Gunnar the Viking's Great Pizza Adventure

by Diego Vaisberg

In a rugged northern village, there lived a brave Viking warrior named Gunnar. Deep down, Gunnar had a He felt something was missing from his life.

During a voyage to a southern town, Gunnar's destiny took a turn when he smelled a delicious aroma coming from an empty cabin. Inside, he discovered a wonderful treat that completely overwhelmed Pizza! When he returned home, Gunnar tried to recreate the recipe. His first Viking pizza was born, and it was … a disaster.

He tried again and again until he perfected his recipe. He couldn't wait to share it with his fellow villagers. As demand for his pizza grew, Gunnar faced a tough decision. Should he continue to swing his sword and seek adventure, or should he pursue his true passion in the kitchen? Tag along to see if Gunnar follows his dreams and lives deliciously ever after.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Food

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Diego Vaisberg is a graphic designer and illustrator. He is the lead studio designer for DGPH and also works as a pattern designer and illustrator to INK-CO. He lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Reviews

[Kira's NetGalley Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted and fun story about Gunnar the Conqueror, a Viking who spent his life fighting but felt like something was missing. That "missing piece" turns out to be a mysterious and delicious discovery: Pizza!

The Standouts
• Fantastic Illustrations: The artwork is the highlight here, filled with beautiful colors and shapes. The images do a perfect job of visually telling the story of Gunnar's transition from a warrior to someone who has found his true passion.
• Accessible Message: The book is very "face value" and easy to digest. It carries a simple but positive message: you can always change your mind, your career, and yourself to find what makes you happy.
• Great Bedtime Read: Because you don’t have to think too hard about the plot, it makes for a perfect, low-stress bedtime story that kids can easily follow and enjoy.

Final Thoughts
While the book might not be the most "profound" or deeply meaningful story on the shelf, it is undeniably fun. It’s a quirky, imaginative tale that my child really enjoyed. If you're looking for something whimsical and visually vibrant without a complex subtext, this is a great pick.

*ARC provided by Netgalley. Opinions are entirely my own.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar is a big, brawny, battling Viking. Eventually, the constant fighting grows old, and when he tastes a slice of pizza during one of his southern invasions, his mind is blown. It doesn’t hold a candle to the standard “raw fish with stir-fried stones” that he’s used to. A changed man, Gunnar, with his trusty raven Munnin, goes home and tries to duplicate the delectable dish.

It’s such a delight to watch the battle worn Viking in the kitchen, with his horned battle helmet-shaped chef’s hat and Viking weapons strewn around. Gunnar makes mistakes, and lightning bolts erupt from his head. There’s a complete mess in the kitchen – which kids will revel in seeing – until he starts again and finds the right recipe. The sophisticated geometric graphics are a wonderfully ironic vehicle for the chaos that the new chef brings to the kitchen. The art is fantastic at showing Gunnar’s emotions, and a funny aside that observant readers will notice is that he also begins knitting. Fans of Viking mythology will note that Munnin is an actual raven of the god Odin. I was thrilled to see a recipe at the end for pizza with tomato sauce. The finished copy is planned to be printed in Pantone inks.

[Jessica Yeager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, right away the title and cover had me hooked - and I knew my kids would be too. It gives off such a fun, entertaining vibe from the very start.

We’re a big pizza-loving family, so this concept was instantly relatable. Add in the lovely, unique illustrations, and my kids were all in.

At its heart, Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure is a story about perseverance and trying again - that it’s never too late to learn a new skill or discover a new passion. Your kids will love Gunnar’s silly fails as he works to create the perfect pizza, and it opens up such natural conversations about how it’s okay to mess up and not get things right on the first try.

It’s also a great reminder about not sticking to the status quo - don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it’s not what others expect of you. And trust me, your kids will be cheering right along with Gunnar when he finally gets it right 🍕

Bonus points for the pizza recipe at the back of the book - such a fun way to get kids involved, extend the story, and turn reading time into a hands-on experience.

