Swedish Books for Young Readers 1
17 Swedish Books for Young Readers Barbro Lindgre
n Almost everyone in Sweden has read Barbro Lindgren. Her output of over a hundred titles for differing age groups includes picture books for very young children, poetry, plays, absurdist stories, and more realistic fiction for young adults. Her work has been translated into more than thirty languages and to date she is the only Swedish writer to have won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2014. Her writing is at first glance quite simple, yet this is deceptive, as beneath the simplicity lies a profound seriousness. She trusts the reader to see beyond the words and reflect on the larger questions implied by the stories, such as the meaning of life, and how to live well. Humorous and with touches of melancholy, her books reveal an insight into and a deep understanding of the emotional realities of childhood. Her work has been recognised in the form of over twenty other prizes and commendations. The What Are We Living Forbooks, children’s fiction, 19872006, 3 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency Child-Hans’ country is a wonderfully quirky world in miniature – with all its absurdity, cruelty and zest for living. The main characters are his toys; a ragged stuffed dog whose eyes keep falling out, an old teddy bear, an elephant and a Russian muskrat. Melancholy and sorrow are counterbalanced by quiet humor. The Soda Pop-books, children’s fiction, 1969-1970, 2 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency Soda Pop loves bright orange clothes and wears a tea cosy on his head. He has brought up his son Mazarin on sweet buns and love. Grandfather Dartanyoung emerges from his woodshed every morning with a new identity, and Great-grandfather who has moved into a tree, eats birdseed, and thinks he is a cuckoo. They all live a carefree life, untroubled by rules or norms, in a tolerant world. In these absurd tales, anything can happen. The Benny books, ill. Olof Landström, picture books, 1998-2006, 3 titles, Rabén & Sjögren Rights: Rabén & Sjögren Agency Benny’s Had Enough, 2007 Benny’s mother is cleaning up. She insists on arranging his potatoes and sticks in neat rows. Then it’s Benny. She wants to give him a bath! And then it’s Little Piggy. She wants to put him in the washing machine. Benny’s had enough. He and Little Piggy run off to find a more congenial home. Look, Hamlet, ill. Anna Höglund graphic novel/picture book, 2017, Karneval förlag. Rights: Koja Agency A hilarious, darkly comic graphic retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet in radically condensed prose. Photo: Thron Ullberg