How To Not Win A Viking Talent Show

By Tracey McBain

In 11th-century Bergen, children trade Top Thumpers cards like treasure while adults obsess over Pillaging League Tables. In a town where being on top is everything, best friends Terrible and Destin would much rather stay out of trouble.

Unfortunately, trouble has other plans.

When Viking High's most enthusiastic teacher, Mr Stealsmore, is knocked unconscious during a raiding demonstration, panic spreads faster than a raider torching a monastery and running away. Suddenly Terrible and Destin are thrust into the limelight - whether they like it or not.

Then Terrible's father, Hugin - with a spectacular talent for getting things wrong - turns the confusion into a front-page obituary.

The town erupts. The talent show is thrown into chaos. And with Hugin facing yet another lost job, Terrible risks losing the one thing that matters most: his best friend.

As if that were not enough, Hugin announces that celebrity judge Sigurd Showtime will attend the show.

There is just one small problem.

He will not.

Now Terrible and Destin must save the talent show before the truth explodes, outwit school bullies, and survive community service at the ominous Valhalla Village with Matron Brootal in charge.

Packed with runaway warriors, dramatic headlocks, accidental headlines and one unforgettable stage performance, How To Not Win A Viking Talent Show is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure for readers aged 8 to 11.

Because being a Viking is not about being the loudest in the hall.

It's about being brave enough to stand on the stage.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1036952592
• ISBN13: 9781036952594
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: McBain Publishing
• Length: 164 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6