Based on the Icelandic Sagas and the author's journey to Newfoundland, a pictorial biography follows Leif Eiriksson and his crew's landing in North America in 1000 AD and celebrates the spirit of Viking life and travel. Grade 3-5?A fictionalized account of Leif Eiriksson's famed journey to North America, set in a story-within-a-story framework. Sigrid, a Viking girl, visits her father as he works on his knorr, a small, sturdy ship. He tells her of Eiriksson's childhood in Greenland and of his voyages to Helluland, Markland, and Vinland, ending with a description of the oak logs he brought back to Greenland?the very logs Sigrid's father is using to build his boat. The text is mundane at times, but Hunt's soft watercolor illustrations carry it. Small drawings on each page complement the larger paintings and fill in the details of the story. Having to decode the runic banners that grace each of them may be a distraction to some readers. Hunt has meticulously researched his subject, and has appended many interesting notes. An exciting but sometimes cumbersome work that will fill the demand for historical fiction in a picture-book format.?Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. A Norse shipbuilder tells his daughter the story of Leif Eiriksson's famous voyage, in this straightforward account based on the Icelandic sagas and current research. When his father, Eirik the Red, is accidentally injured, Leif takes command of their voyage to find the lands another Norseman claims to have seen in the distance. Hunt (Illuminations, 1989, not reviewed) has carefully researched and considered every aspect of this book; the story is presented as a verbal recitation, in keeping with the original manner in which the sagas were handed down. The detailed watercolor and acrylic paintings--spreads with numerous insets that feature runic captions--are based on Hunt's own visit to archeological sites in North America. Readers will be further enlightened by the helpful author's note, and challenged by the chance to decode the runes. A striking, confident introduction to Leif's story. (bibliography) (Picture book. 5-10) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Used Book in Good Condition