Leif the Lucky

2014
Authors:

Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

A delightful tale of the young Viking explorer Leif Erikson—the first European to set foot on America, 500 years before Columbus

In this charming and lavishly illustrated edition, Leif is a sturdy, adventurous Viking boy who crosses uncharted seas to ultimately set foot on "a beautiful land with forests of strange trees growing all the way down to the shores." Written in the spirit of the ancient sagas and rich in color and detail, Leif the Lucky is a fascinating biography of the young Viking explorer.

In Leif the Lucky, Mr. and Mrs. d’Aulaire are at their enchanting best.

New York Times

Considered one of the finest works of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire, Leif the Lucky will delight both children and adults with the story of Leif, son of Erik the Red, who sailed with his father and a Viking crew to Greenland and then farther west to the continent of America.

In this charming and lavishly illustrated edition, Leif is a sturdy, adventurous Viking boy who crosses uncharted seas to arrive at “a beautiful land with forests of strange trees growing all the way down to the shores.” Leif wrestles with polar bear cubs, watches the fierce Norse gods race in the glow of the Northern Lights, and becomes a strong and courageous hunter.

Written in the spirit of the ancient sagas and rich in color and detail, Leif the Lucky is a fascinating biography of the young Viking explorer.

Known for their vibrant and imaginative interpretations of Scandinavian folklore, Greek and Norse mythology, and American history, Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire have entertained readers with their books for more than seventy-five years.

In Leif the Lucky, Mr. and Mrs. d’Aulaire are at their enchanting best.

New York Times

Probably the most beautiful in the long line of distinguished picture books by these two author-artists.

The New Yorker

The d’Aulaires have here a subject close to their hearts, and they have done it full justice in their most beautiful book.

Horn Book Magazine

Gorgeous. Beautiful. Flawless. The quality is beyond comparison.

Pen Pals & Picture Books

Leif the Lucky is a great book to share with someone on a cold winter night, or a warm summer one, or in an apartment lobby, where it might transport you to a new world, an old world, and a place of enchantment.

Joy Corcoran