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NEWS FROM GRIM GRUESOME
GRIM GRUESOME Viking villain:
Book 1: The Cursed Sword ISBN: 978-0-9537454-3-2
Book 2: The Queen’s Poison ISBN: 978-0-9537454-4-9
Book 3: Trolls’ Treasure ISBN: 978-0-9537454-5-6
Gruesome greetings!
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS SAY THEY LOVE GRIM GRUESOME!
For a good example of their enthusiasm, sample this new review on www.writeaway.org.uk, which recommends the second book in the series, The Queen’s Poison, as:
“...a lively historical adventure... The story is relatively simple, but fast-paced and exciting, rattling along through a series of short, action-packed chapters. This would make it an ideal choice for confident readers in KS2 who are still developing the stamina needed for a longer novel. Boys in particular should respond well to the blend of chases and sword-fights, riddles and insults, magic, surprise and suspense.
The characters are painted in strong, bold strokes, through sharp, punchy dialogue and vivid description (Grim himself is stomach-churningly imagined). Most of the action centres on the young girl, Dalla. Impulsive, constantly in trouble, yet quick-witted and courageous, she, along with the cunning Queen Gunnhild, show the male-dominated world of the Vikings that it is foolish to underestimate a woman, particularly when her back is against the wall.
Kerven also manages to bring to life the world of 10th century Jorvik (modern-day York), full of bustle and noise, striking sights and strong smells, with description that is rich in details, yet never slows the pace of the narrative. This is complemented by David Wyatt’s illustration, providing maps of both the town and the Viking world, along with a stunning front-piece drawing of Viking life. The book would therefore be a great companion to a class study of the Vikings, offering information about daily life, food, housing, and the place of men and women, children and slaves.
Ideal for KS2, this is a fun, page-turning read in a series that may be as impossible to stop as the Viking Villain himself!”
NEW GRIM GRUESOME WEBPAGE FOR SCHOOLS AND BOOK GROUPS
The official Grim Gruesome website, www.grimgruesome.com, has just been updated with a brand new webpage for ‘Schools, Children’s Book Groups and Libraries’. This is packed with:
- ideas for discussion topics for book groups
- suggestions for using Grim Gruesome in line with the National Literacy Strategy Framework for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
- ideas for using the books in History lessons about the Vikings.
There are also links to two popular magazine websites featuring Grim Gruesome classroom activities devised by teaching experts: Scholastic’s Literacy Time Plus and The Literacy Club.
For young readers, the updated website has lots of new material on the ‘Facts, Fun and Free Downloads’ webpage. Plus - you can sample all the glowing reviews received to date!
GET READY FOR THE THIRD GRIM GRUESOME BOOK:
TROLLS’ TREASURE published on 1 March!
“South of Black Banks
it is told
a jagged island
bare and cold
holds a troll-mound
full of gold”
Come back through time to the Viking island realm of Orkney - ruled by a fierce (real-life) Jarl called Thorfinn Skull-Splitter! Hold your breath as three children survive thrilling adventures in tiny boats, and being locked inside a dark troll-mound! Tremble when Grim Gruesome taunts them with unspeakably evil temptations! Shiver when they stumble on human skeletons! Marvel at the mysterious powers of the seals who live in the sea around the islands! Be amazed by the astonishing treasure the children find! Cheer them on in their final battle against Grim Gruesome!
TROLLS’ TREASURE will be launched with a fun story telling session at York’s famous Jorvik viking Festival during February half-term week. Please go to www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk/festival2010-monday.htm for details - and do come along if you can!
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