The Smallest Viking

by James Kennedy

He's the smallest pony on Shetland. And he wants to be a Viking.

Every winter, Magnus watches from his gate as the Vikings march past with blazing torches and a great wooden galley. Every winter, he longs to march with them.

And every winter, he hears the same words:

"Oh, a pony is wee, and a pony is sma', and there's nae room for ponies at Up Helly Aa!"

But on the wildest night of the year, a rope snaps in the gale, the great galley starts to roll - and the smallest Viking of all has a choice to make. Run home to safety? Or run back?

A warm, funny, roaring read-aloud rhyme about being small, being brave, and finding your place in the parade.

Loosely inspired by Up Helly Aa, Shetland's spectacular midwinter fire festival, The Smallest Viking brings together torchlight, longships, snow and one very determined shaggy pony in a story children will want again and again.

Perfect for:

• Children aged 4-7, and anyone who loves a rhyme with a proper stomp to it

• Bedtime reading, classroom story time and library sessions

• Young readers who've ever been told they're too small

• Families with a love of Scotland, Vikings, ponies or a good bonfire

Also by James Kennedy: Baxter the Highland Unicorn, The Kelpies' Midnight Adventure, Rory the Puffin's Big Adventure and more Scottish stories for young readers.