V Is for Viking: A Minnesota Alphabet

Discover America State By State

by Kathy-jo Wargin, Karen Latham (Illustrator), Rebecca Latham (Illustrator)

From its primeval Itasca State Park to the sophistication of its Twin Cities, the state of Minnesota is a study of contrasts and long-held traditions. Birthplace to many famous personalities and inventions, including Garrison Keillor and the Bundt Pan, V is for Viking presents the state whose name means sky-tinted waters.

Genres: Picture Books, Geography, Childrens, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2003

About the author

Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than fifty books for adults and children. With more than 1.2 million copies sold, she writes across genres and age-groups, and has earned national recognition for award–winning titles such as Michigan’s Official State Children’s Book The Legend of Sleeping Bear, the International Reading Association’s Children's Choice Award Winner The Legend of the Loon, the Bank Street College of Education Best Book Listee The Voyageur’s Paddle, the IRA Teacher's Choice Award Winner Win One for the Gipper, and many more.

Reviews

[Rae Shue · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit disappointing that the author left out Maud Hart Lovelace, who grew up in Mankato, but mentioned Laura Ingalls Wilder, who only lived in Walnut Grove maybe 6 years. Maybe they should have done a bit more research to know that the Betsy, Tacy, and Tib author was a native of Minnesota and has a legacy far greater than the Mall of America.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

we love Minnesota ... but sadly no one got my hubby's joke "we don't want a mini soda ...we want a LARGE soda??!!" every one would say but we don't drink SODA?? come on people u r missing the point?? coke ... pop?? whatever ... come on now ... we Virginians are being funny here. LOL!! humor is a must. love ya!! good read.

[Syd Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable book about Minnesota. Lots of interesting information some of which is shared in rhyme. And lovely illustrations to make the information sparkle. it's in an A-Z format.

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for state/regional study if you're from the Upper Midwest!

Note: mentions billions of years on the first page spread.

[Barth Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why isn't there a Wisconsin version?

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minnesota Alphabet.

[Jolene Aho]

"V is for Viking" is an alphabet book about Minnesota. The book uses important people, places, and things related to Minnesota for each letter of the alphabet. This book also includes a description on each page that teaches the reader many things about Minnesota. For example, R is for red pine and rivers, so that page includes information about red pines and the largest rivers in Minnesota.

This is an informational text because it includes factual information about Minnesota, and the purpose is to inform the reader.

I was unable to find information about the reading level for this book. I think it could appeal to students of all ages. While it could be read aloud as an alphabet book to primary grade students, it could also be used as an informational text about Minnesota for older students. The additional information about Minnesota is written in smaller print on the bottom or side of each page. This book could be used to supplement a social studies text when learning about individual states in 4th grade or about Minnesota history in 6th grade.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: "From its primeval Itasca State Park to the sophistication of its Twin Cities, the state of Minnesota is a study of contrasts and long-held traditions. Birthplace to many famous personalities and inventions, including Garrison Keillor and the Bundt Pan, V is for Viking presents the state whose name means sky-tinted waters."

Synopsis: This book definitely hit on some of my favorite parts of the state. It has beautiful images. The book does included the alphabet with correlating things in the state of Minnesota but it does seem to be beyond what a little one learning the alphabet might enjoy. Along with the story the margins also include facts and history about the things mentioned in the book, that was very enjoyable to me as an adult but definitely did not interest Munchkin. I would save this for an older kid that has to do a research project on a state for class.

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not about Vikings, as I had imagined, but rather an alphabet book about the state of Minnesota. Educational material, but will mainly appeal to residents of the state.

I didn’t like the fact that “F is for Forest” discussed forests only in their capacities to serve human industry, nor that the Walleye was described as “a fun fish to catch.”

[Alisha Beaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books during FE. It is a great alphabet book to use to relate to the students. It is all about Minnesota. The book also has other interesting facts besides the main story. I would definitely recommend this book for any k-6 classroom because of the bonus facts.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for students when the are learning the alphabet. I love that it is all related to Minnesota and that along with the reading there are interesting facts about Minnesota.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

To come

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

pictures, history, facts, information and ideals about minnesota

[Abbi Dion · Rating 5 out of 5]

B is for Bundt pan and W is for Walleye. Enough said. Five Stars.