Young Josh is very brave. He’s not afraid of anyone or anything — except maybe the dark. Pirates worry him a bit, of course, and so do boy-eating dinosaurs, and monsters under the bed. He’s also just a little afraid of dragons and vampires. But other than those few things, Josh is as brave as a lion. Sort of. When Josh comes face to face with real-life trouble, Nor ma n Jor g en s en & Jam e s Fo l e y
he begins to find out how brave he really is … Time to go a-viking!
w w w. f re mant le pre ss. com. au
Norman Jorgensen & James Foley
Dedicated to my longest-serving friend, Allen Newton, who explored the Viking ruins of the Shetland Islands in winter with me, without complaining — Norman To Nick, cardboard engineer, Viking warrior and the inspiration for Josh, with sincere thanks — James
Young Josh is very brave. He’s not afraid of anyone or anything — except maybe the dark and the sound of ghosts whistling in the trees at night. Pirates worry him a bit, of course, and so do boy-eating dinosaurs, and monsters under the bed. He’s also just a little afraid of dragons and vampires. But other than those few things, Josh is as brave as a lion. Sort of.
On the first day of the holidays they make the long trip to Nan and Pop’s house.
At breakfast one morning Josh’s mum asks, ‘How would you like to stay with Nan and Pop for the holidays?’ Josh hesitates. He’s only ever stayed with Nan and Pop by himself once before, and it wasn’t a complete success. In fact, his last visit to their house had scared the living daylights out of him. ‘Can Wolverine come too?’ he asks.
When they finally arrive Josh looks about a little nervously. The dark shadows beneath the trees are a perfect hiding place for monsters. And the river is so close. What if pirates sail up and attack?
‘Now Pop,’ Josh’s mum warns as she leaves, ‘don’t you go upsetting Josh with your hair-raising stories. He had enough nightmares after the last time.’
Pop leads Josh inside. ‘Here you are, my boy,’ he says. ‘I bought you a present.’ ‘Vikings: Pirates of the North,’ reads Josh as he tears off the wrapping. ‘Wow! Thanks, Pop.’ Pop often talks about exciting stuff like Vikings, and Spitfires, and Redcoats, though not usually when Nan’s around.