Children’s topic books about the Vikings. This list of books for children aged 5-12 contains recommended topic books to appeal to all reading abilities and books that will be useful to supplement Vikings topics in KS2 classroom. We have picked a range of illustrated books, nonfiction, and children’s novels to read aloud, discuss in groups or individually or to use an impetus for discussion in history, literacy, during class time or book clubs. This list of reading suggestions is revised regularly and includes stories by Tony Bradman, Jane Chisholm, Michael Morpurgo, Cressida Cowell, Terry Deary, and Neil Gaiman.
Our recommended children’s books for topics about the Vikings
Two Terrible Vikings by Francesca Simon
The raucously funny chapter book is ideal for KS1 readers or reluctant readers in lower KS2. Behaviour nightmare twin siblings Hack and Whack compete to be the ‘best worst Vikings’. With supporting characters such as Twisty Pants, Dirty Ulf, Loud Mouth, Spear Nose, Sven Fork Beard and pet wolf cub Bitey-Bitey, this story will probably become the highlight of your Vikings topic work. It’s ideal for reading around the class at the end of the school day, or among the whole family at home. If dressing up is an option in your literacy role-play or drama lessons, this reviewer wants to be Elsa Gold-Hair.
Adventures in Time: Fury of the Vikings by Dominic Sandbrook
Bring your Viking teaching to life with this cracking fast-paced drama set in a vivid world of daring raids, shield maidens, marauding Viking warriors, Icelandic exploration, mythical gods and creatures and the passion and anger of legendary Viking figures from history. It’s an ideal class reader for upper KS2 and lower KS3 or 10+ independent reading.
Who Were the Vikings? by Jane Chisholm
Fun, informative and well-illustrated. It contains new links to websites to enable more extensive research.
The Vicious Vikings (Horrible Histories) by Terry Deary
A must-have topic book. Funny, rude and thoroughly enjoyable. This book will definitely inspire the imagination and encourage further independent study.
You Wouldn’t Want to be a Viking Explorer! by Andrew Langley
Full of danger and adventure with plenty of illustrations and facts to provoke questions and further understanding.
Everything Vikings by National Geographic Kids
Dragons, swords, gods – all the facts at your fingertips. Amazing illustrations, to absorb and inspire the reader.
How to be a Viking by Cressida Cowell
Can Hiccup the young Viking become big, bold and fearless like his father Stoick the Vast? Fun, true to history, and ideal for children in lower KS2.
Jaspar Viking Dog by Hilary Robinson
Jaspar, who’s convinced he’s a direct descendant of valiant Viking dogs, decides to help the local museum get more visitors through the door. A very funny book with lots of nice touches, including some hilarious homonym misinterpretations. Set in a dyslexic friendly typeface, this book also uses fun illustrations and short chapters to make the book accessible for less able readers.
The Viking Invader (Newspaper Histories) by Fergus Fleming
This is a wonderful mock newspaper with articles about the invaders, their lifestyle and beliefs, and what they did in England. Well illustrated, with photos, pictures, and cartoons. Very funny.
Vikings Study Book KS2 Discover and Learn by CGP
An excellent reference book – easy to follow with plenty of illustrations, explanations, and timelines to help explain the Viking era.
Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Jeffrey Alan Love
Odin, Thor and Loki rampage through dramatic tales in this interpretation of the Scandinavian myth cycle. Fully illustrated, the world of monsters, magic, and giants is brought to life. A Carnegie Medal winner.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Probably the most well-known and read book on Norse mythology. True to the ancient myths, Gaiman retells the stories of gods, giants, and dwarfs in a compelling style.
The Littlest Viking by Sandi Toksvig
The story of Amber, the littlest Viking. Setting out on a great adventure, she loses her way. Lost, with only her squirrel for company, she is rescued by three children who take her home. But a Viking is not easy to live with…
Vikings Eyewonder by DK
Full of information and amazing facts, this book explains everything about Viking life. From longships to gods, clothing and weapons, exploration and legends, it answers a multitude of questions for enquiring minds.
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Unlikely hero Odd embarks on a journey to save Asgard, the city of the Norse gods. How can a boy who cannot walk without the help of crutches defeat the dangerous Frost Giants?
Ragnar: the legend of the hairy trousers by Tony Bradman
A fun easy-reader that is packed with illustrations. Young Ragnar has to live up to the reputation of his braze dragon-slaying father – and fight for his kingdom. Find out how the nickname hairy trousers came about!
The Last Viking by Terry Deary
An easy-to-read to read, dyslexia-friendly tale of the Viking invasion. Emma and her friends have to find a way to escape the clutches of warriors who are intent on making them slaves. Faced-paced and full of danger!
Viking Blood (My Story) by Andrew Donkin
Injured after a battle that was lost, Tor Scaldbane is heartbroken that he will never become a legendary warrior. Then he remembers the sagas, the great tales of heroes and gods and the obstacles they overcame. Filled with optimism, he fights on.
The Dragon’s Hoard: Stories from the Viking Sagas by Lari Don
Tales to enthral and inspire in this compendium of eleven stories from the Viking Sagas. Exploding with battles, famous warriors, berserkers, and monsters. Find your own hero!
The Saga of Eric the Viking by Terry Jones
Thrilling adventures with Erik and his trusty warriors. Setting sail in their longship to find where the sun goes at night, they discover much, much more!
Viking Boy by Tony Bradman
An action story about Gunnar, the son of a chieftain, sworn to avenge his father’s murder – he battles the Wolf Men, flying wolves, and a dangerous sea journey. Will he succeed?
Vikings in 30 Seconds by Phillip Steele
A fascinating book, each chapter bursts with information in a concise 30-second summary supported by a three-second soundbite and colourful illustrations. Very informative, there are supplementary activities for children to explore and discover. Ideal for KS2.
Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo
A thrilling adaptation for children of the classic saga of Beowulf’s fight against Grendel and his mother. Beowulf is a brave and valiant hero, fighting alone to save his country from the dragon of the deep.
Vikings Activity Book by Sue and Steve Weatherill
Easy to read and accessible activities for KS2 children including how to make a Norse helmet, how to discover America and how to make a lucet. There’s also an online version here.
Viking topic resources
- Jorvik Viking Centre, York and shop.
- Jorvik Viking Centre teacher resource packs.
- Dig York classroom resources.
- Dock Museum free history loan boxes (collection only).
- British Museum downloadable classroom resources.
- The Ancient Technology Centre – an excellent site to visit for the Stone Age, Iron Age, Roman, Anglo Saxons and Vikings.
- National Museums Scotland – teaching units, downloadable resources, and videos.
Videos and interactive
- BBC Teach – KS2 History – The Vikings.
- BBC Bitesize – class clips.
Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces
Hnefatafl Viking game
Dramatic Viking wig costume
Viking helmet
Viking outfitLooking for more topic books? Try our books for topics in KS1 and KS2 page.
We also have lists of recommended reading books for children aged 3-11.
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