Klippe the Viking

A poignant children’s picture book shares an important social emotional learning message.

A young viking struggling to find herself has a journey of self-discovery and self-worth.

Young Klippe is a viking who does not feel like she belongs with the other vikings. She finds schoolwork difficult, doesn’t enjoy the same games, and just feels…different. When another viking girl, Kanin, sees Klippe struggling with her school scrolls, she reassures Klippe that she, too, finds the work difficult, but that they can work on it together. Klippe realizes that she doesn’t always have to have all the answers. If she doesn’t know something, it’s okay to ask for help or to figure it out herself.

Later, Klippe meets up with other vikings who are chatting and laughing together. Klippe doesn’t know how to be a part of their conversations or understand their jokes. While she sits in silence, one of them says, “Thank you for being my friend, Klippe. You are always thinking of others and caring.” Klippe realizes that she doesn’t have to be the loudest or the funniest; she is accepted and loved for who she is. She sees that she has things to offer the world just being herself.

Other poignant vignettes in the book confront fears of failing or of trying something new, conveying the importance of trying new things and doing things you love, no matter the outcome. Question prompts and recommendations at the back of the book help parents and educators of young children invite a dialogue about these social emotional learning milestones and how to support young learners with the tools and reassurance to thrive through self-discovery and with healthy emotional intelligence. The story affirms for children that, while we all have struggles, it’s how we confront and overcome them that shows our strength of spirit, there is no right or wrong way.

Klippe the Viking is part of a series of SEL picture books, based on a group of children all living in the same village who are faced with situations that they learn from.