Gunnar the Viking's Great Pizza Adventure

Like most Vikings, Gunnar’s days are spent battling and fighting. This story follows all the tropes of a Viking warrior before the twist in the tale is revealed and his quest to made the prefect pizza begins. Gunnar becomes determined to learn how to make this delicious dish; his first try is a disaster, but he doesn’t give up. 

The illustrations are stylish and punchy using a striking colour mix of red, green and purple. The Viking battles are epic and the pizza making is epically messy. There are plenty of funny vignettes to savour like Gunnar knitting peacefully as he waits for his dough to rise, or his face when he tastes pizza for the first time, meanwhile Gunnar’s pet Raven hops into nearly every scene.

The story is a brilliant way to encourage boys in particular to try cooking or indeed any interest with confidence and determination. It also shares the important messages that practice makes perfect and patience is important. The icing on the cake (or rather, the mozzarella on the pizza) is a simple recipe on the final page so little Vikings can try making their own pizza.

This wonderfully original story is a family favourite for this reviewer already!