[Mindy Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunnar, a great Viking warrior, is tired of wars and fighting. As he is walking in a village he smells a delicious aroma and decides to check it out. He is amazed! He must return home and make this culinary delight for everyone.

Smoke from his home makes the villagers whisper of new war weapons he is making, but the war is between Gunnar and pizza! He struggles to find the right recipe, but he continues on. Find out how the villagers respond to his culinary adventure.

This illustrations in this book are amazing. The details, the colors, and the creative scenes make this very appealing for adults and children. I would recommend as a read aloud in an elementary classroom as a quick, fun read or even a small book kids club.

Kid Friendly Book Club Recs:
Food: pizza bar (use English muffins as crust) OR is the recipe in the back of the book
Drink: root beer
Music: Skáld (Viking chants)
Activity: Rock Painting or knitting

Review from 4 year old: “I loved it! I want to make pizza now!”

Thanks @Netgalley and @Sourcebook Kids for the Advanced Digital Copy.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author/illustrator Diego Vaisberg’s illustrations win the day with this picture book (and isn’t that what we hope for in a picture book?) and will keep readers and non-readers studying all the details over and over again. The story that accompanies all those interesting bits is a fictitious tale of a Viking who discovers a random pizza in an empty home and returns to his own, determined to recreate that delicious entree. After many trials and errors (great place for some encouraging words about determination and discussion of things that don’t always go well the first time), Gunnar is able to make his own delectable pie and decides it’s time to exchange battles for baking. A recipe for making their own pizza is included, and this is not one that uses anything ready made so caregivers might be excited to try it as well.

Good choice for libraries serving preschool-grade 2.

Thanks for sending a print arc, Sourcebooks Kids.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fanciful book tells the story of Gunnar the Viking warrior, whose chance encounter with the smell of pizza set him on a quest to recreate the marvelous aroma and taste. Vikings ate mainly fish (raw even) and Gunnar was tired of fish. He was also getting tired of all the traveling and fighting.

Determined to make a pizza himself, Gunnar tried and tried. It wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. Fish pizza didn't taste good even to Gunnar, though he was making progress with the dough. Despite the many failures, Gunnar persisted and then had to decide if he was going to change his life or just be a warrior who also knew how to cook pizza.

Pizza lovers everywhere will cringe at the thought of some of his disastrous attempts but in the end, Gunnar was so successful, that a recipe for Viking pizza is even included at the end of the book.

This story will encourage children to be persistent, especially children who like pizza.

[Tiffany Seward · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ Children’s Book | Adventure & Food Fun | Humor

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Kids for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure is a children’s story about Gunnar, a Viking who unexpectedly discovers a brand-new passion: making pizza. The premise alone is cute, and the book delivers on that fun energy from start to finish.

The artwork is lively, and the text is arranged in a clean, engaging way that makes the story easy to follow. The illustrations pair well with the writing, helping bring Gunnar’s culinary journey to life.

It’s a short, sweet story for young readers, and it even includes a Viking-themed recipe at the end that kids can try with their families. The directions are simple and accessible, making it a fun interactive addition.

Overall, Gunnar the Viking’s Great Pizza Adventure is a delightful read that blends adventure and food in a kid friendly way. A great choice for families who enjoy playful stories… and maybe a little pizza-making too!

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lively design is across every page of this book, whose whimsical story has a Viking discover the pizza being cooked in some southern land he's carefully pillaging, and then spend the next x amount of time trying to recreate it without the recipe. But what is a heroic warrior to do when – or indeed if – he perfects the dish? It's a jolly thing, that kind of falls apart if you think too hard about it – we're told he seeks a new purpose in life, but that's purely by accident and he could just as well have carried on a-marauding and a-killing; and who's to say he would know the first thing about dough? – but it does show a person being dogged and determined in something quite surprising, and the communal benefits of a good nosh. And it has the recipe. Three and a half stars.

[Katie Reilley]

Thank you to Sourcebooks for the printed ARC.

