The Race of the Birkebeiners

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Summary: The true legend of "The Race of the Birkebeiners" in 1206
Review: Every year I pay scant attention to the running of the Duluth Birkebeiner and certainly had never heard the origin of the name. Now, because of this delightful children's book I know the Birkebeiners were Norwegian warriors who went into battle with birchbark wrapped around their legs instead of costly armor, ergo Birkebeiners ("birchleggers"). Well, anyhow in the year 1206 the fierce Birkenbeiners had to bring the infant prince Hakon Hakonsson to Nidaros. Since they were rescuing a royal infant in danger to bring peace to their land and ended up spending Christmas in Lillehammer, "The Race of the Birkenbeiners" is certainly something that can be put under the tree for children of Norwegian descent, whether they like cross-country skiing or not. Lisa Lunge-Larsen tells the tale as if she were spinning it in front of a roaring fire and Mary Azarian's detailed woodcuts lend the requisite authenticity to this medieval tale. This is a wonderful book and if you kids look at you askance when you push it upon them, just tell them Hakon Hakonsson was the 13th century's Harry Potter. But once they open the book, they are going to love it.

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Summary: A Norwegian Miracle.....
Review: The Birkebeiners were peasants and fierce warriors in the Middle Ages whose King sat on the throne of Norway. Their rivals, the Baglers, were rich noblemen who wanted to claim the throne for themselves. In 1206, the King had died and left behind an infant son, Prince Hakon. His Queen, Inge, hid her baby for over a year to keep him safe, but as the Baglers became stronger, and threatened the life of the prince, she realized it was time to travel north to Nidaros where the Birkebeiners would protect them, and the prince could take his rightful place on the throne. She asked the priest, Sira Trond, for help, and he gathered the best and bravest men of his small village. To outwit the Baglers, this small band of Birkebeiners decided to ski over the mountains at the darkest, coldest, most dangerous time of the year, braving fierce storms to bring their Queen and baby Prince to safety..... Take a slice of engaging medieval history, add beautiful and evocative artwork, and you have The Race Of The Birkebeiners. Based on Sturla Tordsson's account of the escape and rescue of Norway's future King Hakon, written in 1264, Lise Lunge-Larsen has authored a compelling picture book that's sure to mesmerize youngsters with its powerful story. Her dramatic text is full of atmosphere and suspense, and begs to be read aloud. Mary Azarian's rich, bold and colorful woodcut illustrations transport the reader back to Medieval times, and on this long ago journey over mountains, through snowstorms, and darkness to safety. With an afterword detailing King Hakon's reign, Norway's Golden Years, and how the Birkebeiners are still honored today for their bravery and heroism, this is an exceptional and captivating story children 5-9 shouldn't miss.

Rating:
Summary: A Norwegian Miracle.....
Review: The Birkebeiners were peasants and fierce warriors in the Middle Ages whose King sat on the throne of Norway. Their rivals, the Baglers, were rich noblemen who wanted to claim the throne for themselves. In 1206, the King had died and left behind an infant son, Prince Hakon. His Queen, Inge, hid her baby for over a year to keep him safe, but as the Baglers became stronger, and threatened the life of the prince, she realized it was time to travel north to Nidaros where the Birkebeiners would protect them, and the prince could take his rightful place on the throne. She asked the priest, Sira Trond, for help, and he gathered the best and bravest men of his small village. To outwit the Baglers, this small band of Birkebeiners decided to ski over the mountains at the darkest, coldest, most dangerous time of the year, braving fierce storms to bring their Queen and baby Prince to safety..... Take a slice of engaging medieval history, add beautiful and evocative artwork, and you have The Race Of The Birkebeiners. Based on Sturla Tordsson's account of the escape and rescue of Norway's future King Hakon, written in 1264, Lise Lunge-Larsen has authored a compelling picture book that's sure to mesmerize youngsters with its powerful story. Her dramatic text is full of atmosphere and suspense, and begs to be read aloud. Mary Azarian's rich, bold and colorful woodcut illustrations transport the reader back to Medieval times, and on this long ago journey over mountains, through snowstorms, and darkness to safety. With an afterword detailing King Hakon's reign, Norway's Golden Years, and how the Birkebeiners are still honored today for their bravery and heroism, this is an exceptional and captivating story children 5-9 shouldn't miss.

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Summary: Be careful with young/sensitive children...
Review: This book is beautifully illustrated and the language developmentally appropriate for children as young as four, but my six-year old niece was horrified when Queen Inga goes through the "Trial of Irons" (carrying red hot iron bars from one end of the church to the other). Also, we are not a Christian family, and I found the continual references to the Church and God and miracles overbearing and preachy, even if they are in keeping with the original saga. I would suggest parents use caution before ordering this book, as gorgeously done as it is.

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Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: This is a gorgeous book with illustrations that are breathtaking in their beauty. As for the content, it is a fascinating story. The Christian content of the book is not as inappropriate as a previous review made it seem. No more so than any of the other well-done books centered on other religions. The violence is not troublesome , either, unless one expects their children to be in a position to carry red hot irons at home or school! I would hope that when exposing children to the many facets and experiences the world has to offer, we don't deprive them of wonderful books such as these simply to conform to a contemporary politically correct outlook.