Viking Strong

Viking #2

by Doug Cenko

Ingrid the Viking must face fierce competition to be named the strongest viking. But can she win if she doesn't know how to swim?

Ingrid has everything a Viking could want—a cozy home, a best friend, and very cute kittens. But she's always wanted one more thing, to win the Strongest Viking Contest. Her only problem? She doesn't know how to swim! Her best friend Stig is determined to help her learn . . . but along the way Ingrid learns that that some things are even more important than winning.

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Cats, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

Published July 25, 2023

About the author

Doug Cenko is an author/illustrator living in Chicago, IL. He has worked at an animation studio, a live special effects company and design agencies, but illustration is what he truly loves to do. When he's not drawing, you can find him... or better yet, not find him... mastering the art of hide-and-seek with his wife and daughter.

Reviews

[Pink Fairy ArmaGheello · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic sequel!

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like it as much as the first book, but it's cute because of the first book. I love the supportive spouse take! Little on the skeptical "hmmm" when it comes to the whole swimming part, but it works out in the end. But also the end? Yeah a little confused. Okay as a library book, but I wouldn't want to own it.

[Renee MA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute & sweet look at a Viking girl who competes with others to be The Strongest Viking. Solid 4.5 stars.

[Maia James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute story about making your own way and the value of good sportsmanship over winning. Plus cats.

[Kelly]

Original, which I appreciate. I do think the woman viking should have been crowned the winner in the end. Has some funny parts with the cats.

[Patricia Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vikings AND kitties! So cute!

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, and hilarious.

[Tayler K · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE STARS IS NOT ENOUGH!!!!

AHHHHHH! GROM THE UNBEATABLE!!! OH MY GOD!!!! IT'S A KITTY!!!! WHAT A TWIST!! I noticed him most of the time but there's cats everywhere so I was just like "Oh how cute, kitty is following along." OH MY GOD. I am shook!!! I lost it!! I love it!!!

Fortunately I went back to look at my Viking in Love review before I started this, because I wouldn't have remembered to know that this book starts off almost exactly as the first one, super cute. "Ingrid and Stig were like most Vikings. They loved hearty stew... fresh air... and dressing kittens in adorable outfits."

We also got another charming set of non-matching tapestry-style endpapers. And another stack of great book titles in an illustration. Love it. Upside-down cow was also super-duper cute.

Also Stig is super supportive of Ingrid and it was beautiful.

[Caylee King · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book is so cute! Adding the most adorable kittens to a 'tough' viking tale added the perfect mix of humor. When thinking of vikings, one usually pictures large burley men; however, in this tale the lead is a lovely viking woman, Ingrid. Ingrid demonstrates perseverance and empathy, two fantastic qualities that should be demonstrated to all children. In the classroom, this read aloud would allow for many prediction opportunities.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I've read this Viking competition story before, but the swerve at the end was great. Ingrid wants to compete at the Viking games, but she doesn't know how to swim. She competes, finds her own way to do things, and helps when she finds out she's not the only one who can't swim. With good art.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, and this second book was delightful as well! I loved all the viking cats--silly and adorable. Ingrid the viking wants to compete in a viking strength competition, but one of the categories is swimming and she's a terrible swimmer. On-point humor, and the winner announcement at the end made me chuckle!

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ingrid wants to win the strongest Viking contest but she can’t swim. But when there is a floaty jam and all the competitors are sinking she shows she’s a true Viking by using her strength and big heart to save the day.

[Mitchell Friedman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly. But not in a way that I'd want to read over and over ago. I liked the art. And I'd definitely read a Viking Kitty sequel if such would appear. The characters were drawn to be interesting, but the text just didn't support it. Not a bad book especially for a read once.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super cute book about Vikings AND cats?! What’s not to love! When I picked this up from the library, I honestly hadn’t even noticed the cats, I just grabbed it because my husband is a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. I loved the unexpected ending.

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first but still funny and cute. Talks about how strength comes in many forms. Weird that Ingrid and Stig didn’t talk in this one, though, given that they had a couple conversations in the last one. The cats are the best part.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ingrid enters the Strongest Viking Contest. She hopes to win some awesome prizes and dethrone 5 time champ Grom the Unbeatable. Ingrid's inability to swim may put a damper on her chances of winning, but she's determined to do her best. A fun read about doing one's best in all endeavors.

[Michal Babay · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO MUCH FUN! Doug's hilarious illustrations (all those great kittens!) + wonderful story = a fantastic picture book. This is a perfect Viking sequel. We love it!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome follow-up to Viking in Love. Putting Ingrid front and center as she competes to be the best viking. Humorous illustrations and a heartfelt message combine for a great story time book.

[Kasey McSwain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vikings AND kittens? What more could a gal want?!

[Steph]

Turn/Level: 1/3

Triathlons, Sports, Vikings, Cats

A cute story about about what's important in competitions.

[Ryan Laferney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute picture book about the value of good sportsmanship featuring cats and vikings! What's not to love?

[Sarah Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the message these Viking books send to children and the kittens are so stinkin' cute! A MUST have for anyone with wee readers!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about finding your own strength. It's simple but powerful and the great illustrations add to the story.

[Becky Loader · Rating 4 out of 5]

How cool is it that the Viking competing is a female???

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My family and I enjoyed this companion to Viking Love. Love the theme of strength and that it’s not always physical.

[Heidi Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute sequel with a nice twist ending.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story of Viking strength, and supporting our loved ones. Absolutely loved the twist at the end. An adorable book with Vikings and kittens.

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband brought this to me at the library, saying "you're going to love this one". He was right. It's the best. I hope our branch carries the volume before.

[kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

girls, kittens, vikings, love!

[Stephanie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

so cute !!!