If You Were Me and Lived In...... Viking Europe by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova

If You Were Me and Lived In...... Viking Europe  by Carole P. Roman, illustrated by Mateya Arkova is the newest addition to
Romans' picture book  series introducing readers to a variety of civilizations from various time periods.  If you want to learn everything about the Vikings from Leif Erikson and Thor, to the daily life of the ordinary Viking family, then this is the book for you! Although this is formatted as  a picture book, it is much more than a simple picture book in its content and detail.  This new hybrid book concept blends the best of a picture book and a history book.  What is created is  a full sized  history book for elementary and middle school students- complete with illustrations on each and every page.

 This  history book, adorned with pictures on every page, will draw in the student to the world of ancient Europe- specifically the world of the Vikings.  Everyone has heard of the viking and this book will be sure to dispel the myths enabling the student a solid foundation based on historical fact.   The unique second person point of view will jump out at the reader including him or her into the storyline making history more memorable.

Roman has captured the culture and history in painstaking detail, reflecting years of research into  time period of Viking Europe.  As a teacher, Roman has incorporated her love of history as well as her research which delves deep into the day to day life society and culture of the infamous Vikings.  We learn about the culture, day to day life- beyond the stereotypes.  The vikings become real people with families, occupations, education and recreation.

Unlike some of the other books in this series which feature illustrations and mixed media backgrounds, this picture book features pastel water color styled art.  Arkova's illustrations are more free flowing- with a softer focus.  I'd recommend any student who wishes to explore history to read these books.  I believe history teachers will also enjoy having this series of books in their classrooms. I'd like to see public libraries stocked with these books in the resource sections.  This series is perfect for students doing research into particular cultures and time periods.

 Additional books in this series include Elizabethan England, Ancient Greece, and Colonial America and are available through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.