HELGA MAKES A NAME FOR HERSELF

A small-town “farmersdotter” hits the big time when she joins a warrior woman’s brigade.

Whether it’s bedtime, fish-pickling time, or her monthly bathtime, Helga continually craves stories about her favorite Viking warrior, Ingrid the Axe. Her parents, however, are quick to point out that “Warriors do not come from small mountain villages like ours.” Undeterred, when Ingrid comes to a nearby port city to recruit, Helga is raring to prove her worth. Other warriors mock her clothes and faithful pet wolverine, and when the trials begin she seems out of her element. Fortunately, Helga’s talents shine through, earning her infamy and the eponym Helga the Howler. An author’s note gives Vikings some context, and there are even recommended books and pertinent websites for further reading. The storyline packs lot of action into a few pages, pacing everything at a mighty clip. Humor abounds in the text, as in a section of dialogue written in Minnesotan-esque phrasings (“Yah?” “Yah, sure. You betchya”). Meanwhile, the art is peppy and thoroughly upbeat. Those with a yen for a warrior-woman storytime should pair this with such titles as The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton (2015). Helga and her parents present White, and there appear to be some Vikings of color among the supporting cast.

You’d have to be beserk(er) not to appreciate this mighty gal.