The Falcon of Eric the Red

by Catherine Cate Coblentz, Phillip Colhouer (Cover design), Dan Burr (Illustrator)

Jon’s life is a good one. After all, his charge is to train hunting falcons for Eric the Red in Greenland. The arrival of a pair of merchant ships changes the course of his life. He soon finds himself on an expedition to Vineland, a mysterious new land found in the west, with his friends and one of the king’s own falcons.

Full of adventure, kindness, friendship, and hope, The Falcon of Eric the Red features Vikings, animal husbandry, and tales inspired by the earliest European visitors to North America.

157 pages

This book is a suggested read-aloud for the History Year 2 course and will be included in the optional History 2 Book Pack when it is restocked.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1942

Reviews

[Mischenko]

This is a story of a boy named Jon who trains falcons for Eric the Red. The tale follows Jon with his prized falcon along with his friends in Greenland. Readers learn what life was like for them living in the North, including their adventurous journey to Vineland.

There are great themes of friendship and kindness with characters that learn lessons along the way. The story kept our attention for a large portion of the book, but it was dull at times as well. I appreciated the glossary in the back which help to understand some of the terms. Overall, it turned out to be a likable story.

3***

[Maddie Metzler]

3.5 stars

read for school

[Lisa]

Read aloud with my 8 yr old for history unit about the vikings and explorers. I can honestly say I did not expect to cry while reading a book about falcons but this story got to my heart. I struggled a bit with the names and pronunciation but we found our stride and often I found myself scanning ahead to be sure things were going to be ok but quickly brought back as my daughter said "don't read ahead!" I thought it was a wonderful introduction to early explorers visits to America and what it might have been like, fascinating information about falcons and what they are like. I was vested in the characters and their well being. We both enjoyed this one.

[Janelle]

I found this book at "The Good and the Beautiful" website as a tale of beauty of goodness. It's definitely written in an older style, but my son (10 yo) loves falcons so we gave it a try. He read it first and insisted that I read as well. Enjoyable, sweet, wholesome story about some of the first Norsemen arriving in the New World (aka Vineland).

[Tawnda Andrews]

The truth about the life of the Vikings is well portrayed in this story. In addition, you learn about falconry and about thralls (slaves from the Vikings plundering days). Endearing story and well-written.

[Grace Mogavero]

Read on own and with daughter for school. We enjoyed having a book to read to go along with what we were learning in school, helping info more real and easier to remember.

[Diane]

4.5 stars. The Good and Beautiful library doesn't disappoint! A beautiful story that was both educational and so heart warming. So many beautiful lessons weaved throughout the book.

[Christina]

Oh, the ending!!! We laughed and cried and our hearts swelled and then broke and then healed. Our family really enjoyed this book.

[Jess]

Read this one with Micah to prep for his F and P paper. It wasn’t what we anticipated, but it was a fun story.

[Mary]

We read this aloud as part of our homeschool history unit and all 3 of us enjoyed it.

[Kezia]

I did not enjoy the ending if this bokk when I first read it. Although I'm yet to go in for a reread, I've come to appreciate this book a little more over time.

[Cassondra]

Good book. Read with my 12 yr old when he was studying vikings.