Ingrid and Stig were like most Vikings. They loved a hearty stew, fresh air... and dressing kittens in adorable costumes.

One day while out shopping, they saw a sign for the Strongest Viking contest, a contest that Ingrid had always dreamed of entering, ever since she was a little Viking. She could lift and run and do all the requirements to enter, except one; she didn't know how to swim.

With Stig's "Meep" of encouragement, Ingrid decided to enter the contest. She was doing great with all her training until she got to the swimming... every time she got into the water, she sank. She tried all different types of paddling styles, but she just couldn't float.

The day of the contest arrived, and the competition looked fierce, but Ingrid was ready to give it her all. With Stig cheering her on, she excelled at the first three rounds of the contest, but then came the final round: swimming.

Stig brought Ingrid an inflatable, hoping that would help, but the other Vikings came prepared with their own inflatables as well, leading one to believe that maybe they weren't that good at swimming either.

I won't spoil the ending. You'll need to read the story to find out if Ingrid won or lost the contest, but I will tell you that she showed true Viking spirit that day.

I read this story with my seven-year-old granddaughter. We enjoyed reading this book and we thought the pictures and story were adorably engaging. Stig is an endearing and loyal character, leaving us wanting to have a best friend just like him.

The story shows the importance of friendship, determination and that there are more important things in life than winning.

I discovered after reading this book that this is a sequel, to 'Viking In Love', but it can be read as a standalone. Now, we need to go back and visit the first book, since I have a feeling it's going to be just as endearing as this one. ~~ Dee Astell with input from PJ Hernandez