. Splendidly told and heart warming with charming and unique illustrations by Timothy Banks. Thank you to Capstone Publishers and Netgalley for this Arc, all opinions are my own.

This was a cute picture book following a young viking named Leif who doesn’t like the usual viking activities and loves hiking and nature instead. A competition between the clan that Leif is in and another clan are fast approaching, but Leif is only interested in hiking,

I really loved the illustrations of nature and landscapes, but wasn’t personally a fan of the character designs.

I liked the message of the story about having other interests and finding the beauty in nature!

I got an ARC on Netgalley and I am so very happy that I did.
This illustration/poem book is a tale of Leif a Viking, who loved to hike. While other Vikings believed in showing their power and strength, Leif loved hiking up the cliff and watching the view. His family never understood him, and forced his to act like a Viking.
.
This book gives us that feel good thing in our heart and the last pages will bring smile on faces. This book gives us a very important lesson, to stop for and look around ourselves and enjoy the beauty of the nature. This book does make us take a deep breath and enjoy the view around us. Aah it's just such a beautiful cute little book. And the illustrations are so colorful.

With beautiful illustrations and lyrical text, this is a really sweet story that reminds us to embrace our differences! I can see this becoming a classroom favorite for the 3-5 year olds!

The Hiking Viking by Laura Gehl is a cute story about a young viking named Leif who enjoys appreciating nature rather than partaking in the usual viking shenanigans. The Viking Games are fast approaching and Leif’s clan is pressuring him to become more like them and just forget about nature (aka his passion.) I loved the message of everyone always has something to offer which is a reminder to be more accepting of others as well as a reminder that your passions, no matter how different they are from everyone elses’, will be beneficial in unexpected (and unforeseen) ways to yourself and those around you. I also really enjoyed the artwork throughout the book; the artist’s style was unique and did an excellent job at bringing the story to life. I definitely recommend this book for young readers, it will make a fine addition to your collection!