Swedish Books for Young Readers 1
Swedish Books for Young Readers 24 Sven Nordqvist
Sven Nordqvist was born in 1946 in Helsingborg and has drawn and painted all his life. He has worked as an architect, as a teacher, and with graphic works. In 1983, Sven Nordqvist won Bokförlaget Opal’s picture book competition with his debut Agaton Öman and the Alphabet. In his next book, The Birthday Cake, Pettson and Findus were born. Originally, he never intended the book to turn into a series, but somehow, the old man and his cat stayed, and today, they are among Nordqvist’s most loved characters. Sven Nordqvist’s illustrations are recognized by sense of details that is hard to find elsewhere. Every image is like a world of its own, and it doesn’t matter how long you look at them, you will always be able find new things to see. Maybe that’s why his illustrations are so appreciated by everyone, from small children to adults who has left their picture book years behind a long time ago. The Pettson and Findus Series, picture books, 1984-2019, 11 titles, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency The classical series about the old man and his cat, and their everyday adventures. The series consists both picture books, board books, and non-fiction titles, and has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Where is My Sister?, picture book, 2007, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency How do you find a sister that keeps disappearing? Come on a search that leads you on a magnificent journey across landscapes you didn’t know existed. The Dog Walk, silent picture book, 2018, Bokförlaget Opal Rights: Opal Agency Completely without words, and with remarkable illustrations, Nordqvist tells a story about a dog walk that doesn’t resemble anything else you’ve seen. Photo: Danne Eriksson