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Thorfinn and the Awful Invasion

by David MacPhail

Part of the Thorfinn the Nicest Viking series

Subject
Humorous Stories
Age
6-8 years
Format
Trade Paperback
Pages
136
Publisher
Kelpies
Size
15.5 cm × 19.6 cm
ISBN
9781782501589

A funny illustrated early-reader chapter book series about a polite young Viking who only wants to do the right thing

Prepare yourself for the wrath of the Norsemen! That is, if you don't mind and it's not too inconvenient...

Everyone knows Vikings are ruthless barbarians whose idea of a good time involves pillaging, plundering and feasting. But Thorfinn is no ordinary Viking! He is always polite and happily offers to wash the dirty dishes. Too bad his dad is Harald the Skull-Splitter, Village Chief and the roughest and toughest Viking of them all.

Tired of Thorfinn and his too-nice ways getting them into trouble, his dad decides it's time for Thorfinn to earn his gruesome Viking name. Stuck on a longboat with a ragtag bunch of adventurers who'd like to throw him overboard, how will the Nicest Viking cope with a dangerous voyage to Scotland?

Thorfinn the Nicest Viking is a funny, illustrated, action-packed series for young readers which bridges the gap between Horrid Henry and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, set in a world where manners mean nothing and politeness is pointless!"

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What reviewers said

'The story cracks along at a good pace accompanied by humorous black and white drawings... This is a highly entertaining book celebrating difference that will delight newly confident readers.'
School Library Association
'Thorfinn comes from a long line of ferocious, rampaging Vikings... But Thorfinn is a peace-loving, tea-drinking, jam-making thoroughly nice Viking... the first in a series by David MacPhail for newly fluent readers. The short, funny story is enhanced with illustrations by Richard Morgan.'
The Scotsman
'Delightful and truly funny brand new series.'
lovereading4kids
'A thrilling novel. The best I've read. My mum couldn't believe I read it in one day.'
George Daniels, age 7, for lovereading4kids.co.uk
'I think this book is best for learners and children who like adventurous stories... I would give it 5 stars.'
Phoenix Williams, age 7, for lovereading4kids.co.uk
'Thorfinn really is the nicest Viking ever!... Really great story with good humour.'
Tomasz Hawryszczuk, age 10, for lovereading4kids.co.uk
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.