Swedish Books for Young Readers 1
Swedish Books for Young Readers 28 ULF STARK Ulf
Stark (1944-2017) is considered as one of Sweden’s most renowned children’s and young adult authors. His breakthrough came in 1984 when he won a children’s book prize award with Nutcases and Norms which also became a popular tv-series. A large number of Stark’s other books have also been dramatized. The film based on one of his most observed books, Can You Whistle Johanna, is shown at Christmas time every year on Swedish National TV. Ulf Starks’s authorship is versatile, and he collaborated with some of our time’s most celebrated illustrators. With an unmistakable voice Stark managed to cover the broad spectrum of living. He was the master at seeing the grand in the small and many of his stories often contained a big adventure, waiting just around the corner. The child’s perspective is always central in his books, as is hope, humour and a great love of dogs. Can You Whistle Johanna, ill. Anna Höglund picture book, 1992, Bonnier Carlsen Rights: Bonnier Rights There are plenty of old men who would do as a grandfather at the retirement home. This is Ulf’s suggestion, when Berra wonders why he doesn’t have one. They go there together to find one – ideally one who eats pig’s trotters, invites you to tea and who can teach you to whistle. A Little Book About Love, ill. Ida Björs children’s fiction, 2015, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget Fred is in love with Elsa. She has frizzy hair and is really good at arm wrestling. A warm book for all ages about love and longing that takes place during the end of World War II. The Runaways, ill. Kitty Crowther children’s fiction, 2018, Lilla Piratförlaget Rights: Lilla Piratförlaget A grandfather who curses too much worries about whether he will be admitted to heaven or not. Together with his grandson he runs away from the hospital for one last adventures. Depicted with warmth and humor. Thunder, ill. Marcus Gunnar Petterson, children’s fiction, 2017, Brombergs Rights: Koja Agency A heartfelt, classic story about two boys’ summer adventures and their unusual friendship with ‘Thunder’, the big frightening neighbor and music lover. Photo: Caroline Andersson