Gunnar the Conqueror is known as one of the boldest and bravest Vikings in all the land, but despite all the battling and destruction, he feels like something is missing in his life. One day while traveling, he smells a delicious aroma coming from a cabin, leading him to the discovery of PIZZA. After arriving back home, Gunnar is determined to recreate the tasty treat, but it ends in disaster. After much effort and patience, Gunnar is able to create a masterpiece and shares it with his villagers. Deciding to let a wooden rolling pin replace his axe, Gunnar decides to become the village’s pizza master.

Back matter includes a homemade pizza recipe for readers to try out with their adult at home.

Publishing 4/7/26.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 329 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Love the story and the illustrations. Always been rather intrigued by the vikings... fun little recipe at the end of the book too.

Considering asking my own viking #iykyk to make it for me.

Great read for kids between 3 to 6.

I received a complimentary copy of the ebook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#book329of350 #amreading #netgalley tbrpile instareads readstagram reading bookreview bookreviewer booklover booksAreLife booksForTheWin booknerds thisbookfairyisreading bookstagram bookstagrammer bookstagramfeature bookshelf booksofinstagram bookish bookworm goodreads booklovers bookaddict theSGbookfairyReads theSGtrekkiereads bookaholic bookchallenge2025 reviews lovebooks

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

We need more people to put down their weapons. To decide that the time for war is done. And that new passions, passions of peace can lead to a better happier future. Gunner is a Viking. After many wars and years of fighting, he tries pizza for the first time and becomes determined to make his own pizza and share it with his village. Upon successfully completing his pizza mission he has to ask himself :pizza and peace, or wage war. Gunner chose peace and delicious ever after. I liked this book. The artwork is unique and interesting and is a great mix of warrior power and peaceful happy cooking. I like the story of this book, I like the lesson of this book. This would be one that I would recommend frequently.

[Carol Farrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book! As a description says it’s about a very brave Viking warrior who feels like something is missing in his life. One day as they are pillaging a town he smells something he can’t resist. He goes into the home where the smell comes from and sees something has been cooking, he tries a bite, he falls in love. When he gets home, he tries to secretly figure out how to make the pizza dough and what toppings to use. It takes some perseverance, but he does finally get it and he actually becomes the pizza maker for the whole town, taking on some other Vikings as apprentices. The illustrations are bold and I quite enjoyed them and it’s a very unique story. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I highly recommend this one.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunnar is a viking king who feels like he has yet to find his purpose (despite being good at conquering). One day, he stumbles across pizza and becomes determined to recreate it himself. Once he succeeds, he finds that his true love is making pizza to share with his friends!

This was a fun and cute picture book. There were moments in the book with big words where I could imagine people reading to this kids and making it really dramatic (in a fun way). I liked the art style too - the drawings and colors were both fun and good for kids and adults alike! Overall, a cute picture book for kids.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a digital arc through NetGalley. First and foremost I adore the illustrations in this book. Block coloring with Pantone inks gives bold bright color but also provides a feel of something older and ancient - like the Vikings. Each page conveys motion in splashes of color perfect for battles and kitchen messes alike. My only quibble is that the language around Gunnar's feelings of unhappiness is vague and should have carried more importance. Nonetheless this is a fun story about the joy to be found in the world if you are curious, willing to try, and willing to make changes.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids | duopress through NetGalley.
Gunnar is a brave Viking who leads brutal expeditions and constantly seeks new thrills. However, something is missing in his life until he discovers a delicious food in another area. He loves the pizza so much that he attempts to recreate it in his home. I love the way Vaisberg shows the trial and error as Gunnar experiments with doughs and sauces. The lesson in perseverance comes through clearly for families and classes to talk about. In the end, Gunnar has to make a choice to stay as he was or change. I appreciate the thought he puts into this decision that leads to other changes in the village.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun pizza ST rea aloud for older kids. A Viking has been battling for so long, and one day he comes across a meal he has never had before...Pizza! (they actually never call it pizza in the book...clever!) He goes home to try and make this meal again, but fails many times before he finally gets it right! He shares it with his friends and decides to stop battling and run a restaurant. The message being you should keep trying, and eventually you'll succeed. The artwork is like black printing, with red, greens and black as the only colors. Kids always like pizza stories and this one is a good one.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully delicious story about Gunnar who is a sword wielder found something yummy in his journey. He liked it so much that he decided to bring it back to his village. Not only is he determined to share his discovery with them, he is also determine to do a good job, even after a few failed attempts. THere's even a recipe for you to try.

