  | Gunnar the Viking's great pizza adventure Author: Vaisberg, Diego | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
In a rugged northern village, there lived a brave Viking warrior named Gunnar. Deep down, Gunnar had a secret: he felt something was missing from his life.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (02/15/26)
School Library Journal (02/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/03/26)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/01/2026 PreS-Gr 2—Gunnar the Conqueror and his trusty sidekick Munnin the raven are on a quest to fill the empty hole in their hearts—or stomachs. Tired of living battle to battle, Gunnar goes on a journey to find something that will make him feel whole again. Finally, Gunnar stumbles across something peculiar: a pizza pie. Amazed by its deliciousness, Gunnar decides to dedicate his time to creating the perfect pizza, and the result is this heartwarming and amusing tale of one stubborn Viking's quest to perfect the art of making pizza. Although the illustrations only use shades of red, green, white, and black, emotions and scenery are thoughtfully done; all characters are white or pink; Gunnar's beard is white, and there are redheads in some scenes. VERDICT In a nice change of pace from more serious storylines, Gunnar's hardships in the quest for a delicious pizza for himself and for his community are wonderfully presented and entertaining.—Sarah Nashak - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Other - 02/02/2026 A dissatisfied Viking trades battle axe for pizza oven in a stylish picture book from Vaisberg (Dino, a Pet Unlike Any Other) about finding one’s true calling-one pie at a time. Pale-skinned Gunnar the Conquerer is known as "one of the boldest and bravest of Vikings"; in his horned helmet and red tunic, the warrior tackles hordes all on his own. But years of warfare have left Gunnar feeling empty, and when he stumbles, Goldilocks-like, into an empty cabin where an unfamiliar dish-pizza-is cooking over the fire, he develops a foodie’s obsession with finding "the correct amount of flour and water, the perfect combination of ingredients, and the right temperature to bake it." In a limited palette of coral, mint, and plum, geometric inflections and screen-printing textures lend a handcrafted quality to the visuals, mirroring the Viking’s artisanal pizzaiolo quest. When Gunnar perfects the dish, even old enemies arrive peacefully to try it, and the pizzeria becomes a beloved gathering place. It’s a savory tale about trading stale goods to feed personal passions-and community, too. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 4-7. (Apr.) - Copyright 2026
