The Last Viking Book Launch

Jun 28, 2011 | Enjoy life/Reviews, Other Reviews, Review

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear”. Nelson Mandela

The Vikings Arrive

“All men [and women] who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.” Orison Swett Marden (1850 – 1924), an American writer and philosopher:

These two quotes appear in rune form on the front and back covers of The Last Viking and speak to the two themes of the book ……

Fear/courage Imagination/creativity

However they could just as well apply to its authors.

As a young boy, illustrator James Foley doodled away while reading children’s books and dreaming of the day he’d hold his own book in his hands. Many trips were made to the Fremantle Children’s Literature Centre at the old Fremantle jail to help him refine his craft.

Trouble starts

Likewise for 19 years award wining author, Norman Jorgensen was slogging away building up an impressive portfolio of books for children and young adults. One of those books was read by a young James.

Then fate stepped in.

James notices

Years later at a children’s book conference on Rottnest Island, Norman noticed a young artist drawing near the waters edge. Looking down he saw a figure of a little boy and decided he had to make a story to go with the image.

And so it was that the two creative minds joined forces to create The Last Viking.

So does Norman

The Last Viking (for ages 5 – 8) is the tale of Josh a little boy who, after hearing tales of Viking battles from his grandparents, learns how brave he really is when he comes face to face with real life trouble, in the form of some local bullies.

Besides Josh’s story the book also provides insight into Viking legend (with a book within a book) and has the rune alphabet at the back for added fun.

Thankfully like Josh, James had the courage to keep going when faced with doubt part way through.

Together they defeat them

Wonder if they wrote
the book like this?

I didn’t like to ask whether he employed a cardboard breastplate, sword and Viking ship to get through it, though I do know these items were made in real life by his neighbour who acted as a model for Josh.

While standing in the long signing queue watching the jousting display taking place in pouring rain I pondered:

You never know when someone’s going to come into your life and change it for ever.
There are few times when you can say ‘dream on’ and not be insulting someone. I hope that James and Norman keep dreaming and being courageous. It sounds like we might be lucky as James has just been signed for two more books.

For more information about how the book was made go to http://www.fremantlepress.com.au/books/newreleases/1253