This carries a very good message for kids, if you first don't succeed, clean up the mess, practice, and try again. Plus seeing how curious and happy the villagers are made it all fun!

Thank you NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Kids for the ARC.

[Miss C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar the Viking's Great Pizza Adventure is a tale of Vikings, pizza, and trying something new! I loved the art style and the color palette.
As a teacher, I could see it being a nice quick read in a Viking unit, with the pizza making twist keeping the kids' interest, BUT I feel like this one lacked something to make it feel special or give it an edge. It just wasn't quite as fun as I wanted, and didn't quite have a message for the reader, the two things I usually look for.
However, it's still a good time and a cute story!

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I think maybe I don't have the correct amount of whimsy and suspension of disbelief for this one? I cannot wrap my head around a Viking discovering pizza. Yes, Vikings made it to the Mediterranean, but pizza was not invented yet!! This is historically inaccurate! I appreciate the pizza recipe in the back, but for picture books about warriors, my favorite will always be The Princess and the Pony.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In children’s books, illustrations can make or break the story, and this book absolutely shines. The artwork is fantastic and pairs perfectly with the narrative. A Viking with a dream of making pizzas is such an unexpected and delightful concept, and the story itself is simple, fun, and engaging. This is a great addition to any preschooler’s book collection.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gunnar the Viking's Great Pizza Adventure by Diego Vaisberg follows Gunnar, a Viking who discovers the wonder of pizza and all of it's flavors. The pictures and color scheme of this book is beautiful, and the story teaches both perseverance and a love of cooking with a recipe for pizza to try in the back!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the free ebook ARC. My review is not required to be positive, and all opinions are my own.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This whimsical Viking picture book will appeal to pizza lovers. The illustrations are chaotic in a cute, fun way, but the story is very predictable. This doesn't stand out for me, especially since it's so historically inaccurate, but it's very cute! People will enjoy the message about persistence, and the recipe at the end.

I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!

A very fun and funny story of a Viking who comes across pizza for the first time in the course of his adventures and, enamored with the dish, decides to take a leap and try doing something completely new. Its a great way to show kids one doesn't have to be locked into one thing forever and that its OK to try new things.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunner is a hardened warrior Viking who one day tries pizza. It changes his entire life. He becomes desperate to make pizza himself but his first attempts are bad. So he tries, tries, and tries again until he makes a pizza that he loves. He can't help but share what he's created, and the entire realm rejoices with him.

[Rural Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a free advance copy of this book. This is a really fun read and has great illustrations as well. It was fun to watch Gunnar the Viking fall in love with pizza and then work to conquer the process of making his own pizza. I believe my patrons will enjoy this book.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is an adorable addition to the pizza picture books of the past few years. I would definitely use this as part of a National Pizza Day celebration in the library.

[Emily Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and delicious-looking illustrations. This is the story of a Viking who learns to cook pizza. It even includes a pizza recipe at the end for children to cook with their parents. I received this as a digital ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Gunnar is not your typical Viking, because he becomes obsessed with pizza and pizza-making. This story fits nicely with themes of persistence and being true to “one’s passions” even when they aren’t typical. The recipe at the end is a nice touch!

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vikings and pizza - what a delightful combination! A fun, unique book that I can't wait to share with young readers. Perhaps we should suggest pizza-making to help bring about more peace in the world.

Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.

[Camry Balero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book that is perfect for storytimes! I love that it breaks up the process of making the pizza with all the ingredients. It reminds me a lot of Ronan the Librarian, just with a different new passion. My one hang up with it is that it never explains anything about the original pizza maker.